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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  excellent ride - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By rwahm - August 14 - 10:00 am

  The car hands well and is fun to drive. It is well built and finished. Hell it is a Toyota in every sense and actually not bad looking either.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By dla77 - August 7 - 7:15 am

  I have a 2005 Solara with 105,000 miles on it and I absolutely love it! Ive had the car for 5 years now and its a true head turner, there is nothing on the road that looks like it. Ive also had no major problems with the car. Im 65" & about 290 lbs and there is plenty of head room and the most leg room of any car Ive ever driven. This is without a doubt the most comfortable car Ive ever driven; including BMW, Mercedes and Lexus. The car comfortably seats 4 and maybe 5 if the three in the back are smaller people. It is great on gas mileage and the upkeep is next to nothing. The only issues that Ive had are the alignment and balancing issues with the tires that others have stated

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  A winner in my book - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Frank - Long Island - August 1 - 1:10 pm

  Overall fit and finish are outstanding. The convertible top is simple to use, quiet, and draft free. The car has impressive acceleration and excellent braking. Regular driving is a pleasure but the suspension is too mushy for serious fun in the twisties. Hard cornering can produce some real significant understeer.

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  Worth the wait!! - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Mrs. G. - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Unfortunately it took appprox. 7 weeks to receive my vehicle, when the vehicle arrived, and we looked it over, it was very much worth the wait! Interior: one would think Lexus, Elegant... Exterior: very sleek design... An eye catcher. Dealership very professional, when the vehicle came in, closing of the deal took only minutes, with the promise of being pampered for a lifetime.

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  Average Car - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By SCR - July 31 - 10:00 am

  After owning Hondas for many years, I decided to switch to Toyota because I liked the look of my Solara. Theres plenty of room. Its smooth riding and handling. It has a luxurious look for the price. Its just not a fine tuned car. It doesnt have the precision of my Hondas. Its an excellent car for someone who wants a vehicle that you put the key in, put gas in it and go. Dont expect to get much more out of it. I compare it to a big econobox that you really cant get much more out of the engine or transmission. Nonetheless, everyone who gets into my car seems to love it. I wish I shared their enthusiasm since Im the one who drives it everyday.

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  The best convertible out there - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By wcnesta - July 26 - 7:30 am

  I purchased this car when the 05s were introduced. I traded my 2000 Solara convertible for it. This 05 now has 10500 miles on it, due to a few trips to Florida from Connecticut. This car is so much better than the 2000 in almost every way, no rattles, wind noise and better handling. I feel it is the best convertible out there. The build quality is comparible to my LS400 Lexus. This car was manufactured as a convertible not chopped like the 2000.

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  End of the Line - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By RG - July 26 - 2:26 am

  Convertible is one that actually can comfortably hold 4 - with my two active sons in the back seat. It has very nice ride, especially on the highway. Navigation system could be improved to allow adjustments while moving. Voice recognition better than others used. Overall an enjoyable car to take out on ride, especially on a nice sunny day, with enough room for the family and all the junk in the trunk.

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  2004 Toyota Solara - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By vlcampbell57 - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Great, low to road driving. Hugs the road great. Gas mileage for highway is good. Very comfortable seat with manual positiong. All electric as part of standard package would be better. Great sound system. Excellent trunk space for a sport coup.

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  So Far So Good - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Jeffry - July 19 - 2:00 am

  I spent over a year trying to replace a 1987 Audi 5000 Quattro for a reaonable cost and this is what I came up with. Most any other car I could afford had low frequency road noise rumbles which I cant stand. Im 40-something but single and work in entertainment, so style is important. The Solara is a not- a-family car with enough room for 3 hotties in the back seat and a good sound system. To be called a "fly ride" by 20-something starlets and still attractive to middle age executive types of both sexes is a neat hat trick. Looks like a Lexus at a fraction of the price. 140 mph speedometers on cars that will never go that fast are truly stupid.

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  Beware the 4cyl - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Sorry I bought it - July 14 - 11:20 pm

  The 4cyl is a clumsy and unrefined engine that ruins an otherwise good car. Poor engine controls, driveablity, hesitates badly often and wants to stall when it is cold (warming up) leads to an unhappy driving experience. Have been back to the dealer several times and Im told the car is operating normally, and I should drive it "more aggressively". I bought the 4 to save gas, not beat on it. Combined hwy/cty or city only mpg is worse than my old, big 6 that I traded in. Hwy mpg is ok. Ive had other small issues that the dealer took care of.