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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LOVE This Car! - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
By ccald - October 3 - 1:03 pmI have owned my Toyota Solara SLE Convertible for just about three years now. I absolutely love it! I was so very sorry to hear of the models demise. I think Toyota made a mistake there. I wanted a 4 seater not a 2 seater convertible without being a huge car and there are not many of those made. The retractable hard roofs take up trunk space which I do not like. My car has really good trunk space. I have seen too many of the convertibles with very poor trunk space. I would have continued buying Toyotas convertibles if they had continued making the Solara. I live in the middle south and convertibles are definitely the way to go. Toyota: PLEASE BRING IT BACK!
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Love it! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
By Vicky P - October 3 - 1:46 amJust as my 1986 Toyota Camry was great, this 2005 Solara is greater. This car has great styling, quality, dependability, and ease of driving. The SLE model is fabulous since it does everything for you. You dont have to think about doing anything like when to put on or off the headlights or adjust the temperature, just set it and forget it. Makes my life so much easier and pleasant. I love it!
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Best reliable coupe - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
By ave - September 30 - 10:00 amWhen I first looked for a vehicle I knew Lexus and Toyota are known for the best relaiability. I noticed that the Solara was every bit as good as the Lexus but without the huge pricetag. My buddy has the ES 300 and when I got my Solara he said hey they feel and drive the same! Even interior cosmetics are identical. I paid less and got the same car 3.0 V6 with all the goodies including Moonroof and JBL sound which is awesome! I had a major tranny problem ironiclly but Toyota replaced it! Saved me thousands! They said they never changed a tranny before on a Solara to date, mine was the first at that dealership.
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Anxiety-free car - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
By magkenz - September 30 - 10:00 amI also have a 96 Toyota 4Runner and when I wanted a coupe, I tested all the cars in the category. I admit I wanted a different make than a Toyota, but the Solara blew away the competition in terms of looks and reliability and it drives like a luxury car. With my 4Runner, I have had only one problem with it since 1996 and that is a rear taillight bulb burned out - thus the Toyota reputation for quality is no rumor! I feel safe and comfortable and confident in this dream of a coupe.
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Primary driver - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
By herb - September 13 - 10:16 amOverall, its a fun car to drive. It looks sharp, a step above the other cars, with cool head and tail lights, stylish body and room for 4 adults.
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Great Ride - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
By Steve M - September 11 - 10:00 amI have owned this car for two years and it is great fun and a great ride. The mileage is acceptable at 20 or so. It has smooth acceleration, good power, comfortable leather seats, good visibility with the roof down and excellent suspension and steering. I am only able to keep the top down 6 months of the year, but it is a pleasure to drive in the winter too. With the roof down, it is still quiet and very fun to drive! The only thing I do not like is the cover for the roof. It is hard to put on and the one I got with the car broke fairly quickly, but I got it replaced on warranty. This is overall the smoothest, nicest, funnest car I have owned!
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LOVE IT - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By Kycelyn - September 7 - 8:06 pmI love the exterior design. Just looks sharp. Huge truck space for a convertible and smooth ride. Great warranty and I got a great deal. Comfortable too! Just a fun car to drive.
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New SLE convertible - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By phred1 - September 1 - 10:00 amThe power adjustable drivers seat is great. It is very comfortable. I find the car to quiet while driving with top up. The power top and power all windows buttons are convenient and a time saver.
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Great Gas Milage! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By Mike Cassady - September 1 - 10:00 amI really love my Solara! I got 36 MPG on a recent trip and get 30 MPG in the city. It has plenty of power with just the four cylinder engine. At my age, I needed comfort, but I still like a two door. The Solara had everything I needed in a car. Stylish and great looking! The gas milage was a real bonus. The salesman told me "no way". So I checked the milage manually and I was getting 31.4 in the city. Maybe it is because my other car is a Prius and I have learned to drive sensibly.....I highly recommend this car!
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NASCAR-loving Grandma - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
By Carol L. - August 26 - 3:43 pmIm a 70-year-old widow who wanted an age-appropriate "sports car" which would cause youngsters at stop signs to turn around and stare approvingly at it. Do they ever! Mine is Lunar Mist Metallic and has great pickup, but is NOT a comfortable ride for passengers. It has a fantastic sound system for CDs, and I smile every time I slide into those leather seats and drive off. I also have an older Toyota sedan for long trips and passenger comfort - so my new Solara is (so far) used just for happy, fun, reliable city driving. I can recommend it highly for older singles who love to drive but dont want to spend their money on a Lexus. My new Solara is my favorite gift to myself!
