Overview & Reviews
Introduced as sportier siblings to the mainstay midsize Camry sedan, the Toyota Camry Solara coupe and convertible quietly enjoyed a reputation for being reliable, well built and pleasantly styled, if not excitingly so. For most family sedans, such qualities are certainly considered desirable, but when it comes to coupes and convertibles, we think that a little fun and pizzazz should figure in as well. The Camry Solara never offered much in terms of excitement, but that didn't prevent it from being a popular choice for a midsize two-door.
For both generations of the Solara, rear-seat room was generous and safety ratings and feature content were impressive. Smooth four-cylinder or V6 power resided under the hood, and overall the Toyota Camry Solara was reasonably priced and offered great value considering all that it delivered.
If you're looking for a sport-oriented coupe or convertible, the Toyota Camry Solara isn't going to be your best choice. And the most recent Camry Solara convertible's traditional fabric top can be seen as a bit dowdy given that many competing models from the same time period offer retractable hardtop designs. But if you treasure overall quality, value and comfort, there are few coupes or convertibles that put it all together as well as the Camry Solara.
Most Recent Toyota Camry Solara
The most recent Toyota Camry Solara was the second-generation model and was sold from 2004-'08. It was based on the 2002-'06 Camry sedan and was available as a midsize coupe or convertible in SE, SE Sport and SLE trim levels.
The standard engine on the Camry Solara coupe was a 2.4-liter four-cylinder rated at 157 horsepower and 158 pound-feet of torque, mated to either a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic (four-speed prior to '06). Optional on coupes and standard on convertibles was a 3.3-liter V6 rated at 210 horses and 220 lb-ft of torque. Prior to 2007, horsepower ratings will appear to be greater; however, this was due to a change in the way horsepower is measured rather than an actual output change. No manual transmission was available with this smooth engine, but the automatic was a modern five-speed with a manual-shift gate for those who like to select their own gears. On the road, the Toyota Camry Solara's suspension tuning delivered a comfortable ride. The added stiffness of the SE Sport model gave it enough capability to provide some fun through corners while still maintaining the civilized ride quality of the other models.
The base SE was decently equipped with most modern convenience features, while the Sport version added a firmer suspension, 17-inch wheels, an exterior body kit, xenon HID headlights and unique interior trim. The top-drawer SLE provided a few extra luxury-oriented standard features. Major options included stability control and a navigation system (which was upgraded for '07).
The Solara's front seats offer plenty of room for even the tallest drivers, but the rear seats are still best reserved for short trips. While Solara coupes can seat three passengers snugly in back, the Camry Solara convertible can accommodate just two. The Solara convertible's standard power top could be raised and lowered in just 10 seconds, and it stowed neatly under a tonneau cover that matched the color of the interior.
Past Toyota Camry Solara Models
The Camry Solara originally debuted for 1999 and was produced through 2003. Mechanically, it was related to the 1997-2001 Camry sedan. Toyota hoped its new two-door would appeal to consumers who wanted the style of a sporty car but the room and comfort of a larger, more practical vehicle. In the first year, only the coupe was sold, but Toyota added the convertible version for model-year 2000.
For this Camry Solara's run, Toyota offered the familiar SE or SLE trim levels. Initially, Toyota offered either a 2.2-liter, 135-hp four-cylinder engine or a 3.0-liter, 192-hp V6. Either engine could be had with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. For 2002, Toyota introduced a new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 157 hp. Revised front and rear styling was also introduced that year. For 2003 and beyond, Toyota discontinued the manual transmission option for the V6.
At the time, we commented favorably about the Toyota Camry Solara's roomy cabin and smooth engines. Downsides included a lack of driving or styling excitement and the absence of some higher-end features, such as stability control and a navigation system.
