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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Oh What You Do For Me! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By jrklasalle - March 26 - 2:00 amDrove this Solara to Reno from Sacramento, the power is awesome; flattens the grades, no problem. Has more power than my 99 Solara, before I added the TRD Supercharger, also corners better. Seems like it has a different, tighter suspension. Mileage was 27mpg for first trip, but I was pushing/testing it from time to time. My 99 gave 29-30mpg on same trip w/supercharger. Cant wait for TRD to add the SC to this engine.
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My Toyo Toy - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By Heriberto Sifre - March 24 - 11:46 pmIt was my dream to get a sport car when I reach 45s. I was looking the pony but the Solara Convertible SLE was very comfortable and fun to drive. An the resale value is better. HST
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Fun Car - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
By George - March 24 - 12:20 pmIt has been an awesome car. From the day we picked it up, the only time it went back to the dealership was for routine maintenance. Everything about the Solara is great. Comfort, ease on the road, handling, braking - its all good. When you close the door, it sounds solid. Toyota built one outstanding car.
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So far so good - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By SC - March 20 - 4:16 pmAfter driving it for 14k miles, Im now not so excited, but still satisfied with it. The only complaint besides the rear blind spots, is the original front tires worn out at 13k miles. Its fun, fast, stable, beautiful, and comfortable on the road. Very good for a V4. We like it.
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RonCornel - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By RonCornel - March 19 - 2:00 amMy 2004 Solara is fun to drive and handles quite well. The new exterior design is outstanding and is what attracted me to it.
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Awesome to own!!! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
By RCV - March 14 - 8:13 pmThis vehicle is the most practical and enjoyable vehicle I have ever seen and enjoyed. Solid Toyota performance, large truck space, and supior interior design makes this the convertible to own. Plus, you can have a party in the car unlike many two seaters. The front wheel drive traction control makes it a practical year-round car in the snow belt. -Drives better that your best SUVs on icy roads!
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shoulda-been-a-Lexus - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
By roester - March 14 - 10:00 amIts a very smooth grand touring type car. I had a Mazda MX-6 with a 2.5 L v-6 , the increase in torque of this 3L just makes every day driving more effortless. One thing for sure, the cornering limits are very low. This car needs bigger anti-sway bars, but they arent available. I have the JBL sound system which sound great - as long as you dont brake hard or get into any broken pavement that shakes the car, then "skippy" the CD player jumps all over, it has been out of the car twice and "fixed". This is a $700 unit at the dealer and because it is CD/cassette combo, there are only a couple Butt-ugly aftermarket units to replace it.
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Stylin and Profilin - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By cgs0409 - March 14 - 10:00 amI drove so many cars before I purchased the Solara that I hated to see a car commerical on TV. I finally narrowed it down to two cars...the Solara and the Honda Accord Coupe. I decided the Solara was a cut above the Honda and havent regretted my decision one bit. The only problem I have now is keeping my wife for borrowing it.
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Best 2door! - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
By inlovewithmycar - March 12 - 10:00 amafter driving nissan honda and vw in two doors this car definatly takes the cakeee..the minute i drove it i fell in love with it, it has the smoothness that honda and so on lack..sounds great...i got the goldish with tan interior, leather is great...sle v6 engine is so quiet
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Loving new Solara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By Rabinsslaw - March 9 - 10:00 amUsed to drive the Volvo C70 and love the extra room in the trunk and back seat of the Solara. The few little "extras" you get with Volvo arent worth the additional $10,000 or the loss of extra space.
