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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  Living it up in my Solara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By AlphaIce - September 13 - 10:00 am

  I really like it. I too had a tire problem, but my dealer was prompt about resetting it, and told me how as well, fun to drive. I still havent finished getting compliments from friends and strangers, people love the intertior lights too, and i like the halogens!! I havent decided if night driving is better than daytime. Handles awesome with sport suspension, car is stable and easily to control around corners, before i bought it testing it, i drove a matrix, and then i drove this, there was such a huge difference in handling and acceleration, i would recommend a 6 cylinder, but 4 isnt bad

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  Proud Solara owner - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Libby - September 11 - 9:56 am

  I compared Volkswagon, Honda, Nissan, BMW and Toyota and absolutely couldnt find a better value. This car combines my desire for style, performance, reliability and resale value. It offers the look and features of a much more expensive vehicle.

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  Toyota Great - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Jwhite - September 10 - 2:00 am

  This was my first "foreign" car, it surpasses American car manufacturers in stability and quality. Resale value is expected to hold well.

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  Excellant fun, sporty car - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By rporterincincy - September 10 - 12:59 am

  We bought a bright red coupe automatic about 3 years ago when it had 57k miles on it. Now it has 84k. Ive replaced the brakes, tires, spark plugs, battery, and a starter, all wear items (except the starter). The car is exceptionally smooth and quiet (like a sewing machine), the leather feels like the leather in a Avalon or Lexus, gas mileage is good (mid 20s), and has never let us down. This has been a great car for the kids to drive. It also makes me feel like a teenager when I drive it (long doors, sporty feel). It is not terribly powerful (135 hp), but it does not overwhelm a young driver with power either. It also has a surprising amount of back seat room.

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  Reliable and fun to drive - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By BPark - August 30 - 10:00 am

  The Solara is a peppy, fun car to drive. Its been very reliable. I had a problem with the driver seat moving a small amount when driving, especially when taking off quickly. They fixed it, but Its still not quite right. I would make sure to check that before driving off the lot!

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  great car - v4 auto - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By s560 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  bought it used in 2004 for 12k with 76000 miles. 6 years later it has 169 000 miles. changed a radiator few years ago for $400 and a sensor for $180 last year. oil change every 3 months at $19.99. been in 4 accidents - 2 rear, 1 front and back (changed front bumper for $600)

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  Best Convertible Ever! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By captnben - August 24 - 8:26 pm

  Number one for comfort, quietness, design, inside and out, easy and fun to drive and cant wait for spring.

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  First convertible - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Lake lady - August 19 - 9:33 pm

  So far, we love it. We wanted a convertible that could seat four comfortably, and have enough cargo space for golf clubs. It is smooth, quiet, and comfortable. Mileage is okay. Putting the boot on is kind of a pain, and our side clips dont stay in place. Visibility is restricted with top up or down as boot blocks rear view of close objects. My husband doesnt like the low visor position, especially with seat forward.

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  Great Car - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By gage - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2004 Solara SE Sport in Septemeber, right after they went on sale. It is the only version offered with its unique suspension, 17" wheels, and body kit. It has been an enjoyable car thus far. Many people have commented on how nice it looks. It is a lot different than the previous model, as I have a family mamber that has a 2002 model. So far with the V6 engine, I have consistently gotten 25 mpg, which is excellent for a car like this. I strongly recommend it to others, as it is well-built, and a pleasuable car to own.

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  will keep forever - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Joe - August 16 - 11:40 pm

  I purchased this car used from a private party and, with its low mileage, low profile tires and after-market rims, I fell in love with it at first sight. Im still in love with its manual transmission, plush ride and still-in-style good looks after five years of care-free driving. They say the Solara is a mature womans car, but this honcho couldnt care less!