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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  Outstanding Vehicle - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By NYABU - July 29 - 7:03 am

  Bought this car new, almost 9 years later it runs and looks as good as it did when new. No major repairs, except for maintenance and the car has never broken down. Particularly comfortable on weekly drives between LA and Vegas. Was rear-ended while sitting at a light by a car traveling 40 miles an hour. The other car was totaled, mine is being fixed and I feel fine. Im glad they could fix, would never get the true value of this vehicle.

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  Simply the Best - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By seeblue - July 27 - 3:50 pm

  Almost 11 years old and Ive only had oil changes, tire replacements, one battery replacement, and a tuneup at 110000 miles. Geez, I have the same muffler! This car is the boss and worth every penny.

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  Great Car - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Sven Phedeoux - July 24 - 8:43 am

  I love my Toyota "Corvette"

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  Love my car! - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Michigan - July 18 - 2:20 pm

  I bought my car new and do not plan on selling it for a few more years yet. I drive a lot and a comfortable drive is important to me. I get this comfortable ride in my Solara. I love to drive with the sun roof open! It is very reliable with only a few minor problems. 1. Tires need replacement every 2 yrs. 2. The air bag light keeps coming on. Plug under the front seat that keeps coming loose. The dealer would not show me the plug so I will have to look for it myself. When someone rides in the back, they will touch it with their feet and the light will come on. 3. I replaced the struts, they were expensive, but that brought that smooth ride I love so much back again.

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  Great car and reasonably prices - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By ah7771 - July 16 - 2:00 am

  All that youd expect from Toyota in terms of quality. You feel like youre in a Lexus when you deck this thing out with all the options like navigation, etc. V-6 is strong through most used RPM ranges

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  Mid-Life Crisis Car - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Tina RN - July 11 - 7:46 pm

  This was my mid-life crisis purchase - have always wanted a convertible, so I went for it. The "shake" in the car when you hit the slightest bump worried me at first but then I realized it was normal for a convertible. Everyone stares when we drive by with the top down. My best friend and I always just say "they want to be us!" Everyone in my family hates the car because I always want the top down, but that was the point!! I have 1400 miles on it, leased it (first time - scared to death about that) but am thinking about trading on an Avalon Limited. I know I will miss my relaxing evening drives...I researched every convertible. This one was the best I found - go for it!

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  Reliability - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By bruno libratore - July 6 - 11:40 pm

  This has been the most hassle free vehicle I have ever purchased. All I have done is change the oil and 3 sets of tires. No other maintenance except coolant every 50k miles. If you can buy one, get it.

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  FUN AND SLEEK - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By jam - July 4 - 10:00 am

  FUN TO DRIVE, SLEEK BUT AFFORDABLE, SPORTY BUT STILL ELEGANT

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  Excited Solara Owner - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By StylistQueen - July 1 - 4:33 am

  I have been wanting this car for the past two years and I finally purchased it a week ago today and I LOVE IT. The leather seats, sunroof, the smooth ride and handling are all great. I am so looking forward to the spring/summer when I can open up my sunroof.

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  Great Topess Fun - Something Different - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By MikeS - June 17 - 1:10 pm

  Having owned three Chrysler Sebrings in a row, this was my try at "something different". Glad I did. This is one great car! The 3.3L VVTi engine (the same one in the much pricier Lexus ES330 and RX330) is a jewel. Buttery smooth with plenty of power. So far, my only fill-up since I got it averaged 23.5 miles per gallon on regular. Filled it up with mid-grade and the mileage computer says Im getting 25.5 mpg in combined city and highway (I drive 25 miles each way to work). Another nice feature is that they are rare enough that you dont see yourself coming and going as in a Sebring.