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:

• 

  Almost a Lexus - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Dave - May 16 - 9:53 pm

  Car drives easily, responds well and has enough power to get around in hilly terrain without effort. A V6 thats less than 2 mpg off the 4 cyl at 30.8 all around total mpg over 7600 miles of city, highway and idling at the mall. Not bad.

• 

  Solara review - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By gshep33 - May 13 - 10:00 am

  The Solara is fun to drive and gets great gas mileage. The only down side to the car is the back side windows. They are very small, making them hard to see out of.

• 

  Its Just Great - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By gary frost - May 13 - 6:16 am

  Have owned this vehicle for a couple of months, but were thrilled with it! A hot rod its not, but it has very good power, and corners and handles very well. Plus, the seating and stereo are fantastic, and the fit and finish of this car is well above average.

• 

  OK but not great - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By bluewaterbill - May 10 - 3:46 pm

  Very good looking and comfortable. Navigation system is poor. Cannot use features when car is moving, i.e. change anything. Need to stop the car. Major flaw is that the chassis shakes like hell when going over bumps, cowl shake. Even the rear view mirror shakes. Dealer says convertibles do that. Ive had many previous ones and never experienced this before.

• 

  Finally I found my car. - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By RnR - May 10 - 2:43 pm

  I bought my 99 Solara with 97,000 miles on it in February 07, and I made my best vehicle purchase ever. This car is such a solid, well built, stylish, dream of a car that I cant believe its almost 9 years old. Sometimes I just go places to drive it. Yes, I replaced the front struts, and then the strut plates. I put a Pioneer C.D. player (the stock one was broken) in the car. I also put a cold air intake on it to improve mpg. Big difference on trips, not so noticable in town. I also have a Tacoma, and Toyota totally rocks! I totally love my 99 Solara! Toyotas are the best value!

• 

  Fun to drive - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Solara Convertible - April 30 - 11:30 am

  This car is a pleasure to drive, very smooth and very quiet. When the top is up it doesnt even feel like a convertible. My only complaint is the small back window but you get used to it.

• 

  I dont love it - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Mar1454 - April 29 - 7:40 pm

  I love the styling, the ride is smooth, plenty of back seat space for guests -- BUT -- the blind spots are horrible and there is a slight hesitation on acceleration on the highway.

• 

  Finally - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Matt Welborn - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I finally bought a new car, and wow. I love this car. I have been told that Toyota made a mistake and should have put this car in the Lexus lineup. I must say I agree.

• 

  Superb - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Cyrenic - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I was also deciding between the g35 coupe and the new maxima, but for the price you cant beat this car. I bought the SE Sport in black and the car is drop dead gorgeous inside and out. I couldnt be happier with my decision. Perfect blend of class and sportiness.

• 

  Problems... - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By upset customer - April 17 - 2:00 am

  From the beginning, the car pulled to the left. Toyota does not know how to fix. Also, Tire Gauge light does not turn off. Toyota does not know how to fix. Been in the dealer more than Ive driven it. Its a shame because its a beautiful car. Ive gotten lots of complements on it. Unfortunately, the dealer has not been very helpful. Instituted the Lemon Law. :(