Toyota Camry Solara Review

2007 Toyota Camry Solara coupe

2007 Toyota Camry Solara convertible

The Toyota Camry Solara is designed off of the Toyota Camry Sedan and is targeted at the practical sport enthusiast. With the reliability and fuel consumption of a mid-sized sedan, the Toyota Camry Solar still provides its owners with an exciting driving experience from point A to point B. While nowhere near a racing sports car, reviewers have praised Toyota’s rendition of this sportier Camry Sedan and in 2000, Edmunds gave it the Editors' Most Wanted Vehicle award in its class.

See also the main fact sheets for the Toyota Camry Solara.

High Points

• Useful rear seat for a coupe
• Reliability
• Aerodynamically efficient
• Good cargo capacity

Low Points

• Lack of body control / chassis rigidity could be better
• Seats need more side support
• Seat design a bit bland
• Soft top does not provide enough sound dampening
• Audio quality from JBL sound system a bit lacking

Performance and Handling

Toyota's VVT-i engine

On the road the Toyota Camry Solara’s ride is pleasant because it is sprung softly. The suspension filters bumps and noise, yet it doesn't isolate the driver from valuable road feel. Still, the Solara is no sports car, either. It corners fairly flat, but the tires start squealing when it's driven hard. For most people, this is not an issue.

The Toyota Camry Solara’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine has 16 valves and double overhead camshafts; it develops 154 horsepower at 5700 rpm and 160 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm.

The 3.3-liter V6 option produces 210 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 220 pound-feet at 3600 rpm. The most important of these numbers is the lower engine speed where peak torque is developed; the higher torque at lower rpm means the 3.3-liter engine will be a more flexible engine that's more responsive in any given situation.

Both engines are equipped with Toyota's VVT-i system (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) for optimum power and efficiency and lower emissions. All are cast from lightweight aluminum, and all achieve an ultra-low ULEV II emissions rating.

Styles and Options

The Toyota Camry Solara is available as a coupe or convertible. There are 3 trims available: SE, Sport, and SLE.

SE

Toyota Camry Solara SE interior

The SE is your base model coming standard with:

• Power automatic door locks and windows
• Remote keyless entry system
• Cruise control
• Steering wheel audio controls
• AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer with satellite radio capability
• 16-in. aluminum alloy wheels with P215/60R16 tires
• Silver metallic-style interior trim
• Multi-function trip computer

SPORT

Sport Convertible interior shown in Dark Charcoal with available JBL audio system

The Sport offers sportier looks and performance including:

• 17-in. aluminum alloy wheels with P215/55R17 tires
• Front and rear underbody spoilers and side rocker panel moldings
• Sport-tuned suspension
• Rear sport spoiler
• Stainless steel exhaust tip
• Black graphite-style interior trim
• Unique sport gauge cluster
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and parking brake handle
• Chrome-accented parking brake button and air vents
• Aluminum sport pedal covers

SLE

SLE Convertible interior shown in Ivory leather

The most expensive SLE offers a more luxurious interior with:

• Wood-grain-style interior trim
• Power-adjustable driver seat
• Power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade
• JBL premium AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer with satellite radio capability
• Heated outside mirrors with driver-side auto-dimming feature
• Front-console illumination panel
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass
• Hands-free phone-calling capability via Bluetooth
• Anti-theft system

Main Competitors

• Honda Accord coupe: side-by-side comparison

• Pontiac G6: side-by-side comparison

• Ford Mustang: side-by-side comparison

External Links

WikiCars Contributor Favorites

Honda Manufacturer Sites

• Toyota Camry Solara - Official US Site

Community Sites

• Solaraguy.org - a site dedicated to the Camry Solara
• Toyota Nation Solara Forum