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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Good car, but some concerns - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
By Ubermunch - January 29 - 8:00 pmGood car, but the first one we got had a huge flaw in the mounting of the drivers side door which cause water to come into the car. Car was swapped for a duplicate model and weve been happy so far. Check the door for fit. Car drives very well but dont expect sporty speed or cornering - its not that kind of car. Interior is well designed except for crummy cupholders. Love the aux jack and its location. Multifunction display is actually useful. Roof operates well but the lack of independent control for the rear windows is odd and annoying. Roof quality is excellent but the blind spot is larger than my previous convertibles. Overall: B+ to A-
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A Great Car for the Individualist - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By Herb - January 29 - 7:13 pmThe convertible is generally wonderful; great ergonomics, unique style quiet interior, and great ride.
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Toyota Solara convertible - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By robert o. ford - January 27 - 7:33 pmI traded a 2004 Mustang convertible for this 2006 solara convertible... absolutely no comparison, with Toyota superior ride, roominess, instrument clarity and sight appearance.... overall satisfaction on this change is undaunted. This is a keeper car.
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My opinion - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
By LSC III - January 19 - 8:23 pmGreat automobile, fun to drive, mechanically solid, looks great, worth the time.
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Not as good as my wifes Accord - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
By kmeister1 - January 17 - 10:00 amI had driven a Honda Accord but thought they were a bit pricey when I went shopping for a new car. I bought the 2002 Solara during the big sales in June, 2002, when the dealer wanted to make room for the incoming 2003s. I was looking for a reliable, roomy, safe, 5-speed, 4 cylinder vehicle with decent fuel economy. I got all of those but the car handles poorly in wet weather (left turns are especially sloppy) and the thing is too noisy on the highway. Next time Im in the market for a new car Im going back to Honda.
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Love my Convertible! - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
By buckeyegirl - January 11 - 2:00 amI had always wanted a convertible, but I wanted one with a back seat that had some style. I looked at a few, and fell in love with the Camry Solara as soon as I saw it. It is so much fun to drive, and a year later, Im so glad I bought it. Im just sad that they discontinued the model!
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Over All Pretty Satisfied - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By D.W. ESQ. - January 5 - 8:16 pmDriving mostly American made cars in the past, I would have to say I am more than happy to have made the switch to Toyota. Good fuel economy, great styling with the right package, plenty of passenger room, options, safety features, luggage space, and on and on. Toyota was not typically a car I would consider buying but when I first noticed the new design of this style Solara it had my attention right away. Being in my late twenties, I found this to be a "smart" purchase to combine safety, pleasure, and price. This vehicle "turns heads" of all ages. "Class" and "youthfulness" are both expressed through its design.
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Love My Solara! - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
By MCH - January 5 - 2:00 amMy autumn-red Toyota Solara has been so fine! Its one of the two best cars Ive ever owned in thirty years. The engine is so smooth as it accelerates through the gears. The ride is extremely nice. And theres LOTS of room inside the car. The backseat legroom is especially generous for a 2-door of this type--even long-legged men are comfortable in the back.The trunk is large and roomy. And Ive had absolutely NO mechanical work done on it in more than four years. Its a wonderful car. Love my Solara!
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Most fun with the top down! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By Utterchaos - December 22 - 8:06 pmI love my car! Its the best. I have so much fun driving it around. The trunk is huge! My two teen boys fit in the backseat fine. I cant wait for good weather, just so I can ride with the top down. Have only had one problem and that was a bad thermometer. It has HUGE blindspots with the top up, so I have spot mirrors. The car is so much fun, that it outweighs the blindspot.
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Toyota does it again - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
By Isaac - December 19 - 10:16 pmWhat a wonderful car! I bought a 99 SLE with 60K and in 2 years i have had no problems, it now has 140K and the only thing i have done is change the oil every 3k and the brakes once. I didnt even bother with the timing belt. No problems!!! The check engine light is on and its because of the back oxygen sensor heater, there are like 6 banks and one is bad, but the thing is i probably get better gas mileage because of it. Any how its a wonderful car! Toyota ROCKS!
