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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  A Much Improved Version! - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Marcia - November 12 - 5:50 am

  Although I just purchased this car yesterday, I already know it is a much improved version of the 2004 model that I traded in. The ride is tighter, smoother and not jarring as it was in my 2004. This may sound trivial, but my 2004 had a "weird" smell in it since the day I bought it. This new one actually smells like a new car!

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  Bad Experiences - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By mee304 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I purchased one in the artic frost pearl white, very nice looking car. I took it home 80 miles from the dealership. There was excessive wind noise from the drivers side top and about half way home the check engine light came on. The car had 5 miles on it when I took it. I called the dealership and the following day I had to bring it back. They ran the diagnostic and discovered a problem with the engine, transmission and two other things. The noise from the top was because of a defect in the top designed that Toyota was already aware of but decided to put it out anywa

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  The perfect blend - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By hknajjar - October 27 - 8:56 pm

  I was told this is a "niche" car, but then again, arent all convertibles are niche cars? The Solara Convertible offers the perfect blend in a 4 seater convertible. While this is may not be a true sports car (touted as a con in articles), for those looking for the drop top experience with room for more than 2, there is no equal. Its exilerating to drive top up or down, it has excellent insulation in the top so road noise is minimal.The luxurious interior makes you feel like youre driving a Lexus.

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  Its a marvel! - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Loving my car - October 23 - 1:10 pm

  This car is so impressive to everyone that had a good look at my new car! Its a smooth ride all the way. Even when it is in park with the engine still running you cannot hear the noise. The stereo sounds is just so great. Everything about the Solara is awesome.

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  Happy to own Solara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By mehmet - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I am very happy with my new toy.SLE V6 W/Navigation. It is fun to drive and beautiful interior makes you enjoy driving anywhere.V6 puts out enough juice.

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  2004 TOYOTA SOLARA SLE V6 - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By anaconda - October 13 - 10:00 am

  totally awesome car..great dealership..paid only 60 dollars over invoice..car rides like butter..great suspension..powerful..interior comfort cant be beat..exterior design makes it the hottest looking car around..many great improvements over the original 1999 design..

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  SOLARA 2004 - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By HEIDY - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I BOUGHT A SOLARA 2004 V4 HAVENT HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH IT

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  Great Value - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Shana - October 12 - 9:23 am

  I recently test drove the SE V6. Im rough on my cars, I drive them hard, so when I took it for the test drive I truly worked its performance features. It has a lot of power, the engine offered smooth acceleration, it cornered smooth, but not as well as some of its wider couterparts. All and all I was pleasantly surprised with its power. I test drove several of its "brand name" counterparts, and found that this was a better quality car for the money, and was a great value. My first brand new car, and Im very happy with my decision.

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  great car - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By solara - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Drives so smooth

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  Accord Killer - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Mike-S - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I was considering the two door Accord until I saw and drove the Solara. Standard features on the SE Sport far exceed those on the Accord. Daytime running lights, larger brakes and fuel tank, more head, leg and hip room than Accord. Anti-theft system is optional but found on most models. 17" alloy wheels with tire pressure monitor are standard on Sport models. (Read the manual on resetting the pressure monitor!) The sequential shift automatic 5 speed transmission is an excellent compromise for guys whose wives prefer an automatic. The Toyota warranty is 5 years, with *everything* covered the first year. Honda includes a 3 year warranty.