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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even in winter - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
By pediaforms - July 14 - 10:00 amWe all know of the fun of driving a convertible in the summer, but heres a switch. This car is reliable, safe and fun to drive in the winter also. From bundling up your kid and having the top down to put the Christmas tree in the back seat for the ride home, to the abs, traction control and low center of gravity. This car holds the road in ice and snow better than my suv and pickup. This is from someone who lives in snowy New Hampshire.
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2006 Convert. - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By Barry - July 5 - 4:36 amThis is my 3rd convertible in 8 years and without a doubt the best. I went from a Chrysler Sebring to a SAAB 9-7. More room inside, better looking on the outside. Very quiet with top up, you forget that you are driving a convertible.
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It was love at first sight - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By Bigpow - July 3 - 10:00 amWe did a research on Midsize sedan for close to two years and we finally decided to get a Camry XLE V6. Went to the dealer, test drove an 04 Camry SE V6, an 03 Camry XLE V6 and during negotiation we saw the 04 Solara at the first time (in the dealer hall). We were mesmerized and immediately made an emotional decision, test drove it and bought it instead of the "grandpa" camry. It was a good deal too, SLE V6 fully loaded (non-nav) only $26,000 (1.5% above invoice). It was a steal! It was a showstopper too since everybody in the dealer watch as the car made its way out of the hallway. Salesman was very polite and not pushy at all (unlike next door Honda dealer).
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Great car - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
By matt - June 29 - 1:36 amI bought the car used from relatives in 05, with 203,000 miles on it, and its now running 260,000 with no problems. I had to replace brakes, rotors, and struts when I bought it (blame it on a bad mechanic that my uncle used to use) and only have replaced spark plugs ($30 from Toyota) and spark plug tube seals ($12 from Toyota). Its a great car, great ride, performance is lower because its a 4-cyl. Great first car.
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Lifes Little Pleasures - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
By 22Graham22 - June 20 - 2:00 amI just wanted to share my experiences with this car, its so comfortable to drive. My wife and I took a vacation last year along the California coastline, we took the scenic route with the top down, driving this vehicle for long periods of time was just a pure pleasure, no backaches or problems with driver fatigue. I have to say its just a wonderful fun car to own, Toyotas legendary reliability takes the worry away, the depreciation is pretty low too.
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great car! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
By hamilcar - June 19 - 11:50 amIve never been in a car with as efficient of an air conditioning system as this one. Cools down almost immediately after you turn it on. It is very stylish on both the inside and outside, while also being quite comfortable. The back seats are less comfortable than the front, though. Visibility can be a little bit rough because of the way the rear and side/back windows are styled. Back seat headrests also kind of get in the way. Terrific gas mileage and a very smooth ride.
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my baby - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
By Jeannie - June 18 - 10:13 pminstant attitude adjustment
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SHARP LOOK - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
By StaceyB - June 10 - 10:00 amI JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR YESTERDAY, A CONVERTIBLE. MY HUSBAND HAS HAD HIS SOLARA FOR ABOUT 8 MONTHS AND LOVES THE DRIVE OF SMOOTHNESS. I DROVE A BEETLE CONVERTIBLE FOR 15 MONTHS, BUT WHEN I SAW THIS SOLARA CONVERTIBLE, I TRADED AND DO NOT REGRET IT. WONDERFUL LUX. CAR, SMOOTH AS SILK ON THE ROAD, SHARP AND CLASSY LOOKING. I HAVE THE BLACK EXT. WITH TAN LEATHER, TAN TOP. OHHHHH MY GOSH!!! SWEET!! THIS IS OUR 3RD PURCHASE FROM PANAMA CITY TOYOTA, OUR SALESMAN JJ HAS BEEN GREAT EACH AND EVERYTIME.
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Toyota Faulters - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By Grant Waulters - June 10 - 10:00 amCar pulls to the left despite rotations and alignment. The 2.4L 4 coupled to 4spd automatic often is unsatisfactory when trying to get to speed from low speed cruising. Engine warning lights go on for no reason and stay on. This does not equate to lengendary Toyota quality. Standard radio and CD are garbage Seat is too high for over 6 foot male. Ride can be a tad harsh. Not a car Id recommend at the price. Breaks are average and often grab when car is cold.
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Not as nice as youd expect - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By TonyV - June 4 - 10:46 amYoud expect more from Toyota. After a month check engine light came on and the dealer determined that cylinder 3 misfires (it had erratic idling and would not accelerate properly). All they did was reset the computer. 2 weeks after they did it, check engine light came on again. Feels like the same problem. The car has 1400 miles on it. Also the door does not always close right away. This is due to the fact that there is no frame around the glass. Also even when it does close, there is excessive noise from the wind when driving at 50 mph. You have to pull the window down and then close it again for the wind to go away. Taking it to the dealer again tomorrow...
