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 decision - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
By DAN - May 2 - 6:46 amI recently purchased a SLE V6. Great decision! Interior fit and finish is fantastic, the engine is barely audible, and the ride is smooth and controlled. Love all the options for the price-V6, leather, heated seats, sunroof. The 2006s are out and I got a great deal on my 2005 model. Several dealers were willing to negotiate, I think they are trying to move the 2005 models off the lots. I compared it with the Honda Accord coupe (nicer inside, classier styling, manumatic instead of auto or 6 speed), the Infiniti G35 (much quieter, nicer inside!), and the Merecedes 230 sedan and coupe (more horses, much quieter, huge price advantage). I highly recommend this vehicle!
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Happy with my Research and Choice - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
By Mary - May 2 - 1:06 amI am very happy with my choice of vehicle, and would suggest the car purchase to anyone.
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I love my Solara - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
By richjc - April 30 - 2:40 amThe Solara is a pleasure to drive- its V6 engine is so smooth and quick. The interior is tasteful and expensive looking; the exterior, contrary to what some say, has classic, svelte lines. How much better can you do in combining a sporty feel, fast acceleration, sexy look and Toyota quality!
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Great Value - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By BimmerM5104 - April 26 - 2:00 amI just recently purchased the Solara Sport SE V6, and i think it is a great car. It handles well, and doesnt sacrifice ride quality, as tends to happen with sport suspension packages. The price is right too, you get a great car for your money.
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Disappointed Owner :( - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By Sad Owner :( - April 25 - 11:16 amIm very disappointed on how the cars finish has held up. My sun visors on both sides have been replaced 3 time because of a wear hole in the same place, dashboard marks up and cant remove marks, top has a hole in it from where it folds over when the top is down, window rubber stoppers keep falling off after 3 repairs, door panel is coming undone and about 5 more things that are poor quality. Ive been to the dealership MANY times and was told by Toyota area tech that Toyota doesnt care and thats what happens to convertibles when exposed to the sun. POOR ENGINEERING!!! I thought I was buying a Toyota and a company that stands behind without a fight, but I was wrong. This was my 5th new Toyota.
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GOOD BUY - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
By REDSOLARA - April 25 - 10:00 amGREAT CAR FOR THE PRICE. THOUGHT ABOUT BUYING THE ACURA 3.2 TYPE S, BUT THE TOYOTA WAS A MUCH BETTER DEAL. TOYOTA OF ORLANDO GAVE A GOOD PRICE DUE TO VOLUME SALES. DRIVES GOOD, COMFORTABLE INTERIOR, NICE MOONROOF, GOOD JBL SOUND, COMFORTABLE PERF. LEATHER.
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Solara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By solara - April 23 - 2:33 pmHad an Avalon and now Solara, Avalon better overall better body construction and overall comfort. Would recommend Avalon over Solara. Doors are too heavy for the hinges and are hard to open. Gas mileage about 25 mpg without air running. Car extremely quiet when running at idle.
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Best in years - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
By cc - April 21 - 2:00 amAlthough car was puchased from one dealership, I did not like their service or personnel. I service vehicle at another toyota dealership who are extremely attentive, courteous and provessional.
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Beautiful Automobile - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By highwayman - April 21 - 2:00 amThis was a special order car that took two months to get. Styling inside and out is beautiful. Car came with discolored rear bumper(lunar mist).Paint was "mottled" and was changed. Car pulled to the left and service contacted tech support. Dealer changed bolt and flange(part #90105- 17011&90105-17009) and car now tracks straight.
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review of my Solara - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
By jmeitzen - April 19 - 10:00 amVery pleased. The 5th Toyota Ive owned has the most power AND gets the best gas mileage of them all, plus is safer, smoother, and roomier. Wish I got a sunroof though. The back seat is a little hard to get into from drivers side, but roomy for a 2-door, but a little short on head room. Needs option for a graphic EQ & a deck that plays a CD w/MP3s but sound system is still above avg. I prefer rear wheel drive. Torque steer not bad; level largely determined by tires. Turning circle not as tight as a 96 Camrys. Anyway, Im not selling the car anytime soon. Excellent value for quality, comfort, and power for the price.
