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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6 mos. Review - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By randy - May 17 - 12:13 amAfter driving my new convertible for 6 months I am thrilled to report complete satisfaction with all aspects of the car. Low wind buffeting, dry interior during car washes and heavy rains, great stereo system. The mileage has leveled off to 27 MGP around town and the seats are so comfortable I can drive all day and all night only to stop for a fill up every 500 miles or so. I wish the exterior styling was sexier, and Im quite happy that the car is not a hotrod as the professional reviewers have all lamented. Bottom Line: After only 6 months and 12,000 miles Im looking forward to the new spring/summer/fall driving season where I expect Ill put on another 18,000 miles, or more.
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Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
By Ladylilu - May 14 - 8:06 pmI bought my car new and wouldve kept it until the wheels fell off, but a Dodge turned left in front of me and killed the car. But WOW, I cant believe how well my Solara did in the accident! She protected me well. I had the car for almost 6.5 years, 144,000 miles. Maintenance: Oil changes, battery and tires, brakes, tensioner, belts, catalytic converter (at ~135K), regular factory maintenance. Car was amazing. I miss it! I would trust the car to get me anywhere. 27mpg city (always), 30-32mpg highway (depending on if I was driving or my husband) :o). Buy one if you can!
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Excellent 2 door - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
By solara fan - May 13 - 10:00 am28 mpg - outstanding mileage
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Fantastic Car to Drive - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By Bob - May 13 - 1:43 amThis is a great car to drive. Very comfortable to ride in both front and back. The navigation system is great to use on a trip and the XM radio makes the drive fun listening to music with no commercials. Silver with the black top and dark grey leather is an eye catcher. Definitely can say this car is worth the money.
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Big Sexy! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By Pepwey - May 7 - 2:00 amI loved this car from the moment I saw it on the internet. Everything about this car is nice. Smooooth! Lexus should respect its fore fathers. I recently bought my car 2 days ago. The only problem I would like to address is the tire pressure sensor mechanism. Other than that this car is sweet. I recommend this car for anyone looking for a sporty coupe.
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Great Car - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
By txgirl - May 4 - 2:00 amGreat car to drive. Ive had my manual for over year and its as fun to drive today as when I first bought it. I prefer to drive a 5 speed, but also wanted a smooth ride. This car is a great mix of sport and comfort.
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Great Car - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
By N/A - April 30 - 7:53 pmEverything about this car seems to be great. I brought it for my daughter and so far so good. The car is 11 years old and it drives better than my wife Nissan Max.
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Excellent Toyota, you did it again - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By hector garcia - April 29 - 10:06 pmMy 06 Solara now has 16,250.00 miles on it today as it sits on my driveway. I purchased it on 06/03/05 and have not made a single trip to the dealership yet, not even a bulb. The engine still sounds like day one, cant even tell its even running, thats what all my passengers say. Very little if any road noise at all. Im a repeat satisfied customer. Once again, thank you Toyota. It just cost me 100.00 now in maintenance since I bought it.
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Mid-Life Crisis Killer! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
By John Treble - April 25 - 6:16 amWe shopped for weeks looking at BMW 3- series, Infiniti G35, Volvo S40, Audi A4, and Mercedes C-class. Even looked at a fully-loaded Maxima...but then stumbled across this little gem. Got the SLE without Navigation system for under $30K. This is the sweetest ride we have ever had. Acceleration is very good and you hit 70 MPH without realizing it (a speeding ticket just waiting to happen...) Seats are very comfortable. Top goes up and down effortlessly. Sound system is robust and easily controlled from steering wheel. Rear seating is suprisingly generous for a convertible. Our dogs LOVE it!
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Nice handling, suspension, annoying soun - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
By pooch - April 24 - 10:00 amCompared to its nearest competitor (Sebring Limited) this convertible is worth the extra cash. 200hp engine provides powerful and smooth acceleration, handling is great, and it glides comfortably over rough road. Biggest complaint: you better like bass because the stereo will pound it out and you cant turn it down. Its very uncomfortable to me to listen to the radio, it gives me headaches. At low volumes all you can hear are low frequency pounding vibrations. As much as I like the car I wont be able to keep it.
