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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  Solara - 2nd half life better. - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Gene - October 4 - 10:00 am

  Brought this special order 5-speed new. It was a good car for the first 5 years. Excellent wear and tear, great mileage (32 mpg on the highway), solid build, and sporty but smooth ride. However, an irritating noise in the suspension was a little irritating. After a recall of 4 door models for a suspension issue, finally Toyota investigated my complaint. They found I had the same issue, fixed it for free, now it is even better.

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  Phenomenal Car, Except... - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By kennyd - October 3 - 6:00 am

  This car is fun to drive, primarily with the top down. With the top up it is tough to see anything behind you. But I love the handling, fuel economy, navigation, quality, ease of using the convertible top and the silence when the top is up.

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  I Love This Car - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By bearsmom - October 1 - 2:20 am

  This is my 6th Toyota. I love the comfort and handling, plus good gas mileage I get with my Solara. I have had nothing but positive experiences with it. I have 50k miles now and have replaced the tires. I have had no problems at all.

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  Thoughts On My Solara - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By solara28 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Solara used; it was a year old with 28K miles on it. I have enjoyed this car since taking ownership of it. The ride is comfortable, the design pleasing on the outside, ergonomically logical on the inside. This car is like getting a Lexus for a bargain price. For a coupe, the interior is quite roomy, even the back seats. Despite being a used car, I have had not one problem with this vehicle (which is why I chose Toyota).

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  My Solara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Steve Byrd - September 30 - 2:00 am

  We bought the Solara after checking cars and prices for about 3 weeks. It is a rocket to drive and very comfortable. The v-6 has plenty of power and we love the dual shift option.Plus the quality of workmanship shows too this car is solid and rides better than the Lincoln Continental we also have.

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  Great reliable transportation - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By A Edwards - September 27 - 8:00 pm

  Its the first Toyota I have owned, and the only brand I will continue to use.

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  While the Sun Shines - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Stone - September 24 - 5:50 am

  This vehicle has the typically great Toyota quality. The mileage is impressive, 26 MPG around town and 32 MPG on the Thruway. The "Absolutely Red" color is terrific.

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  Love My Solara Convertible - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Marty - September 22 - 11:40 pm

  This is my second Solara Convertible in two years and my ONLY problem with it is that the rear seat headrests create major blind spots when the top is up. Thankfully the top is not up very often :^)

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  Very Quiet Ride! - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By bobkath - September 22 - 4:40 am

  Just returned from a 1300 mile trip to CA from AZ one wk after purchase. Very quiet, comfortable, and a sweet ride. Plenty of power from the V6 and no problems passing the slower 65 mph cars. Impressed with the mileage of 25.2 overall. Two-thirds of the trip were on the open road. Awesome Bluetooth and easy to use. Trunk is huge and more than enough room if you remove the boot cover. Slight shaking at low speed on a bumpy road. Hard to see sound sys. display in daylight wearing sunglasses. Looking for reasons to drive this great car. Not many of these on the road. You will love this car. Built solid.

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  Pre Mid-life Crisis FUN - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Marzee - September 19 - 10:00 am

  Ive been driving Toyota automobiles since 1984. We currently own three other Toyotas. This is a fantastic car. It is a total blast to drive. Everyone stops to ask questions or comment on the car. Its one of the best looking cars on the road.