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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  Best Car Ever - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By finch13 - March 10 - 10:39 am

  at 49 I have owned many car brands but this solara has been the best ever. Bought it 3 years ago with 82km and now have 171km and it runs like new. 3 weeks ago I hit black ice and went over a bank and almost cried at the thought that it may be totalled. It was repairable and will get it back this week. Regular maintenance & new timing belt, water pump is all Ive ever done to it. Plan on running it until it literally falls apart. Only thing I would trade it for is a newer one with less miles.

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  Wonderful Car! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Victor - February 19 - 11:23 pm

  This is my second Solara Convertible. First was a 2001. The car is beautiful, dependable, and always attracts attention. Only real downside is the rearview visibility. Rear window is too small and the rear seat headrests are too big.

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  Excellent Car! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By beaj - February 15 - 7:16 am

  Excellent quality both initial and after 15000 miles. Performance, styling, ride are all excellent especially considering the price of this vehicle. The engine is so quiet that my wife occasionally complains that she cant hear it running at a stop light.

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  Great Car, Summer Fun - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By carluvr - February 12 - 3:46 am

  I think Toyota is making a huge mistake in discontinuing this model. I was in a rear-end collision and had I been in a two seater, I shudder to think of where I would be now. the car is well built and ultimately protected me so that not only did I walk away, I returned to work later, when I stopped shaking. I suffered whiplash and Im still dealing with that. The dealership did a fabulous job in returning the car to its original condition and you cant even tell it was in an accident.

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  A Little Disappointing - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By convertible guy - February 9 - 4:26 am

  I bought the Solara in August, and was having a blast putting the top down. At first, I thought it was the car for me! But when I figured out all of the problems, I decided otherwise. After two months, I kept getting water leakage in the interior. Now, I knew there would probably be a little bit considering it was a convertible, but I didnt know there would be drips and runs of water every time I washed it or drove it in the rain! Also, there is a significant blind spot in the rear! I dont feel very comfortable driving it not knowing whos behind me. I think that they should make the rear window larger like the old style of Solara.

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  I have always wanted to own this car - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Trish Britcher - February 6 - 7:03 pm

  The only mark "9" was for interior design. The reason for this was due to the trouble I have with the large blind spots. The mirrors I have noticed have helped tremendously but, I still have fears changing lanes to my right. As for everything else? I love every bit of it. I love the console, the seats (front and back). The front pass. seat has very spacious leg room. I have a very tall husband and daughter. He can sit in the front with all the leg room and she can sit behind him with her space without complaint.

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  best convertible on the road - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Joseph Stassi - February 6 - 6:50 am

  This is the most amazing car ive ever owned. i traded a 03 jaguar x-type for this and actually have much more back seat leg room and plusher interior. i just sold my 95 celica convertible with 130,000 miles on it to my best friend because i needed something bigger; but its immaculate also and still runs as good as new. i have a black one with gray leather that i put 18" wheels on and blacked out the grill and chrome and custom painted the head and tail lights. i constantly have people admiring it and wondering what it is... i had all of the lettering removed.

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  Great Car!!! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Rob Powers - February 1 - 5:40 pm

  Overall, an excellent car.First toyotal and we are very pleased.ONE major complaint is that the posterior design creates a huge blind spot for the driver.You better be a driver who uses your mirrors very well otherwise you might have problems.Fuel economy is oustanding,34mgp/highway at 75mph. Blind spot may make us sell car, my wife cant see very well with the blind spots. 4cyl engine gets the car out of its own way very nicely so we decided no need for V6 and save few bucks on gas.

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  Loved this car - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Lacey Frey - January 28 - 7:26 pm

  I loved this car, great mileage, looks fantastic, handles well.

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  2001 TRD solara- Awesome car! I love it! - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Mike Tornatore - January 24 - 2:46 am

  I bought a 2001 se v6 solara which are very rare. Many aftermarket upgrades have been done. It has a TRD short throw shifter, TRD exhuast which adds about 5-10hp, TRD 7 piece body kit, 18 inch TSW wheels, TRD springs and struts which lower the car 2 inches, and ive also put in a K&N filter(+5hp) which also boosted the Horsepower. The car rides like a dream and handles great as well. The 5 speed transmission is a blast to drive and the car wants to get up and go. The car is very comfortable and incredibly roomy for a 2 door coupe. I do not have any complaints about the car and the car has been getting an avg. of 28 mpg combo of city/highway driving!! I highly recommend this car to all!!