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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From Buick to Toyota - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
By Yolee - August 26 - 2:00 amMy 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 amI 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 amMany 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 thatÂ’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 amWe 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 amI 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,
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sports cars - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By Helene Adler - August 15 - 12:13 pmI love the cars performance. It rides easy and can stop quickly. The style is very sporty without being too small. It also has to the back of the Lexis
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incredible vehicle - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By dave rogers - August 12 - 10:00 amFun to drive. Exceeded my expectations. Rides like a lexus.
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BEST CAR - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
By Tammy Bacmeister - August 12 - 5:43 amI have enjoyed this car so much and would keep it if I wasnt having my first child. My husband even loved driving it b/c of the handling and performance.
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Best solid fun in years! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
By Russ - August 6 - 10:00 amJet Black exterior with tan hides and tan rag top. Loaded and the best navigation system ever! Great quality, superior looks and finish. Too many features to list here. Why pay 45k to 56k for other convertibles? This baby is sharp!
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Best Convertible for the Price - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
By Art007 - August 6 - 10:00 amExellent JBL sound system, impressive fit and finish, well laid out interior, head turning exterior design, padded convertible roof. Loaded with little extras: one button to raise/lower all windows, simple and speedy top, intelligent front passenger seat airbag. Glove box and center dash cubby open as if on hydraulics. Tilt and telescope steering wheel and full power drivers seat ensure a comfortable driving position. Optional Day Time Running lights is a plus.
