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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  Great ride. - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By EDK - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I seriously love the thing. I owned a 1988 Cadillac Sedan deVille before this one, and the Solara feels much nicer than the Caddy. The acceleration is OK (for a 4-banger) and has been praised by a Trans-Am owner as "having balls" (again, for a 4-banger). Mileage is great, ride is as smooth as the old Caddy, and the stock audio system isnt too bad. Its a royal pain in the butt to change the rear speakers, however. The vehicle itself is quite sexy. Very reliable as well. Ive recommended it to many people already :)

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  great car!!! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By mikeL - May 20 - 10:00 am

  i just got my solara couple of days gao and im loving it already...what a smooth ride..however, ive experienced a tiny problem with my tire pressure warning light...its always on and i checked my tire pressure and its fine...also my car keeps on pulling to the left = / does anybody experience the same problems?

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  love it - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By ae - May 20 - 9:20 am

  This car is loaded with nice features. The quality of this particular toyota is comparable to their lexus line. It is really smooth, and has plenty of power.

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  Extremely reliable, quiet ride - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By KY - May 19 - 10:00 am

  Love this car! It drives likes a Lexus. I have owned the 1999 Solara SLE V6 since it was new. I have had few problems with it in the 11 years. Get the leather in this car! It is unbelievably comfortable. I would love to drive a Prius for the gas mileage but Im keeping my classic as long as I can.

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  Affordable Sport Luxury - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Vic Shaw - May 9 - 2:00 am

  A sporty reasonably priced two door sedan. Looks more expensive than sticker price, and worth every penny even for the base model. The quietest sedan Ive ever driven, even on a busy freeway. A true value find if you are looking for two door luxury. Did I say it looks and drives like a Lexus?

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  Great car for the price - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Tony Hardin - May 7 - 5:23 pm

  Very good build quality, especially the dash. Very smooth engine (V-6 3.3L) and tranny; good power and performance with very decent fuel economy. The engine shifts very smoothly and has good acceleration. You would be hard pressed to find a better vehicle at this price.

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  No complaints - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By NPL - May 7 - 10:00 am

  With 44000 miles, the car has been trouble free. The only surprize was the need for new front brakes (including rotors) at 20000 miles. Toyota replaced them under warranty.

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  Nice, competent and stylish convertible - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By PCC - May 5 - 7:40 am

  Bought previously owned (certified). Car drives/looks like the Lexus. I get lots comments from people mistaking it for the Lexus. I have noticed body shake/roll over rough roads but it is not uncontrolable. Better tires (V or Z- rated) make it more manageable. Its fun to drive, has lots of zip and still delivers around 25.5 mpg using regular/87 octane fuel (though the owners manual "recommends" 89 octane or higher). I usually put a tankfull of premium fuel once or twice a month. I only notice a slight difference in total performance (power & mileage). Overall, a very nice combination of great looks, excellent performance/handling and super reliability. Definitely would purchase again.

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  Best 4seater convertable yet - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Pamela Neirinckx - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Very sharp looking car, turns many heads, I love/owned the toyota camery and had to have the Solara. just traded in the 2001 Solara and would have kept it for longer had not the new style that resembles the Lexus come out. its a smooth luxury ride and very quick, reliable, safe, enjoyabe car that fits my five year old in the back, has lots of space and can be driven in winter

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  Toyota Solara is fun to drive - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By NRenick - May 4 - 10:00 am

  The Solara is very smooth to drive. I get a lot of compliments on the style of the car. I feel very safe because of the 5 star front and side crash ratings. I appreciate the fact that Toyota makes a moderately priced car with 3 airbags (front, side, and side curtain).