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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Not as good as expected - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
By S A Holt - December 24 - 2:00 amAfter five Camaros and reading Toyotas reviews, I decided to get one. The Toyota was more expensive, but I thought I would keep it longer due to reliabily claims. I really like overall look and handling of the car, but my experience has been less than great. The car has been in the shop more than my Camaro. I have had the Emissions Canister, Service Computer, Sun Visor, door panel and light in glove box replaced and I still have a rattle. This Toyota has had more rattles. The ride is very rough for a car this size (worse than Camaro). I can feel every bump in the road. I like the car, but I dont know if I would ever purchase one again.
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Problems - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By start22 - October 14 - 2:00 amSeems some Solaras have a problem. 1. on some, the tire pressure light wont go off, and the service depts dont know how to fix it. On some, the car pulls to the left, and even after 3 alignments, they cant fix it. And on some, the dashboard rattles after a few hundred miles. I got all 3 problems, and am waiting for arbitration to get my money back! :(
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Solara, my story... - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
By Webguyster - October 13 - 10:46 pmThis car is a mystery. Hasnt let me down yet, but has had a few minor flaws, like improper fitted carpet, rocking chairs, and delicate paint, and a love to go left. Suspension is quirky over rough surfaces. Never broke down, but have build quality issues. Quick, and stops on a dime. Transmission a bit rough for a Toyota. Looks nice, pleasant on the eye! Starting to get to many Solaras that look the same!
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Loving my Solara SLE Convertible - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
By Meachy - July 29 - 3:16 amI have owned 2 Toyota Camrys, and my husband talked me into buying a 2008 Solara convertible. This car has such a silky ride. I love the dependability of a Toyota, but the beauty and smoothness of my car cranks it up to a new level of satisfaction with the Toyota product. I will never be without a Toyota product!
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EYECATCHER - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By syl1154 - July 21 - 2:00 amUnfortunately at the time I am writing this review my Toyota is at the dealer for repairs. I had it 60 days with absolutely no trouble at all. Its an eye catcher, very reliable and great to drive. However,recently the check engine light came on,the temperture guage stop working and the car failed to start. It also pulls to the left as a previous reviewer had mentioned,BUT its still awesome to me. I still recommend it. The acceleration was what sold me. My car is all black.
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Chessy Interior Trim Ruins Great Car - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By New Car Buyer - July 15 - 2:00 amA quite ride with surprisingly good acceleration for a four-cylinder engine. Gas mileage could be better, and perhaps Toyota will offer a hybrid in the near future.
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Many annoying defects - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By CBB - June 27 - 4:36 pmI have had a significant number of problems with my Solara (none involving the engine, thankfully), including significant rattling in the dashboard (6 repairs, and counting), rattling/loose passenger window, whistling of the door seals at highway speeds, defective tire pressure indicator, defective rocker (retracting) mechanism in sunroof, defective driving lights, etc. Very shocking, given Toyotas reputation for reliability.
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Over all break even - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
By nufdude - June 1 - 10:00 amOver all break even.. Has good performance but in occassions the power lacks.. (v6-200hp engine). Fuel mileage is low comparatively.. stylish look so breaks even..
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Disappointed - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
By JPA - May 26 - 10:00 amActually I own a 2000 SE V6 Manual and I am very disappointed to see that Toyota has dropped that transmission from the V6 lineup. The manual is the reason I went with the Solara versus the Accord. Now for 2003, the Accord comes with a 240 hp V6 AND a manual for about the same price as a now underpowered and not so fun to drive Solara (in comparison to the competition). I very much enjoy the Solara but in a year or so when ready to buy a new car, I wont consider the Solara without the manual transmission.
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My best car to date - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
By REofOregon - May 19 - 2:00 amI love this vehicle. Its comfortable for passengers and has plenty of trunk space even though its a 2 door. Its a very quiet, comfortable ride on the highway. My only critique is the inability to hug a tight turn. Otherwise, its a great car for a single or small family buyer.
