Toyota Camry Solara Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.71/5 Average
1,098 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 711 through 720 of 1,098.00
  • Fun Fun!!! - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
    By -

    This is my 3rd Camry and it is by far the most fun to drive, I just bought this car with 60K miles but it still looks like new. This car was not in my shopping list, but after a test drive, I new this was more fun than any other car I tested, including a Lexus.It has everything you need and want in a car including a nice stereo and the reliability of a Toyota.

  • always love a toyota! - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
    By -

    I really like this car. It gets great gas mileage,and its a nice smooth ride. Its sporty looking with out being a sports car. this 4 cylinder has got plenty of pick up and go! Its a TOYOTA what more can you say!

  • rag topper - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
    By -

    After shopping for a midsize convertible I was down to the Solara totally loaded, or the Saab 9-3 linear. Both were excellent vehicles. However I thought I got a bigger bang for the buck with the Toyota, which had nav, body side molding, auto starter, pin striping and side airbags. The ride is as smooth as a larger convertible. The power is ample esp. with that slap stick which is a lot of fun. The top works nicely but the boot deal is a pain, unlike the Saab, but the mileage, ah that is great. On a recent trip I got 32.7 miles and thatÂ’s regular gas. All in all I like this car and seem to enjoy it more and more each time I drive it.

  • Serious Solara - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
    By -

    I love my car! When in traffic around town, its smooth and quiet, but when the need arises.. there is power to spare! Its fun and quick. The JBL stereo works great and the convertable top is a champ! I had the sport ground effects added and he look is awsome! Get one today!

  • Solara Conv Poor Quality - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
    By -

    The car looks great but with the top up and the fixed rear headrests its impossible to see out the rear window. The fit and finish of the body has panel and paint flaws where the plastic meets the metal,which the dealer refused to repair. The Conv top stitching was coming apart by the rear window, again no dealer help. The seat belts do not retract and the rear belts flap in the wind with the top down. The car has no side guard protection so you accumulate parking dings on the doors. The front slope of the car does not allow you to see the distance to the car in front when parking or entering a garage. The cover for the Conv top requires two people to install. Very disappointed

  • Great Car for the Money !!! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
    By -

    The 2004 Solara has style,smooth engine and transmission, and nice interior, its a well balanced car. I was looking at the G35 sports Coupe and Im glad I waited. The first day I had the car four teenagers saw me and gave me the thumbs up. How about that for a compliment? A few days later I had my car parked next to a Lexus SC and the Solara looks like a bigger version. The Solara is not a sports car but it does give you that Lexus ride. With that Toyota reliability the 2004 Solara should do well. I got the feeling. This is my 6th Toyota my last car being a 2000 Avalon XLS.

  • 2004 Solara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
    By -

    I love my Solara. It drives like a dream, is comfortable, reliable, and sporty. I cannot find one single thing that I dont like about it. It makes me feel as exciting as it is to drive.

  • Smooth Quiet Drive - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
    By -

    Smooth and quiet with a responsive engine. The ultimate machine for a one-hour commute to work. Comfortable ride with a well designed interior and near perfect seats. Large trunk holds 4 sets of golf clubs. Exceptional rear seating with comfort and room for a long trip. I had an earlier model that was totaled in a rear-end accident. My trunk was totally collapsed into an accordion. The shock absorption design work great. No injuries to me or the other driver. Promptly went out and bought another identical Solara

  • Yippeeee - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
    By -

    I purchased a used 2002 Solara, I had always wanted a Solara but had a car so didnt need another one. Once my car hit rock bottom I purchased the Solara. It drives brand new, it handles the road with care, smoothly, gracefully. The person I purchased the car from took great care of it...no scratches on the exterior and the interior didnt look worn at all. As I write this review, the check engine light has came on so Im going to my favorite mechanic to check it out, hopefully nothing expensive but the car is 7yrs old so I guess i can expect a little something. I will let you know if it was something major. Buy Toyota Solara!!!

  • nice ride!!! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
    By -

    This is my first convertible and I love it! The rear headrests are intrusive but you get use to it. I put back-up sensores on the car. It seems to be a bit sluggish from 0-20 mph.

Toyota Camry Solara Reviews By Year:
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