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:

• 

  As expected and more--- - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By marco770 - June 14 - 12:43 am

  Have driven over 60,000 miles in less than 2 years. Vehicle is fun, lean on fuel, untimely style, quick, efficient, and safe. Am completely pleased. Large trunk, good sound system, excellent air flow, and comfortable for the driver. Had to replace windshield due to road hazard (expected with hi mileage). As long as you keep serviced, this vehicle wont let you down.

• 

  Beyond expectations! - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Loyal SLE-V6 lady - June 9 - 9:20 am

  I have had a hard time deciding to pass this car to my son and buy a new one. I have a lot of highway miles and believe me that with 100% on time proper maintenance - this car can last a lifetime. No leaks, the only problem is that the paint and sealant is not thick enough. Can easily chip and there are two special body "mysteries" about a dime size that turned up after the warranty ran out. However, repairable.

• 

  Quiet Ride - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Kiko - June 7 - 11:43 am

  Everything about the car is above average except 2 things. Pros: 1) Quiet and comfortable ride. 2) Comfortably seats 4 passengers including the driver. 3) Hybrid between a luxry sedan and a convertible so you have best of both worlds. Cons: 1) Navigation system was a bit disappointing. It does not speak the street names like the Garmin nuvi series. 2) Need more power as not very responsive when you hit the gas pedal. 3) Rear view limited when backing up.

• 

  Soar with a Solara convertible - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By jaz - June 6 - 8:00 pm

  Toyota creates fun and class all in one vehicle. Strangers at the mall, gas station, and stop light still admire and ask questions about my blue with cream colored top and interior vehicle. My cousin from Houston visited, drove my car, and went home to buy her own blue w/black and grey Solara. Exceptional quality, design - no road noise!, and great gas mileage combine to make going to work fun! I love my Toyota!

• 

  I love my car - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Robbin - June 3 - 11:03 am

  I love my new car, it is great. Looks fantastic, lots of storage and very fun to drive. It has a lot of get up and go, I tested that part too, the ride is like driving a cloud, even at higher speeds. Out of all the cars I tested I was in love with this one, the rest I liked. Most convertibles dont have trunk space for much more than the top cover, this one has a large trunk for traveling, and this is the car to do it in. Can you tell I love MY car

• 

  purrfect - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Kavs80 - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I have onened this car for a little less than 2 months an it has just been purfect. I love the way it just sits on the road like it owns it. Its like a shark to other vehicles. I is intimidating to other cars in its

• 

  Great car with lots of potential - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By toy4x4boy - May 23 - 10:03 am

  Bought my 1999 SE V6 5-speed used with 53,000 miles, now have 80,000. Besides the clutch that recently wore out, have had no problems. I have lowered the car and added 18s and this thing handles awesome now and the ride is way better than the floaty stock ride. Car has great power, never feels lacking, plenty of passing power. Fuel economy is not as good as I hoped though, lucky if I can break 27 mpg on the highway, I would think 30 mpg should be achievable with a 3.0 V6. Quailty is outstanding, interior materials are top rate mostly. Seats are very comfortable. Vehicles like this make you wonder why anyone would buy a new car, great value here.

• 

  What a Blast - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Deb - May 20 - 1:26 pm

  I have had this car for 3 weeks, put a little over 3000 miles on her. Shes a dream. Did lots of research before purchasing this car. Glad Lara was my final pick. Havent seen any other on the road yet. Get lots of praise about her appearance.

• 

  Great deal for the Money - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Frank - May 20 - 12:20 am

  Hard to find a better convertible with more bang for the buck. It is a true head turner. Fun to drive, reasonably price, and great resale. Really looks and drives like a lexus es

• 

  Not much to complain about - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By icangelat03 - May 18 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the first convertible available at the dealership after finally seeing it in Chicago. Couldnt be happier with it. My first convertible, and in comparison with others I have seen/driven, a wonderful ride, with minimal shakes. Many wonderful comments recieved on the styling of the car, in addition to all the looks out on the road.