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/SPORTS CAR CROSSOVER - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By INDYCAR - November 4 - 10:00 am

  GREAT CAR! THINKS ITS A LEXUS. THE SOLARA DEFINITELY HAS LEXUS SOUND DEADENING WHICH RESULTS IN LOW WIND/ROAD NOISE. THE V-6 HAS ENOUGH UMPH TO BREAK OUT OF A STANDING STOP WITH A MONTE CARLO BUT A FEW MORE HP WOULDNT HURT. LIKE OTHERS, IT SEEMS TO DING EASILY ON THE SIDES. I CHOSE THE SOLARA OVER THE ACCORD, PASSAT, AND THE MAXIMA. THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS IN THEIR CLASS AND PRICE RANGE. WHEN IM READY TO GIVE UP THE SPORTS CAR SIDE OF ME, I WOULD CONSIDER THE AVALON.

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  2006 Toyota Solara - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Scoobline - October 30 - 10:23 am

  A fun car to drive, and the car handles and responds very well; so far the car handles and responds very well in the snow. The car has power when you need it, and the fuel economy is better than expected: ~24 City (Winter ~19, car needs to warm up) and ~34 Highway. The car is very quiet, and the ride is great, although the suspension is a bit stiffer then Im use too (Im use to driving a sedan).

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  I love my Toyota! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By maltmomma in Texas - October 28 - 2:26 am

  This is a great car! Ive had 4 Toyotas; 2 were Camrys, 1 Avalon and now this Camry Solara. Its fun to drive and I love the new style. I have the fully loaded SLE V6 Fire Engine Red and I love it. I didnt think I would like, or use, the navigation system but it is very useful and I will have it on future cars. I find myself trying to find the quickest route, thus saving on gas. I drive 40 miles to work, roundtrip, and I get about 25 mpg. I do have one complaint. The tires that were originally with the vehicle were listed as warranteed for 6 years/100,000K but only lasted for 18K. My husband balances and rotates every 5K. Our Toyota dealer did replace them though with 4 new tires.

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  Lexus at Half-Price! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By MikeinIL - October 26 - 10:00 am

  The exterior isnt similar to a lExus ... it is the same body, except for the badging.

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  Great Overall Convertible - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Glenn G - October 25 - 1:16 am

  Just got the Solara convertible SLE and we are extremely satisified. Traded in a 2003 BMW Z4 that was fun to drive but suffered from some strange quirks. The Solara is a different kind of ride, somewhat sporty but rather refined. The fact that it can carry 4 in comfort and the huge trunk are both real positives. Also, the built in bluetooth phone system is fantastic. Seats are very comfortable and the controls are typical Toyota, well designed and intuitive. Paint job is awesome.

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  Great Car - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Driver - October 23 - 10:30 am

  Great Car. Bought used with 100K. I was kinda scared of high mileage, but reviews gave it an A grade so I took the risk and glad I did. Daily work driver and great on fuel, no problems... solid car still at 120K and 8 years old.

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  STYLISH, ECONOMICAL & FUN TO DRIVE - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Paulette Blackman - October 23 - 3:26 am

  After stating repeatedly that I would never buy a 4-cylinder, two-door car, I fell in love with the Toyota Camry Solara. Having a limited amount to spend and wanting something more econimical than my last car (a 2001 Nissan Maxima SE), I searched the internet, spoke to people and decided to test-drive the Solara (both the 4 & 6 cylinder models). Both my husband and I were more than satisfied with the pick-up and ride the 4-cylinder provided and purchased the car that same day. Although its difficult for an adult to climb into the back seat, the few occasions I have more than one passenger in the car doesnt warrant another two doors.

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  Please address blind spots - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By l young - October 16 - 2:23 am

  There are unavoidable blind spots in the back. It is very difficult to safely change lanes and see oncoming cars. Please also address the back windows to be opened independently on each passenger side. It is scary to drive and to teach a young driver in this car.,...

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  Nothing can touch it for the money - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Superlara - October 9 - 9:36 pm

  I purchased my Solara about five years ago when it had 74,000 miles on it. The timing belt/water pump had just been replaced. Since then I have put an additional 70,000 mile on it and have only changed the oil and filter, the front struts and strut bearings, and one set of tires. Brakes have over 70K on them and are still not totally worn out. This cars continues to amaze me with the build quality. I have owned 6 Hondas and 4 other Toyotas and this car is the best by far. Since it is coming up on ten years old, I want to replace it, but cannot justify that when the car runs as well as it does. Averages about 20mpg in the city and 25-27 on the highway.

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  Best convertible under 35K - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By louella - October 5 - 11:50 am

  I love it!! The only thing I dont like is removing the top cover and where to store it. Putting it back on is a pain! But its still worth it!