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 871 through 880 of 1,098.00-
red - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
By jungle - February 19 - 8:56 amThe Camry Solara Convertible is pure pleasure to drive. I have owned it for just over 4 months. It is very comfortable. It fits me perfectly. It doesn,t take long to put the top up or down. Friends and neighbors are impressed with the appearance and the ride. I am having much fun owning it.
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New Owner - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
By Craig D - February 18 - 1:13 pmSuper fun! Youll get lots of looks and people will stop you and ask what is it. Great engine and great mileage. Back seat has lots of leg room for adults and is very comfortable. The sound system is very impressive too! The only draw back is the dash could be a little higher for a better view for taller drivers and the numbers for the average mileage / range/ instant mileage, the clock, and the outside tempature are a little hard to read during the day. But this is the most fun car Ive ever own. I highly recommend this car!
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new solara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By mattttttt - February 18 - 10:00 amThis car is so fun to drive i never want to get out of the driver seat.
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You want a Lexus?.....Buy the Solara!! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By Boner - February 18 - 10:00 amThe exterior styling is a head turner, and the interior is impeccable. Smooth silent performance, great gas mileage for a big car. Class and refinement up the wazoo.
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Its a good quality item - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
By Jason - February 12 - 12:13 amI have found this to be an excellent vehicle. The fit and finish of the interior is excellent, very good quality materials with good styling. Ive heard bad reviews about the engine and the power it produces, but I have zero complaints about the get up and go. The power is sporty enough for most normal human beings, and the car handles well through turns. Although the the owners manual recommends premium fuel, you can still put regular in it without any problems. However, I think youll notice a difference if you spend a little more on the premium.
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Very Happy - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By dicker - February 11 - 10:00 amReally, what competition is there to the Solara convertible? The Chrysler Sebring is a quality joke, and actually costs more similarly equipped. The Ford Mustang is old technology, at least until the 2005s are available. (Then try to buy one for six months.) The Turbo Beetle costs two thousand dollars less, but it is definitely not in the same class. The Solara offers Toyota quality, 7 second to 60 mph performance and luxurious accomodations. This truly is a great buy.
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Burst Bubble Too - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
By U-boat commander - February 10 - 2:06 amIve owned many cars, but this is my first new Toyota. Given their reputation, I thought this would be a good car to get. So far, its been a disaster. Stalled, rough engine all around (especially on warm up) and dealer finds no problems. Lugging and poor engine performance on turns and on upshift. Reset computer to no avail. There is a fix, but only for the 07 Camry that has the same problems. Not available for the Solara yet, if ever, they tell me. Severe rainwater leaks not only from cowl, but both doors as well. Ive gotten used to driving loaner cars, it spent two weeks in the dealership just getting those leaks fixed. MPG on dash shows around 28 steady, actual can be as low as 19.
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My Solara - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
By ken collier - February 9 - 2:00 amdriving it is like setting on the couch. much better driving long distances over my old bmw 325ic
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great! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
By wadosfriend - February 7 - 10:00 amThis car drives effortlessly! Is very quiet. Handles great. Roomy inside even for backseat passengers. Would highly recommend this vehicle!
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Love the car - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By andi - February 3 - 3:50 pmI love my solara. It is comfortable to ride in and yet stylish with good gas milage. You couldnt ask for any more in a car.
