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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  Worth doing our home work and buying - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Ed Weaver - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Traded a 1999 SLE and a 1990 Supra . It is the closest we could get to a well designed, quality coupe with some of the Supra atributes. At 2000 miles all have been verry good. Features we miss, the coin bin or holder, the viser extensions and standard mud flaps, built as part of the body, not the cheep ones also the center brake light in the spoiler. The spoiler that you have to take with the 2004 is a real design joke, it cheepens the car. Over all we are very happy with it. Hoping that the US built one is as good as the Canadan built one.

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  Toyota Solara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Tony Br. - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I have noticed an occasional surge in initial acceleration from a stop. The computerized "distance to empty" is 350 miles to empty when in reality, there will be 450 to 500 miles to the tank.Theseproblems are quite annoying - the car has not been returned to the dealer yet. I will address the problems at the first oil change.

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  Beautiful Car - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By amy73 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I rented a 2004 Solara to drive from Florida to New York and it was a pleasure to drive and alot of fun. I look forward to a future purchase.

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  About the V6 SE Coupe - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By steven tarczali - November 30 - 11:13 am

  Nice car good power, not good in snow or ice. Feels sporty, however its a sporty upscale look but handles like the Camry sedan. Make no mistake, its not a sporty handling automobile. May have been better with rear wheel drive for handling. Doors, very big to get in and out of tight spots, however nice roomy interior for the driver and front pax. back seats are good for avg. person but not on long hauls. Good room for kids.

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  Solara, A Great Touring Convertible - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Michael Byrnes - November 26 - 6:06 am

  I bought this vehicle for the Toyota name and because I didnt want a small convertible. It was recommended by Consumer Reports as well. The other mid size convertibles were either too "old looking to me or too pricey. This vehicle allows us to bring two or three friends along. The 2006 Solara has a very smooth ride, stability and traction control, the seating is great, its very comfortable getting in and out, and its a pleasure on the open road, top down. There is almost no detectable engine noise. In fact the only flaw is at low speeds, 15 to 30 mph, when the gas and the transmission seem to resist acceleration enough to make it feel like its dragging before it kicks in and leaps forward.

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  One Sexy Convertible! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By fyremn1 - November 21 - 11:36 am

  I am 63" 260 lbs and very comfortable in this car. I researched and test drove other models and found this one to very accommodating for my long legs. I can definitely see driving long distances. Everyone who sees this "Pearl White" beauty has to compliment me. They especially love the color and the fact that it is a convertible. Good job Toyota! You got a real "head-turner!"

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  great car - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By fliptop - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Though I own a 4-cyl, automatic, the car gave me in excess of 35-mpg at 75 mph on a trip to Ny from Fla. Very comfortable, with 550 miles between fillups. the car is giving me about 30 mpg in everyday use. Im 61", so I need the legroom of a midsize.

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  guality+price=value true - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By sean smith - November 21 - 10:00 am

  glad that I traded it with my 2000 jetta . It has a smooth ride although has 2.4L. wish I bought v6 which comes with 5 speed automatic trans. 4 cylendar comes with 4-speed the dealer did not mention that.

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  Feeling Younger - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By albuqkid - November 21 - 10:00 am

  I took delivery my SLE Convertible on 9/02/04. The Artic Frost Pearl color with the Gold package is simply beautiful.This car is a real head turner. Every where I go people have to see this car. It is fun to drive. It is roomy and comfortable. Makes me feel young. At a quick glance, people think this is a Lexus.

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  Solara - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Rajat - November 11 - 10:00 am

  this vehicle is overall a great car with outstanding performance and great looks...RELIABLE