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:
Showing 851 through 860 of 1,098.00-
2003 Solara - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
By Aqua - April 18 - 10:00 amI love my new Solara! The handling is great, rides the road very smoothly, dont feel the bumps like I did in my other car (a GM car) Got great service! I couldnt be happier!
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Looks like a million dollars - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By Ryanhenry - April 18 - 10:00 amI can say that when I first went looking for a replacement for my Bonneville I had no intention of looking at a Solara. Im young, only 23, so I have my sports car in the garage, but I need a daily driver. I go into the Lexus dealership to look over an IS300. I chat with the dealer for a second, then he mentions the Solara. I took it for a spin, came back and took it home. The design is flawless, and the quality used is excellent. Overall, I would say this is the best way to get the quality and style that everyone looks for in a BMW, but not the price tag associated with it.
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The Dream Convertible - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
By Terri Noyes - April 11 - 8:10 amI have waited since I was 16 to find the perfect convertible-the Toyota Solara is fantastic-it is the quality of a luxury car with an unbelievably great price.
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Awsum Toyota Sulara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By tom reynolds - April 11 - 2:00 amThe day my wife and I set out to look for a new car, we were looking for a new crysler. we have a 90" dynasty and had fair luck with it. but we were looking for style and something to have for 200,ooo. mls or more! we saw the sulara and took it for a drive. this is the car for us. the car has a nice feel and lots of power and cool style.
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my convertible - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By gardenfeever - April 1 - 10:00 amI love this car; lots of room even in the trunk.
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A Little Lexus - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By LarryMit - March 31 - 10:03 pmOur first "foreign" car, and Ive been converted. The fit and finish are top-notch. Everything works as advertised. My wife wanted a "mid-life crisis" car and this one fills the bill and still has a great back seat for the kids. I dont know how many times its been mistaken for a BMW, Audi, or Mercedes from the outside, and if you get in youd still have a problem saying it isnt as nice as any of those.
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Great car! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By John - March 30 - 8:36 amBy far the best car Ive ever owned. Style is beautiful and catches peoples eyes. Smooth ride.
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FABULOUS - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
By Cher - March 28 - 9:56 amThis car is like driving a luxury car. Styled like the Lexus es 330 ! Priced much LESS! Wow what a BARGAIN! Youll think you are driving a EXPENSIVE LEXUS and people will have to look twice! GREAT CAR TOYOTA!
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Toyota Solara Converttible - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By john r. Perkins - March 26 - 10:00 amPurchased this newly designed Solara Convertible on the basis of my Lexus and it is (Along with my Lexus) the best convetible Ive ever had, which includes Mercedes, mustangs and sebrings.Fun to drive, but I also enjoy the numererous comments I get.
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Solara convertible - "Miles o Smiles" - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By John C. Brooks - March 23 - 2:20 pmExcellent handling. Good pickup. Very good cornering. Easy convertible top. Sound system good but FM pickup sometimes spotty. LCD gauges for remaining fuel, time and ambient temperature very hard to read unless headlamps are on.
