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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  Luxury on a Dime - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Goldie Dagger - December 19 - 10:00 am

  The Solara must have been one of the most underrated cars there is. You have to go for the full SLE class to enjoy the full benefit. But I am just shocked at the value I got for such a low price. This is a semi-luxury car at a mid-price range. Anything else you get for the same feature and smoothness with a different brand will cost you at least an extra $10K. The car is an absolute beauty inside and out. There is room for everyone, front or back, and the leather quality is top notch. The engine is Lexus-like (is it?) smooth but runs like a cheetah. This is yet another major quality accomplishment Toyota provides.

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  Not a Honda. - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By d20142 - December 19 - 10:00 am

  The quality does not compare to the Hondas I have previously owned. The car is nice to look at but the 5A trans. refuses to down shift except for flooring it and even then you have to wonder if its going too. The interior rattles more than it should. The steering is very "numb" and should be more like a Honda.

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  Awesomely Surprised - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By MNSargent - December 18 - 10:46 pm

  I am surprised in the performance and most of all the gas mileage. I live in Los Angeles, my mom found this car in Hayward. I drove from Hayward to Los Angeles which was about 380ish miles I used a little more than a half of a tank. And still had enough to last me for the work weekend which ended it 500 miles to the tank. I have a lead foot so I was perhaps speeding. WOW. I like the V6 power and the sunroof. It is a fun car and I know Toyota are reliable. And I got the car under 65k miles so it is has a lot of life to go.

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  2005 Solara - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By notop4me - December 18 - 4:46 am

  Bought when we went into showroom and saw on floor. Took on test drive and fell in love with it. Have had no reason to return to dealer other than service. (oil change, etc). This is a well built car, and if you want a very comfortable highway driver and a convertible to boot, I would recommend this one.

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  2001 Toyota Solara SLE V6 Coupe-A Blast! - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By deeeey - December 16 - 10:00 am

  My second Solara. Pros: Best vehicle Ive ever owned. Cons: Fuel mileage is a disappointing 19-24 mpg.

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  sweet - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By faullinn - December 13 - 10:00 am

  only problems - rear window too small; boot really sucks (unless its automatic, who uses it? Otherwise, totally sweet.

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  Im going back for another this fall! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By badassjen - December 10 - 8:30 am

  This has been by far, the most reliable car I have ever owned. As an avid convertible fan, this being my fourth, I find the top up ride to be quite noiseless. You dont hear the wind noise, and no rattling. When the top is down, it is a head-turner. I was surprised that I am constantly stopped by people in parking lots or even at traffic lights so they can tell me how gorgeous my car is and ask me how I like it. As for the reliability, I have only had to have regular oil changes. I havent had a single issue. The interior is gorgeous and flawless. The leather is great quality and the stereo system surpasses that of comparable cars. Overall, a great purchase!

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  Love my ragtop - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By lori - December 9 - 10:06 pm

  First new car I have ever purchased. Totally pleased with the comfort, performance, ride, gas mileage, and stereo. Extremely quiet, for a convertible, and love driving with the roof down. Thoroughly enjoying my new car.

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  Cool covertible - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By 4 jeff - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Great mid size covertible smooth and confortable ride. Large and confy back seat. Great gas mileage. Quality built in with quiet enhanced by double ply top

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  Love It!! - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By jeni729 - December 5 - 11:10 am

  I just got this car last week on a 4 yr lease and I love it. I love the inside. I love the stylish look you get from the outside but yet it is so roomy and practical. It is nice and heavy for winter driving! I am glad I made the purchase!