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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Still going - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
By djcowboy - April 8 - 10:13 pmI have had this car since new and the only thing I have had replaced has been the timing belt, water pump and tires. I have 180,000 on the odometer and have not even replaced the clutch. The strut mounts will need to be replaced because I can hear a clunking noise over speed bumps and this seems to be a common problem with the Solara. The tires also seem to be an issue because they wear out pretty quickly. I have no complaints because even after 9 years I still get compliments on the looks and even the way it drives. It also still gets great gas mileage. The original stereo was okay but an upgrade to a Sony made a world of difference, sonically speaking and the speaker are still OEM.
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Motor Happy - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By happymo - April 8 - 10:00 amTraded my 95 Celica. Very satisfied with Solaras ride and comfort.
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Easy Decision - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
By KZ - March 31 - 10:00 amAfter attending the 2002 Auto Show here in town and seeing the Sebring and Solara convertibles on the same floor, I realized there was not comparison. For the same money, the Solara ragtop was the only choice. The Sebring seemed "flimsy" by comparison. This is indeed a rare car. When I tell my friends what I bought half of them have no idea what Im talking about.
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You get so much for the price - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
By jrays - March 31 - 2:00 amIve owned my Solara for 2 years now and I still get a thrill each time I drive it. Its a perfect combination of sportiness, luxury, reliability and price. A car cant be all things to all people, but this one fits me perfectly. Its very comfortable to drive and the back seat can easily hold 3 people. The sound system is great and the automatic climate control keeps the cabin very comfortable. In 2 years, all Ive done is routine maintenance to my Solara.
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Satisfaction - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
By Hornet - March 22 - 10:00 amI was the owner of a Chrysler Sebring Convertible (1998) which was purchased new. I would never buy another one. I purchased this Certified 2001 Solara Convertible (SLE V6) and found it to be a superb vehicle. I have owner Audi, Mercedes, Infiniti, Volvo and Toyota automobiles over these many years. This is the best.
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Great buy - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By Bob Culp - March 22 - 10:00 amI gave up a mercedes 500 SL for this car and I am happy I did. I looked at every convertable on the market. I had decided on Lexus sc430 till I test drove it for a day. The Solara has the appearance of the Lexus with twice the room and half the price. This is a fun car that combines the function of a practical car with the the thrill of driving a sporty eye catching car.
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Solara V6 SLE - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
By SarahM - March 20 - 10:00 amI love this car. It is so comfortable to drive. I researched a lot of cars and this was the best value for the luxury (leather, 6 CD, sunroof, automatic temperature control). Lotsa leg room and trunk space too. Priority Toyota Va Bch sold it to me, and they are awesome. Highly Recommend this car.
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Toy4Me - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By mycoolcar - March 16 - 10:00 amThis car is very easy on the eyes. I chose red as my color. Wherever I go people comment on how nice my car is. Looks like a lexus, feels like a lexus, acts like a lexus, but without the price of a lexus.
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2000 Toyota Solara - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
By Gordon Beach - March 8 - 8:07 pmI bought my 2000 Solara with 64,000 miles on it in 2002. I am still driving it today with 330,000 miles on it in harsh winters and hole riddled roads of Michigan. All I have had to do is basic routine maintenance, and replace the some suspension parts as they have wore due to all the mileage. I drive it back and forth to work (80miles round trip) every day, I could not have asked for a better car. I have had nothing but issues in the past with american cars, so I just bought my 16yr old a 1999 Solara with miles on it for school work and then college. Best car I have ever owned!
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You will never buy another car! - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
By roff_5 - February 24 - 10:00 amI finally got the one I really wanted for a long time. Best car to drive! Quiet, smooth, luxurious, good horses (not best though),its loaded with options I really feel happy driving it to work and to home every day. You can bearly hear noise on a highway, not even your car engine! The only noise would be the L/R turn signal...if you know what i really mean. This baby is like the perfect girl who never raises her voice with you! With a decent "black belt" V6 engine, shes a beauty who is quiet and elegant. What else can you ask?