User Reviews:
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Fun, Reliable Car - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
By Kansas - September 28 - 6:13 amI bought my Solara SLE new in July, 2002. Very reliable - Ive put 70,000+ miles on it but have had NO mechanical problems whatsoever. Handles well - especially on curves. Average about 26- 27 MPG on highway. Handles very well in up to 6" of snow. V-6 has a lot of power. Overall fun car to drive!
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LOVE MY SOLARA! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By AMERICAN ESCROW - September 23 - 10:00 amTHIS CAR IS LIKE STEPPING INTO A FANCY AND CLASSY HOTEL-IT IS QUIET, SLEEK AND SPORTY. WENT TO BUY A RAV4 AND WALKED AROUND THE LOT TO LOOK AT OTHER VEHICLES AND TEST DROVE EVERYTHING. THIS WAS THE LAST SOLARA AND I SAT IN IT AND IMMEDIATELY KNEW THAT I WOULD BE TAKING IT HOME. DROVE IT UP TO THE DEALER DOOR AND TOLD THEM TO WRITE IT UP. I LOVE MY TOYOTA SOLARA!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Cool Tool - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By Marytime - September 22 - 11:36 pmAcceleration is a disappointment because of the delay between mash and go. At 57" it is a first time life experience that Im too tall with a hat. Cruise control manipulation is not intuitive. Im really nervous about visibility...I hope I dont crunch someone/something before I learn my clearance limitations.
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Excellent Vehicle - Highly Recommend It - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
By oicjj - September 11 - 7:30 amI am so impressed with this car & my next car will the a Solara too! In the past I always owned American cars, but never again! I can not believe the difference between American & Import, its truly unbelievable, there is no comparison. The reliabilty, the ride, the resale, the maintenance is night and day with American made and this Toyota Solora! I love this car-it runs on its reputation! Owning this car has been one of the best things in my life. I am thinking of a new car and I promise it will be a Toyota Solara. I have researched cars & know my cars, so trust me when I say a Toyota Solara is an EXCELLENT CAR! I highly recomment them and will tell the world! :)
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SAVED MY LIFE - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
By 6paul11 - September 10 - 7:06 pmI wrote a previous review on here, and much time has passed since then. My Solara was an SLE, with a 5 Speed Manual. I just want to tell everyone that this car will save your life. If you take care of it, it will take care of you. I crashed into a the back of a stopped car at 65 mph and it saved my life. My baby is gone, but will never be forgotten.
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Very impressive - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
By matt - September 5 - 2:10 pmThe car is a dream to drive. Just the right amount of luxury and power for the price. Its half the price of a Lexus sc430 but nearly as nice.
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Keep it in your lineup - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
By gotcha - September 5 - 1:53 amHaving had 4 BMWs, 3 Porsches, and numerous other cars in my lifetime; I must say this Toyota is the best of them all. Build quality and dependability is unmatched, and the comfort and economy is excellent. Keep building it!
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Sporty, economical and FUN! - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
By DAVESQWIKTOY - September 4 - 10:00 amThe Solara SE-V6 is a great vehicle. It has crisp power and acceleration, responsive handling through tight curves, minimal roll and good braking. The Solara is fun and easy to drive and the controls are easy to access and operate. There is plenty of room for four and it is a great road car. I get lots of complements on its looks, comfort, power and smooth ride. The only downfall I can think of is the amount of road and wind noise you hear when the rear seats are folded down.
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Excellent Choice - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By tlh19 - September 4 - 10:00 amThe V6 Solara SLE handles like a dream. This car is very sporty and powerful. I found that my car gets great gas mileage, however, filling it up intitially isnt cheap because the car has an 18 gallon tank. But, it is well worth it because you can ride forever once you fill it up. Everything in the car is driver friendly. The radio/cd controls are placed within easy reach of the driver and the stereo system is nice. Also, although the Solara is a 2 door car, dont be fooled because it has a full backseat that can accomodate 3 average size adults.
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Best car Ive owned - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
By Sue Ann - August 29 - 2:00 amI have owned much more expensive cars but none that perform day in and day out like my Solara
