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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  What a find!! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By wampaku - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Really wanted a sports car but have knee problems that make exit difficult. A friend suggested the Solara and I was very pleasantly surprised. Almost as much fun as a true sports car and the comfort of a luxury sedan. Love the car more than I would have ever expected.

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  Almost Perfect - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Barbara - August 27 - 6:40 pm

  My Toyota Solara V6 SLE coupe is a joy to drive with the exception of several rattles and squeaks in the interior. I have tried to attribute these rattles to a particular item, but cannot. They are intermittent and they change. I am disappointed that this otherwise flawless vehicle sounds a bit junky at times with only 6500 miles on it. What will it be like 3 or 4 years from now?

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  In agreement with patomacdude - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Yolove - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car Ive ever had. Ive gotten so many complements on this car, theres not a big difference in the 00,01,02 or 03 except for the lights in the rear. I love this car.

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  Nice but not reliable - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By AlK - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Room & comfort front & back great. Great acceleration if air off. Too many mechanical problems. Defective valve spring - took dealer 3 days to ID & fix engine when car was less than a month old. Front struts replaced @22,000 miles. Front brakes and rotors replaced & 22,000 and 35,000 for rust problems ($360). Anti-lock brakes extend stopping distance on rough surfaces and sometimes kick in for no reason.Car will be paid off soon & will be history before the brakes go again.

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  Solara is Great (except in snow) - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By EmCrocker - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Bought used with 11k at 1 year old. Good pickup; handles well at high speeds. Not great in snow.

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  LOVE this car :) - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By me_lisa_m - July 28 - 11:46 pm

  I waited for years to invest in a convertible, and fell in love with this one. I waited until the color I wanted became available (I bought used) and I found one, couldnt be happier. I highly recommend the navigational system (nicer than my husbands $55k Denali). The car is the best I have ever purchased. Highly recommend!

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  Love this car - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Byron49er - July 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is the most resonably price luxery, sports coupe on the market. Similar to the Accord but rare.

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  Great Fun . . . Great Car - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By lmb - July 18 - 11:33 am

  Actually I have a 2001 SLE Convertible, but aside from a few cosmetic alterations the car is identical to the 2002 model. Great car, and a lot of fun to drive. O.K., its not a true "sports" car, more like a cruiser, but it is so much nicer and more reliable than the Sebring. I looked at the BMW, Saab, and Volo convertibles, but opted for the Toyota. Saved 10k+ and have more room for people sitting in the back seat. Plus less time in the shop means fewer headaches.

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  Love my Solara - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By bab - July 18 - 2:00 am

  No problems - I have the oil changed and get my tune ups on time and put in gas and go. I have the V6 and love the power and smooth ride. Am coming up on the 3rd year of owning it and still love this car.

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  Nice car but poor steering - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By gordons - July 18 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent car (bought the 2002 SE V6 new)but the steering is fuzzy (doesnt track well). It takes a lot away from the driving experience for a sporty looking car with a V6.