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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  Quality & fun to drive - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Terton - April 19 - 2:33 pm

  My car has been problem free. Its very comfortable and has a sporty feel to it. The lines are great. I have the 6 cd stereo and it has wonderful surround sound. The car just feels like quality when youre in it. I had a 1991 Celica for 13 years and loved it. I still miss the sports car (low to the ground) feel but this car is much more comfortable. The only downside that I see is the few blind spots. These are due to the small window in the back It looks great though and you just use the mirrors:) Definately recommend this car!

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  this is the best first car. - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By turbo25 - April 18 - 4:30 pm

  This car is amazing it holds up extremly well, has an amazing build quality and it has so much structual rigidity. I got into a 35mph rear end collision with my car and there is only a penny sized paint scratch on the bumper. this car is so awesome!!!

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  Having Fun in the Sun - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By KelsNArizona - April 16 - 2:36 am

  I got my Solara three weeks ago and I am absolutely infatuated with it! It is so much fun to drive... really quiet engine, convient controls, great JBL audio system, & lots of compliments while driving! The rise is so smooth with nice acceleration when needed!

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  Classy yet Sophisticated - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Tiffa - April 15 - 10:00 am

  I never made a better investment. I have no complaints whatsoever with this car. I was even involved in 2 minor accidents and the car held up beyone my expectations and I didnt it feel the impact as much as I would have in my old car.

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  Wheres the clutch? - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By ezshift5 - April 6 - 10:00 am

  41,375 miles on this 5-spd manual now. The only miscue during our three+ years was a faulty drivers side electric window switch (replaced under warranty at 13500 miles). A recent trip of about 4500 miles resulted in about 31 MPG overall. The only negative would be the suspension under hard driving - - which is less and less of a negative as I age. Toyota: ya done good.

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  Love it! - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Lisa - April 5 - 6:50 am

  Very comfortable car. My husband has long legs and when sitting behind him in the back seat there is plenty of room. The trunk is huge. I have had actually a couple accidents in this car (not my fault), it held up very well. One of the most favorite cars Ive had.

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  2006 SLE Convertible - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By JayAre - April 3 - 4:10 pm

  Excellent "road tripper". Very easy to raise and lower top. Excellent cockpit layout. Satellite radio a must. VSC also a must. Environmentals are excellent (a/c//heated seats) Exterior design: car resembles the Lexus Coupe - gets many second looks. Performance: good acceleration and passing response. Passenger comfort: very good all seats Trunk capacity: impressive - golf bag plus two duffels fit easily Fuel consumption: a bit off the EPA estimates Brakes: excellent Dont likes: owners manual/dealer recommendation to wash the car by hand installing the tonneau (convertible top) cover - tedious and definitely not a quick donning item

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  Finally! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Dennis - April 3 - 3:56 am

  After a couple of years patiently waiting, I finally found the Solara ragtop for me! The 05 beauty was an off lease vehicle with only 27k miles and was spotless inside and out. It was obviously well cared for during its lease tenure and is still perfect now. Love the heated front seats and the fact that it seats 4 quite comfortably. Trunk space is awesome and it rides/handles much like a BMW 325. (although a bit anemic in the power dept.) I shopped BMWs and Mercedes as well but the Solara is a much better value for the $$. This ones definitely a keeper!

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  My 2003 Solara - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By aqua - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I love the car. Fun to drive, nice to look at, great gas mileage, great radio with 6 cd changer, great a/c

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  Smooth and Comfortable - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Annaliese - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I traded my 01 Honda Accord for my 03 Solara. Love my Solara! Have been getting excellent gas mileage. 30-32 mpg. Drivers seat is very comforable and engine is very smooth and quiet.