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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  Nice, competent and stylish convertible - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By PCC - May 5 - 7:40 am

  Bought previously owned (certified). Car drives/looks like the Lexus. I get lots comments from people mistaking it for the Lexus. I have noticed body shake/roll over rough roads but it is not uncontrolable. Better tires (V or Z- rated) make it more manageable. Its fun to drive, has lots of zip and still delivers around 25.5 mpg using regular/87 octane fuel (though the owners manual "recommends" 89 octane or higher). I usually put a tankfull of premium fuel once or twice a month. I only notice a slight difference in total performance (power & mileage). Overall, a very nice combination of great looks, excellent performance/handling and super reliability. Definitely would purchase again.

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  Im glad everyone else liked theirs cuz. - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By disappointedowner - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I have 84k on my 99 solara. Im on my 4th set of tires, yes, 4th (no, Im not Mario Andretti). Had to have my fuel injectors replaced just after warranty was up (how convenient). The mirror unit fell out of the driver side sun visor and I was charged $186 for a new one. My air bag light has come on about 8 separate times, each $86 diagnostic check tells me "I dont have the gas cap on tight enough". I now have a record number of lights flashing on the dash - air bag, engine light, and track off, but all the diagnostic is going to tell me is that the gas cap isnt on tight enough.

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  Best 4seater convertable yet - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Pamela Neirinckx - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Very sharp looking car, turns many heads, I love/owned the toyota camery and had to have the Solara. just traded in the 2001 Solara and would have kept it for longer had not the new style that resembles the Lexus come out. its a smooth luxury ride and very quick, reliable, safe, enjoyabe car that fits my five year old in the back, has lots of space and can be driven in winter

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  Toyota Solara is fun to drive - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By NRenick - May 4 - 10:00 am

  The Solara is very smooth to drive. I get a lot of compliments on the style of the car. I feel very safe because of the 5 star front and side crash ratings. I appreciate the fact that Toyota makes a moderately priced car with 3 airbags (front, side, and side curtain).

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  Smooth as silk - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By jerry - April 30 - 12:53 pm

  I suppose the Solara has love it or hate it styling, at first I thought it looked a bit odd in the rear, but have gotten used to it and think its quite nice looking. Gas mileage is amazing for such a roomy car, I average 30 mpg, and I sit in the worst traffic L.A. has to offer. Interior is arty, beautiful. I have the Lexus Pearlescent white paint option and spoiler, otherwise its the base model. Lots o features, including on board computer. Everyone has the impression I bought an expensive luxury car, so Id say I got my moneys worth. Paid under 19,000 for it brand spankin new, and it looks and feels much more pricey.

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  Still in love since 2002 - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Kris Peterson Bogacz - April 28 - 9:56 pm

  I bought this car new and have not had one mechanical problem (except the radio antenna replacement at 100,000 miles) thus far. The car still drives like a new Lexus, such a smooth ride at so many miles. Luxury and comfort--- Im keeping this car as long as it allows me. No problems with convertible top to date. Had to replacement rear seat cupholder one time. Very flimsy.

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  love it! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By J_S - April 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Solara, and I love it. I bought the first model when it came out in 1999. I got an SLE with a V6. I loved that car, but the SE v4 is just as nice. The look, feel, comfort and the driver are excellent. The pickup is surprisingly quick too; even when I when I was driving up a mountain.

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  Almost the best convertible - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Gary L - April 28 - 10:00 am

  I would say except for the boot that covers the top when its down, the 2004 Solara convertible gives you about as much bang for the buck as anything out there. Lots of pep and a great ride. Nice sound system. Not the best but more than adequate. Would we buy it all over again? You bet.

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  Quality, Comfort, and FUN! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Iris - April 20 - 11:03 pm

  My first car was an old MGB convertible and I decided at 35 it was time for another convertible. I knew that it was going to be a hard change after becoming used to a four door sedan. When I test drove the Solara I knew I had found the one. There is actually room in the backseat for two tall adults and the trunk is a decent size for my shopping trips to the mall. My favorite part is how the top goes down at the push of a button in less than 15 seconds. The SLE interior is very luxurious and the hidden features of the navigation system (maintenance schedule, calendar, etc.) are very nice. There arent many around here so people are always asking me what it is and telling me how good it looks.

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  05 solara low build qualit rattles etc. - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Rick - April 19 - 9:30 pm

  Solara is just ok, build quality does not meet my expectations for a (TOYOTA), rattles, thumps and bumps. I hope the reliability lives up to expectation. I wish I had spent a few thousand more for a Mercedes C-Class! We have one my wife drives, it is a PERFECT 10! CAUTION sady finance and insurance dealings. WATCH OUT, I caught them. Buy a C-Class! Rick