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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Everything But the Paint... - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
By SilverSolara - August 18 - 2:00 amWonderful car. I love the fact I can hang wih BMWs, MBs, Lexii, and not feel embarassed. Smooth ride, refined exterior lines, quick punch with a manual tranny & 200HP engine, and hasnt given me problems through 51K. No rattles, thumps, bumps, or left-ward leaning.
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My 2006 Solara Convertible - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By Sam Bonasoro - August 15 - 6:53 pmI am very happy with the car overall. There are two areas that I would like to see improved. First of all, I would have liked the car to have more power. I think a car with more horsepower as an option with dual exhaust would reach more of your client base. The other issue is lack of sight out of the real window. In addition to the small window size the permanent headrests block too much of the vision through the rear window. I had even gone to the dealership to see if they could be removed and they said they were permanent. I am totally unhappy with the poor vision and if I had thought about it, I wouldnt have purchased the car. Fit, finish, handling and design is great.
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JVS 99 Solara - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
By jvj - August 11 - 7:33 pmThis is the best car I have ever owned in over 40 years of buying them. I like some of the other reviewers are sorry that Toyota has decided to discontinue this model. I would have bought another if this one ever quits on me. I like coupes and it really fills the bill for me. The 4 cylinder has been just fine. Good on gasoline and has been very dependable.
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So much car for your money - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By a_mac - August 6 - 10:00 amI optioned out for the SLE V-6 to get my full moneys worth and boy did I get it. You get the triptronic gear box and this makes the car even more exciting. When I was test driving the car, I turned off the radio and the air conditioner just so I could hear if there was any noise coming from the engine, road, wind, etc. and I could barely hear any noise! Visibility is outstanding at night and in the day (having fog lights standard on a car are a must!). All-in-all this car delivers dependable quality along with the luxury of a Lexus all for the price of a Toyota (cheaper than a Honda Accord coupe with same features).
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Still going strong - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
By Don S - August 2 - 1:10 amOn Oct 2006, I raved about this car. (see comments). Just turned 100k, didnt have to change brakes (front) until 98k. Vacuum sensor for gas tank has show up as check engine light twice in last 6 mos. Have always had a slight clunk in right door - dealer never found the reason.
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NICE RIDE - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
By Dawk Weed - July 31 - 2:00 amI have had great success with my 1999 Toyota Solara SLE. I change the oil every 3500 miles and I only deal with Toyota for servicing my vehicle. The car is a dream to drive and it looks sharp too! I have leather power seats, moon roof, side air bags, nice cd player and an excellent resale value on it. Very nice car
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Love my convertible!!! - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
By Cmeotalia@aol.com - July 31 - 2:00 amI cant find one thing I do not thouroughly enjoy about this car. It is smooth running, heavy feeling, great power and makes me feel good to drive. I always wanted a convertible and am so glad I choose this one.
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SOLARA - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By JOHN B. - July 31 - 2:00 amSAME HORSEPOWER OF THE 93-98 NON TURBO SUPRA. WOULD LIKE AT LEAST THE SAME AS THE HONDA, BUT THE SOLARA LOOKS SOLD THE CAR. BETTER STYLE AND FINISH THAN THE HONDA.HONDA INTERIOR DOESNT COME CLOSE.
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Sleeper Solara - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
By amp - July 30 - 8:36 pmThe Solara has become a member of my family, the older ones only trading hands because the previous owner purchased a new one. It is definitely the favorite car of my family due to its reliability and performance. I now have a red 99 Solara that started out as my grandpas Pan-American highway vehicle. Now it is my college companion. She currently has 176K on the odometer and still lives up to the "Sleeper Solara" reputation. With 176K my Solara is not as sharp as it used to be, but that doesnt mean that the Germans are safe from her. Furthermore, Ive personally seen some of the goats from Detroit faint with fear.
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The best car for the money! - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
By AnthonyDunn - July 25 - 11:10 pmI purchased this Solara in 2002 and it had 75,000 miles on it. It now has 200,000 miles and has been Uber Reliable. I put one timing belt on it and a starter that I got off eBay for 60 bucks. This car has never failed me and is as smooth today with 200k as it was with 75k. I plan to drive it another 200k and I think it will make it just fine.
