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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  Solid Car - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By dylancasb - November 8 - 4:17 pm

  I bought my 01 18 months ago with 58,000 miles on it. Since then I have put 30,000 miles on it. I have had no trouble with the vehicle at all. However, when I first bought it I had to put one quart of oil in whenever it reached 2K miles since an oil change. I began changing the oil every 2K miles and now it doesnt use any oil even if I go past 3K between oil changes (sludge can be a problem with this model engine and frequent oil changes are a good idea). The 4cyl is a little underpowered but it gets good mileage. The interior fit is sound throughout the car. The hood finish is rough and seems to be a common problem with solaras in these years.

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  Easy on the brakes - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By vetworker - October 30 - 10:00 am

  Great car, BUT, I had to replace the brakes TWICE and the tires once. The dealer said the brakes were not warranty items, except the brakes were replaced after only 6,000 miles! Something called a caliper kept sticking. The tires (crappy, soft Potenzas) had to be replaced after 15,000 miles. Expensive replacements.

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  Toyota Quality Not What it used to be - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By rb106 - October 24 - 7:10 pm

  Car has chronic problem with pulling to right, front windows bang when they go down into door and the dealer says that is normal as the car ages. The car does not handle roads very well, there are lots of rattles and rides very rough. I have owned several Toyotas and this is by far the worst Toyota I have ever owned. I know that everyone who writes loves theirs but I cant say the same. The dealer and Toyota specialist keep telling me that Im too fussy and all the problems are in my head. Friends that drive the car agree that there is something wrong but I cant seem to get Toyota to agree with me.

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  Amazing - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By SpeedyII - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Great looking and super performance

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  A roomier Lexus 430SC - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By JESteff - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Comfortable, powerful, roomy, great looks, who could ask for anything more for less than $30,000.00. I looked aroud and could not find anything else in its class.

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  Nice... - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By nickistner - October 12 - 2:00 am

  This is my second car (previously owned an integra) and i love it. Its not only nicer but faster than the integra i previously owned. Im currently in the process of adding performance parts to it. I have nothing to regret about buying this car.

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  What a Car - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Toy2me - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I have had the car for 3 week, The drive is smooth and quiet. Excellent interior and exterior design.

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  Best Car Ever Built - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By kwn1237 - October 10 - 5:56 pm

  My Toyota Solara just hit 220,000 miles and still has the ORIGINAL alternator, motor, transmission, radiator, hoses, A/C compressor, and much much more. All the car ever needs is gas and oil to run for an infinite amount of miles. There is no rust at all and the interior still looks as if it is brand new. I recently had the car in the transmission shop because the rubber seal had cracked from age, he was absolutely astounded that most of the parts are original, especially the transmission which he claims if the oldest highest mileage one he has seen in his career. He said the car, if taken care of, will EASILY see 350,000. I will never own a better car in my life, truly on a level of its own

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  I feel like a princess! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By imalady - October 7 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! I waited a long time for a convertible with room in the trunk to carry items. This car handles so easily and is so quiet!

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  Excellent, Fast, Sporty - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By denver_blonde - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Had a 2002 Solara Convertible SLE V6 and this one blows it away in style and performance. I love the new interior - its sporty and classy at the same time. I get compliments on this car EVERY DAY. Opted to not get the navigation system but love the looks of the stereo anyway.