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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  2004 is a winner - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By crimefighter - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I had a 2000 Solara prior to my SLE 2004. The improvements in design, both performance wise, and styling wise are amazing. I too feel a slight pull to the left, but nothing too major. I am impressed with the comfort inside. It handles well and is a true joy to drive. It has smooth quiet acceleration and is getting great gas mileage. I have never enjoyed a car I have owned more.

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  My Toyota - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By R. Kaplan - July 17 - 4:26 am

  Its a great car in almost every way. Just that the view out of the rear view mirror is awkward. Drives beautifully and handles well. Terrific brakes.

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  Love My Car - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Dolores - July 14 - 3:50 am

  I am so happy with my 2004 Camry Solara, which I bought new in 2004. It is zippy, easy to handle, fun to drive, fast, beautiful color (Oceana Pearl)and great gas mileage. The interior is roomy, and the sound system and climate control are perfect. No problems whatsoever (other than I got a ticket for speeding not long ago.)

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  Awesome car - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Melissa Boyle - July 9 - 2:26 pm

  Great car, this is my second Toyota I love it. My first Toyota was a 1998 Camry. This is a great sports car. It is roomy and the trunk is huge. Love it. If you are ever looking for a great car that is built to last this is the car for you.

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  Great for the price - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By stuartferst - July 7 - 10:00 am

  Beautiful styling. Came in perfect shape and has stayed that way. Im keeping it.

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  Fantastic car - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Tjepp - July 2 - 1:20 pm

  I bought this car used a few years ago with ~75000 miles. Turns out to be one of the best buys Ive made. The Solara runs like a top. Its been nothing but reliable and remarkably sturdy. Even now with 105000 on the odometer the steering is still tight and it rides just as nice as the day I bought it. I had the 100000 mile service done at the dealer recently which set me back around $1000. Other than that I havent had to do anything outside of gas/tires/oil change. Overall a very good car. Comfortable, relatively roomy, great gas mileage, superb reliability, even fast and steady on the highway. The only problem now is, what do I replace it with when it does wear out in 5 to 10 years?

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  Fun, Hot Car - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Shirley Sawyer - June 20 - 2:46 pm

  I have thoroughly enjoyed my Solara Convertible. Whenever I drive it with the top down, without fail, I get a positive comment from someone in a parking lot or at a stop light. I love the great take off power and the bonus of good gas mileage. Coming from the era of fabulous "muscle cars" consider it high praise for my "Hot" Solara. Anyone who wants a fun, reliable car the Toyota Solara convertible is a great choice!

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  Solara Review - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By SLCoopes - June 18 - 10:00 am

  The only problem I had with this vehicle is that it shakes when you brake. But that might have been because of the factory brakes they put on because I have not had a problem since I changed the brakes.

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  Awesome car! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By mackabee - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Beautiful design. Extremely quiet. Lexus like quality. Excellent thigh support. Great accelaration! (Exhilaration!) Black with Dark Stone leather interior, Navigation system. Nav system is very intuitive and very easy to use.

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  Great ride, lots of fun! - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Dave - June 14 - 11:10 am

  Did two test drives. Took delivery only 3 days ago. Didnt think I would trade my 2001 Mustang convertible for anything other than a mustang GT, but I did. Solara convertible is great compared to mustang GT if you dont mind 90 hp less and better than the Pontiac G6 which gives 0 trunk space with top down. Solara has just about everything including a gps option and automatic/clutchless manual shifting (very fun). Watch the backing with the boot on - you lose almost all rear view visibility with the high boot unless you are very tall and put the seat in a high position. Have already reported this safety problem to Toyota. Would not have been a deal breaker, but maybe better discount.