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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  NICE CONVERTIBLE! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By CONVERTIBLE MAN - December 22 - 8:43 am

  The lower-end priced "family" convertible market (adequate back seat) is limited to a select few: the two usual suspects are the Chrysler Sebring and Volvo C70. When you drive each, you wonder how the front end stays put when you run over anything but a newly-paved road. The Volvo is the "prettiest" convertible out there. But that ride is so disappointing. Which brings us to the Toyota Camry Solara. I dont know why they include "Camry" in the name, since you wont find it anywhere on the car. Its comfy, roomy, zippy, gets decent gas mileage, and VERY quiet with the top up. It has some body quiver, which results from it being a sedan with the top cut off, after-market.

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  Convertible Solara - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Rigachigal - December 19 - 10:00 am

  My Solara drives the smoothest of any car Ive ever driven. I think it is a gorgeous car and I love to drive around in it, its lots of fun! Ive owned it for a little over a year and so far it hasnt given me any problems at all. Theres no other car I would rather own!

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  Gotta Drive a Solara! - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Sport Broom - December 19 - 10:00 am

  The Solara is truly an amazing car to own and drive.It runs quietly and smoothly.It is very reliable and dependable.I got my 2000 brand new,now have 42,000 miles and never had any problems with it.With regular check-up amd maintenance, everythings still original.We loved it so much that we also bought a 2001 Solara for my husband.We are happy with our Solaras!

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  2002 Hot Momma Solara - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By AngelaM - December 19 - 10:00 am

  VERY fun to drive. Unless a super need for speed, I see no point in buying a V6. The 4-cylinder has LOTS of pick- up. I frequently drive 80 mph on interstate and there is not the shaking of every imaginable part of the vehicle that I was used to before I bought the Solara. Car brakes very well (have avoided several wrecks by quick stops). Although this car was a little beyond my means (Im a college student), Ill buy yet another red Solara when its time. LOVE IT.

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  Great Buy - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By ademaswim - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I love this ar, great ride, comfortale environment, great interior design. The only problem I have is I should have bought the V6 engine instead.

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  Camry Solara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Cherry Jones - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Very smooth riding car. Drives and rides like a Cadilac. I like Everything about it.

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  LOVE MY CAR - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By NOEMI - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE MY SOLARA I HAVE HAD 2. I LIVE IN MASSAPEQUA, BUT I WORK IN BROOKLYN I DO ABOUT 64MILS ADAY OS IM IN IT A LOT I LIKE SOUND AND LOVE THE SETS. IT GIVE ME A GOOD DRIVE. BUT I DONT LIKE THE SETBELT. I HAVE TO KEEP ON PULLING IT THE IS THE ONLY THING I DONT LIKE.

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  my 2000 Solara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Olympicluv - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I have had a Solara for the past three years and I LOVE it. When it comes time again for another car I will be purchasing another Solara.

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  In love...<3 - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Emily - December 14 - 12:50 am

  I bought this car with 194,000 miles on it. I was nervous because of the high mileage. I had the car checked out and the mechanic offered to buy the car from me! I knew I had a winner! I have taken many road trips and it is the car everyone wants to ride in when my friends and I go anywhere. I will be sad when it dies. Which I dont see happening anytime soon. I have had to have the air conditioning redone once and now have 214,000 miles on my baby. I get about 27 mpg (all city miles) and couldnt be happier with the power/fuel economy combo.

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  Solara Convertible Sport - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Trilion4245 - December 9 - 3:43 pm

  Beautiful, smooth ride & very fun to drive, this car is just about perfect to me. Living in New England, its difficult for a car to accommodate the extreme demands year-round, but this car has for me. I knew when I bought it that I wouldnt be happy with the blindspots in back but purchased it anyway. Ive owned a variety of automobiles to use as a comparison and can honostly say that I love my Solara convertible and am reminded of that everythime I drive it.