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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hot car to drive, body style lacking - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
By kool - October 2 - 8:53 amradio reception poor trim (chrome like) is a little cheesy... beautiful ride and comfort otherwise
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The best has come, yet isnt perfect - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
By mfullmer - October 1 - 10:00 amI had been researching this beauty since about March of this year (2004) and finally decided to "bite the bullet" in July. My Absolutely Red SLE Convertible with NAV and VSC was delivered August 15, 2004. This is, hands down, the best convertible in the $28-33k range.
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It Rocks !!! - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
By shank - September 13 - 2:50 pmBeen almost 3 years not... but I can just say, that this car has lived up to my expectations. No major issues at all. Just a few trips to the shop for the top. Interiors are great, excellent space in the rear.
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Fun In The Sun - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By Ed Levy - September 11 - 11:46 pmI have found my Toyota Solara convertible to be a very satisfying automobile. Converting it to an open car takes slightly less than 10 seconds. The top and the four windows all go down with the touch of one button. The button, unfortunately, is partially hidden behind the steering column and cannot be seen easily. A minor criticism -- but its difficult to fault the car. The ride and quietness feel like a much more expensive car. Especially the quietness which is unusual for a convertible -- and is greatly appreciated. I have driven the car 5,000 miles with absolutely no adjustments or service required. I have owned many new cars and this Solara ranks with the best. At its price, it is a bargain.
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2004 Solara is hot - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By Mickey1 - September 11 - 10:00 amJust bought this car 2 days ago and love it.
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Great Car Fun to Drive - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
By Shawn - September 5 - 10:43 pmBought the SE V6 5-speed manual brand new in Dec 98, shipped from the factory, arriving in Jan 99. Still enjoy driving it 11 years later. Regular maintenance is all that has been needed - the total cost of ownership cannot be beat. It is a sporty car that has an actual usable backseat and large trunk. At 153,000 miles, Im sure it has many more miles left.
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I want 2 b spoiled - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By Bro8x - September 5 - 2:00 amPicked this baby up a week and a day ago. Ive put about 650 miles on it so far. The car practically drives itself. Very smooth cruise at 80 mph.
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Best car Ive owned - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By Slingshot - September 5 - 2:00 amIve owned a 99 Solara and every single thing in this car has improved. More comfortable, powerful, sporty, etc. The NAV system is great and it is a joy to drive this car. It is very distinctive on the road now since very few are around (unlike the too popular Accords).
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A little Better - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By khinwinchong - September 5 - 2:00 amIts good car. But given the price tag around 30K, theres a few things to be desired. Theres little fun driving this souless machine. It can be fast but it is not that confident and communicative in the handling aspect. Polarising styling: slabby headlights and taillights went too far.
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My history of owning Toyotas - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
By PMD - September 3 - 10:00 amJust comments to share of my experience of owning Toyotas, they are one of the most reliable cars made. The only thing that I changed on my Toyota is the struts. I had Monroe struts installed and it improved the handling greatly and also the Monroe struts are cheaper in price compared to Toyota struts. I also put better tires on my Toyota, Michelin X ones.
