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:
Showing 941 through 950 of 1,098.00-
204 Solara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By Reldnahc - June 12 - 2:00 amTraded 2003 Solara for 2004. Love new feature and appearance. Great car
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2004 Solara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By poindexter - June 1 - 10:00 amMy husband and I love our Solara. The leather interior is beautiful. The car handles very well. The only thing I think could be improved would be the air conditioning. It is very hard to control and keep it at a even temperature. It seems to be too cold or not cold enough.
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Fun car without XM Radio - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By DS7111 - June 1 - 10:00 amGreat convertible for the money compared to Chrysler or Ford. Much more for your money than $15,000 extra would cost for BMW or others. If interested in the XM satellite radio, negotiate the price up front since it will cost you over $700 to make the factory unit work after the fact in the SLE model. I was told I could take the vehicle to Best Buy to have the necessary equipment installed to make the "XM Ready" stereo work. Not true. You must install Toyota parts to make the head unit work as designed unless you want to add another head unit. Most Toyota dealers do not understand or have experience with XM radio.
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This car is my baby - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By Katherine - May 30 - 6:50 pmWhere do I start... I loooove this car. My family gets mad at me because I wont let anyone else drive it, and I am very finicky where I park it, how close people get to me on the road, how close people park to me, etc. Yes, I am obsessive. haha. Whats not to like? It is a hot looking car, smooooth riding, reliable, dependable, well-built, great horsepower (I have the v6 engine), and feels like luxury. I love the color I chose, cosmic blue metallic. I have only seen a handful of them out there. This is my first Toyota but it certainly will not be my last.
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Great Choice - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By Patricia - May 18 - 1:10 amPurchased this car in May of 2006, trading in my 4 year old, gas guzzling SUV. Wasnt sure how I would adjust to a smaller vehicle but I LOVE IT! This car goes to the beach almost every weekend and receives stares every time. Parking is much easier than in my previous auto and the car drives great. I recommend it to everyone!
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Solara- Excellent Long Ranger - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
By Gene - May 9 - 8:50 amI keep cars a long time. My 97 Solara should break my record for longevity. Brought it new and it now has 171200 miles on it. It is also a 5-speed (special ordered) V6, and the clutch is still original and still tight. Mileage is about 33mpg if I can keep my speed below 65mph. Reality has been excellent and I only had a suspension problem, which took Toyota several attempts, but was finally fixed. If you can get one used, it is an excellent choice.
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The Best Toyota I Have Ever Owned - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
By Carole Wilk - April 24 - 8:36 pmI get about 20-22 MPG on the road. I installed the back up beeping sound to alert me if anything is in my path. The car has been great!! I love driving it. I have been a Toyota driver for years. This particular Solara has a Lexus look and feel.
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Florida Solara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By Mpradzinski - April 24 - 2:00 amThis is the best new car I ever purchased. Not one problem with the car over the first 4000 miles. It rides better than the Accord at a better price. If you are looking for a fun coupe, the Solara is it. Toyota did a great job on the re-design.
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My experience - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
By Steve I. - April 20 - 11:56 amI leased a 2000 Solara and the transmission died in 2 years. It the took the dealer almost a month to locate a replacement transmission. I would not deal with this car again. I cant wait until my lease is up to dump this car.
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Thinks its a Lexus - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
By freindinthebiz - April 20 - 4:43 amI sell nearly every other Brand of automobile except Toyota. My wife has had a wealth of nice cars before and since our marriage. The 1999 Solara I am reviewing is the nicest we have ever owned. Smooth, quiet, roomy, comfortable and great value for the money spent.
