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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  Great Car - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By mrf777 - January 26 - 10:53 pm

  We shopped around for a coupe, and found that the Solara was the best car at the best price.

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  Donnas Solara - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Donna Knight - January 15 - 6:56 pm

  Bought used, good deal, great car, nothing but regular maintenance required. Feels very safe, excellent ride, fun to drive. Love the V6 engine, good pickup on the highway.

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  1ST - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By artieh - January 15 - 7:56 am

  First rate vehicle. Fun to drive, easy to care for. Quite quiet for a convertible. A little difficult to get out of the back seat. Rear visibilty could be better. Overall a great car.

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  Lexus SC300 in disguse - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By ms - January 11 - 3:36 pm

  I bought the car for my wife last summer and I must say that this car is incredible. Everything from the design to reliability. My wife is expecting and the car sits to low for her to drive now so I have the pleassure of driving it I havent driven my Lincoln Conntinnetal for over four months now. My friend has a Lexus SC300 I went to his house and parked my car next to his and except for the front and rear bumpers and other cosmetic differences it is the same car. I love it I plan to buy one for myself.

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  Solara - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By sss - January 11 - 10:00 am

  The car is to heavy for its suspension. The drive is too loose and too much power for the brakes.

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  Not too bad but could be better - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By chin 2 - January 9 - 2:16 pm

  Our 1st convertible & although the top down is nice I am very disappointed with the mpg which is 19 not the 22-23I was hoping for. The leather is hard and the kids need to sit on pillows because of that. It has a squeak thats annoying when driving at low speeds. and the paint quality isnt great for a white pearl color. It is peppy and the radio/cd is nice. We had it for 3 months now and only got a valet key with it and now the dealer has to replace the ecm to have new master keys programmed and made. The ecm is free, keys arent. Overall for 7300 price its an ok deal. I just wish I got better mpg, also it does have an occasional puff of smoke on start ups, aka valve seals worn, fun car though.

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  I like this auto! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By John Holiday - January 1 - 8:46 am

  This a very solid feeling and quiet running car. There was no cowl shake as others reported. I own two LS 400-430 cars and this car is as solid and nearly as quiet as these are. The visibility with the boot top in place was only fair but without the boot-top installed visibility was adequate!

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  Excellent Car - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By dchen - December 30 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent car in the range $20000-30000

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  Solara rules in AK - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By AK Rebel - December 28 - 11:06 pm

  Love driving this car 100+ miles per day to work and back. great improvement over my old toyota camry.

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  I love my Solara! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Lady in Pink - December 27 - 11:20 pm

  The car has a smooth ride. Lots of room inside, and the top goes up and down easily and smoothly. I had originally thought of buying an MR2 Spyder, but am glad I choose the Solara instead. Large trunk space as well for those weekend get aways. Handles well, and good gas mileage for the size of the car.