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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  Best of both worlds - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By addenw - February 19 - 12:56 pm

  With top up it is quieter than some coupes. No wind noise. The stero can be heard with the high and low notes. The body is tight and does not flex like other converibles (especially other 4 passenger vechicles). After driving on the intersate for hours you are not tired from the wind noise. And with the top down you get all the joy of a converible. Best of both worlds, and the usually Toyota quality.

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  Solid Performer - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Westie_Lover - February 15 - 6:16 pm

  Ive run this car like no other. It has had a couple of minor problems but nothing major in 110K miles. Far and away the best car Ive ever owned. Body still tight and fuel economy great, even in stop-and-go traffic. Engine looks almost new.

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  Solara Convertible - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Richard - February 13 - 12:50 pm

  A very solid feeling car to drive and appears to be very sure footed on the road. Probably due to the 15 inch tires. V6 has good power but starting is not consistent. The car will start and then stop if you do not keep turning the key until the car starts. We are very unhappy about this and especially since the dealership has said that this is because of fuel injection. We have had many cars with fuel injection and not had this problem. Also disappointed in the shifting of the transmission. When turning corners you have what the dealership calls wire lag because the transmission is controlled by a computer. This causes the car to surge. Again no current fix according to the dealer.

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  the car - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Zachary Clark - February 11 - 11:40 pm

  It is fast for a toyota. The storage space is decent in the trunk but you might have trouble getting some things in the trunk because the clearance isnt amazing. It has never not started. I expect it to keep running into the 300g of milage and I run it pretty hard into high rpm often. It can get to 60 mph in less the 7 sec. the interior is well built and looks nice but the seats dont last. Sound system is very nice and can be very loud.

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  Great Car! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By 4HER - February 11 - 1:13 pm

  I bought this car for my wife. She had been looking at Sebrings. We have about 1500 miles on it so far and love it! Its smooth, stylish, and fun to drive. Its not an exotic sports car, but for running around in, its a great car. We get alot of positive looks and comments. After driving both the Sebring and the Solara, there was no question which was the tighter, more responsive car. Im suprised that there arent more on the road because at virtually the same price point, its clearly the better buy.

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  Love it! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Leslie - February 10 - 7:33 am

  I have had this car for 4+ years and would highly recommend it. Im getting ready to sell mine as I am having a baby and need to upgrade to something with 4 doors, otherwise I would keep it another 4 years or more. The only problem I have had with the vehicle was the Toyo tires that came with the car. I had to replace them at 28,000 miles (which is a terrible life span!). Now that I have some new Michelin energy tires on it, it drives like a dream.

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  Sweet Ride! - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Solaraguy - February 10 - 2:00 am

  Anybody considering a great car to take long trips or cruising around town this is it!!! Although this car was geared for adults that didnt have to haul any kids around i.e 50yrs +, I bought it out of college and its been awesome. My car is fully loaded barring the side impact airbags and I have had no unusual issues.

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  Cant miss convertible - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Jazbuf - February 4 - 9:26 am

  We test drove 2 other converts. and the Solara was by far the most comfortable and by far the most quiet, absolutely no wind noise. A wonderful car to drive with top up or down. My only disappointment was no back-up assist available,no power seats available on passenger side or 8cyl. up-grade. I would buy the same car again after driving it for one year.

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  One hot/fun/sexy/reliable car - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By MIKEY - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Very smooth/quiet ride. Responsive engine. I feel like Im driving a Lexus. Great build quality. Lots of midrange punch. Very happy.

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  Awesome Car!! A+ Vehicle! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Ashy - January 29 - 1:36 am

  The Solara has simply exceeded my expectations. Its sporty yet luxurious at the same time with tons of backseat room for my passengers! I get compliments on this vehicle every single day. Its no wonder that Toyota is the #1 selling vehicle in America. Performance and ride quality cant be beat! A highly recommended vehicle.