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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  Keep it in your lineup - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By gotcha - September 5 - 1:53 am

  Having had 4 BMWs, 3 Porsches, and numerous other cars in my lifetime; I must say this Toyota is the best of them all. Build quality and dependability is unmatched, and the comfort and economy is excellent. Keep building it!

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  Sporty, economical and FUN! - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By DAVESQWIKTOY - September 4 - 10:00 am

  The Solara SE-V6 is a great vehicle. It has crisp power and acceleration, responsive handling through tight curves, minimal roll and good braking. The Solara is fun and easy to drive and the controls are easy to access and operate. There is plenty of room for four and it is a great road car. I get lots of complements on its looks, comfort, power and smooth ride. The only downfall I can think of is the amount of road and wind noise you hear when the rear seats are folded down.

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  Excellent Choice - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By tlh19 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  The V6 Solara SLE handles like a dream. This car is very sporty and powerful. I found that my car gets great gas mileage, however, filling it up intitially isnt cheap because the car has an 18 gallon tank. But, it is well worth it because you can ride forever once you fill it up. Everything in the car is driver friendly. The radio/cd controls are placed within easy reach of the driver and the stereo system is nice. Also, although the Solara is a 2 door car, dont be fooled because it has a full backseat that can accomodate 3 average size adults.

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  I love this car - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Ellen in Charlotte - September 2 - 2:36 am

  I looked for a year for a used Solara convertible and Im glad I waited. I have the 6-cyl and it drives like a sportscar. I have only done regular maintenance (did the 90K mi service), as it has needed nothing else. I plan to drive this car until it falls to pieces, which could be 10 more years. Comfort is great for the driver and passenger, the back seat passengers have complained a bit. And, of course, its a bit noisy on the highway with the top up, just not completely airtight but who cares?

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  Best car Ive owned - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Sue Ann - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I have owned much more expensive cars but none that perform day in and day out like my Solara

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  From Buick to Toyota - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Yolee - August 26 - 2:00 am

  My husband was tired of working on our GM vehicles so we decided to give Toyota a try (time will tell). So far I love it! He wanted an Accord, I didnt care for the bumpy ride. The Solara is beautifully smooth (like buttah). I love the car! The interior is classy, does look like a Lexus, love everything about it. Learning to use the navigation system, very cool. The exterior is nice, love the pearl white color. Were averaging over 29 MPG, not bad for a V6 (live out in the country). Will post another update in a few years, but hoping the constant "working on fixing something on the car days" are over.

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  Great Car - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Chris - August 25 - 5:03 am

  I had a 96 Camry that was totaled and my mechanic was selling a 2000 Solara with 125k on it for the right price. I had to put in a clutch and repair suspension the first year (as can be expected at 130k plus miles), since it has been amazing. Ive put 50k on the car, and it drives smooth, the steering is tight, and it gets great gas mileage. I highly recommend it.

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  What a Relief - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Alan C. Nash - August 22 - 2:00 am

  Many hours of research and planning went into the acquisition of this vehicle. I looked at the Altima 3.5 SE, Accord EX V-6, and the Mazda 6. This was my conclusion: The Altima is not a very exciting vehicle to look at. It performs well, and that’s it. The Accord is plain, and is missing key areas such as a select shift and a quieter ride The Mazda is a Ford. Based on my initial experience with this marvel of modern automotive genius, I have experienced its power, quality, and thoughtful features. This vehicle is almost as perfect as you can get to a 4 wheel Beyonce Knowles. Perfect is an understatement .

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  No Regrets - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By vtwin13s - August 22 - 2:00 am

  We have only had the car a week, but I can say this is the best choice we made. We had narrowed our field down to this car or the Accord. Solara won due to it being very quite on the hwy and it seemed to be a little quicker off the line. Toyota has a winner here, if only the other manufacturers can bring their products up to this level.

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  TOYOTA SOLARA - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By SULLY - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I RECENTLY TOOK DELIVERY OF THE NEWLY DESIGNED TOYOTA SOLARA CONVERTIBLE. MY WIFE AND I COULD NOT BE HAPPIER WITH THIS NEW CAR. THIS IS THE FIRST CONVERTIBLE THAT WE HAVE EVER OWNED AND SO FAR WE ARE REALLY ENJOYING. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS CAR TO ANY0NE LOOK ING FOR THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE,