1997-2003 Toyota Camry/Solara: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2003 Toyota Solara
View the Photo Gallery
View the Photo Gallery
1997-2003 Toyota Camry/Solara ▼
- Price Range: $2,600 - $13,400
Reviews & Ratings
Pricing
Explore
Specifications & Safety
Related to Toyota Camry/Solara
Related Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1997-2003 Toyota Camry/Solara and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Build quality
- Ride
- Acceleration (V6)
- Quietness
Cons
- Steering feel
- Rear visibility
Vehicle Highlights
When Toyota redesigned its mainstream model for 1997, it grew from compact to midsize. In addition, the former coupe and wagon body styles were deleted. All that remained was the 4-door sedan. Wheelbase grew by 2.1 inches. Other exterior and interior dimensions increased by less than an inch apiece. Weight rose only modestly, and cargo volume shrunk from 14.9 to 14.1 cubic feet. Sedans came in base CE, midrange LE, and top-line XLE trim, with a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine or 3.0-liter V6. An automatic transmission was standard, except for the 4-cylinder CE (where automatic was optional), and the V6 CE, which came only with manual shift. All Camrys had dual airbags. Antilock braking was optional on the 4-cylinder CE, but standard on other models. Sedans with the V6 engine had 4-wheel disc brakes, while 4-cylinder models halted with rear drums. A redesigned interior now had 3-point lap/shoulder belts at all five seating positions. Audio controls stood above the climate controls in the new instrument panel, and a low washer-fluid warning was added.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Toyota Camry LE V-6 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 52 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1997-2003 Toyota Camry/Solara. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1997-2003 Toyota Camry/Solara.
Year to Year Changes
1998 Toyota Camry/Solara:
Seat-mounted side airbags became optional.
1999 Toyota Camry/Solara:
A Camry Solara coupe joined the sedan this season. Unlike previous Camry coupes, the Solara had unique styling and chassis tuning. In base SE trim, the Solara had a 4-cylinder engine, with manual or automatic transmission, but the SLE coupe had the V6 and automatic. Solara engines were slightly more powerful than those installed in Camry sedans.
2000 Toyota Camry/Solara:
Camry grilles, bumpers, and taillights were new, along with multireflector headlamps and self-propping hoods. XLE models added imitation wood interior trim, and the XLE V6 adopted standard 16-inch wheels. The CE's 4-cylinder engine gained 3 horsepower. A Solara convertible joined the coupe in midseason, in three versions: 4-cylinder SE, SE V6, and SLE.
2001 Toyota Camry/Solara:
For 2001, a new Gallery Series package dressed up LEs with 2-tone paint and cloth interior, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, among other trim items. CE models replaced 14-inch tires and a compact spare with 15-inch wheels and a full-size spare.
2002 Toyota Camry/Solara:
Camry was redesigned in 2002, but Toyota continued to sell the Solara for two more years on the existing platform. The only significant change for '02 to the Solara was a switch to a new 4-cylinder engine. Now displacing 2.4 liters, it made 157 horsepower, up from 138 a year prior.
2003 Toyota Camry/Solara:
Solara was unchanged for '03. A new model would debut in 2004.
Our road test for the 1997-2003 Toyota Camry/Solara includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1997-2003 Toyota Camry/Solara and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1997-2003 Toyota Camry/Solara is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
All models have less wind and road noise than average. Suspensions readily iron out the rough stuff, while providing a stable and comfortable highway ride. Cornering is marked by moderate body lean, with good grip and safe front-drive responses. Steering is quick and centers well after turns, but effort is too low and road feel is too numb for the best control. In addition, even the more firmly suspended Solara coupe tends to "float" over uneven surfaces. Smooth and quiet for a 4-cylinder, Camry's base engine provides adequate acceleration even with an automatic transmission.Better in 2002 when the engine was enlarged to 2.4 liters. The V6 is far more impressive--smoother and quieter yet, yielding good pickup from low speeds as well as swift passing/merging action. An LE sedan with the V6 averaged a passable 20.4 mpg in hard city/freeway driving. An '01 4-cylinder model returned 22.5 mpg, despite more urban driving. Brakes work beautifully, capable of short, arrow-straight panic stops with little nosedive. Back-seat space is greater than in the prior generation, but four adults will be more comfortable than five. Like most midsize cars, Camry does not have quite enough rear-cabin width to permit uncrowded three-abreast travel. Head and leg room are ample, however, in both front and rear. Entry/exit isn't a problem, either, except into the backseat of the Solara coupe, due to low, narrow rear passageways and lack of a slide-forward driver's seat. Camry cargo space is competitive, and all models have a handy split folding rear seatback. Solara's trunk opening is high, and space is not all that large. Dashboards are typical Toyota, conveniently organized and attractively styled. Most instruments and controls are easy to see and reach. One exception involves the climate panel, which is too low in the center for the easiest operation while driving. Visibility is good, except for a minor over-the-right-shoulder blind spot, due to the wide rear roof posts and tall trunk. Solara coupes have more visibility troubles than the sedan.
Value for the Money
Tight, careful assembly quality helps make the Camry a top-notch value, and a top choice in a midsize family sedan.
Tight, careful assembly quality helps make the Camry a top-notch value, and a top choice in a midsize family sedan.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Toyota Camry LE V-6 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 52 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Toyota Camry/Solara includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Toyota Camry/Solara .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Audio system:
The CD player may not accept or eject CDs. (1997)
Brake noise:
Original-equipment brake pads are noisy causing groaning, grinding, squeaking, and vibration. A revised lining is available. (1997-98)
Brake noise:
Groaning from the rear brakes may be corrected with revised brake drums. (1999)
Doors:
The fuel door does not open when the release is pulled due to weak spring. (1997-98)
Engine noise:
Belt squeal and rattle on cold engine due to faulty tensioner on 2AZ-FE engine requires updated tensioner. (2001-03)
Power seats:
The front power seats may chatter requiring replacement of the seat-adjuster assembly (1997-98) or manually operated seat cushion on driver's side moves. (1997)
Sunroof/moonroof:
The moonroof may rattle when it is opened about four inches or the glass panel may get skewed and will not retract. (1997)
Suspension noise:
Groaning noise from front end when going over speed bumps etc. corrected by installing revised spring bumpers on front struts. (1997-98)
Suspension noise:
Noises from the front end when driving over dips in the road are a result of defective upper strut-tower cushions. (1997-98)
Water leak:
Water leaks into trunk due to loose or missing air duct flaps. (1997-01)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $890 |
| Alternator | $380 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,105 |
| Brakes | $160 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $600 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $510 |
| Exhaust System | $570 |
| Radiator | $585 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $840 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $260 |
Our price chart for this generation Toyota Camry/Solara details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2003 | |||
| Camry Solara conv. | $11,200-12,500 | $10,100-11,300 | $6,000-6,800 |
| Camry Solara coupe | $8,000-9,200 | $7,200-8,300 | $4,100-4,700 |
| Solara SLE conv. | $13,200-14,700 | $12,000-13,400 | $7,700-8,500 |
| Solara SLE coupe | $10,200-11,400 | $9,200-10,300 | $5,300-5,900 |
| 2002 | |||
| Camry Solara conv. | $9,500-10,500 | $8,600-9,500 | $4,900-5,500 |
| Camry Solara coupe | $6,600-7,600 | $5,800-6,700 | $3,000-3,500 |
| Solara SLE conv. | $11,500-12,700 | $10,400-11,400 | $6,300-7,000 |
| Solara SLE coupe | $8,600-9,600 | $7,700-8,600 | $4,500-5,000 |
| 2001 | |||
| Camry CE, LE | $5,800-7,200 | $5,000-6,300 | $2,400-3,000 |
| Camry Solara conv. | $8,200-9,200 | $7,400-8,300 | $4,200-4,700 |
| Camry Solara coupe | $5,900-6,800 | $5,100-5,900 | $2,500-2,900 |
| Camry XLE | $7,300-8,200 | $6,600-7,400 | $3,600-4,000 |
| Solara SLE conv. | $10,000-11,000 | $9,000-9,900 | $5,200-5,700 |
| Solara SLE coupe | $7,500-8,400 | $6,800-7,600 | $3,800-4,200 |
| 2000 | |||
| Camry CE, LE | $5,100-6,000 | $4,300-5,100 | $2,000-2,400 |
| Camry Solara conv. | $7,200-8,200 | $6,400-7,300 | $3,500-4,000 |
| Camry Solara coupe | $5,300-6,100 | $4,600-5,200 | $2,200-2,500 |
| Camry XLE | $6,300-7,100 | $5,500-6,200 | $2,800-3,100 |
| Solara SLE conv. | $8,600-9,600 | $7,700-8,600 | $4,500-5,000 |
| Solara SLE coupe | $6,600-7,400 | $5,800-6,500 | $3,000-3,400 |
| 1999 | |||
| Camry CE, LE | $4,400-5,200 | $3,700-4,300 | $1,500-1,800 |
| Camry Solara coupe | $4,700-5,400 | $3,900-4,500 | $1,800-2,100 |
| Camry XLE | $5,300-6,000 | $4,600-5,200 | $2,200-2,500 |
| Solara SLE coupe | $5,700-6,400 | $4,900-5,500 | $2,300-2,600 |
| 1998 | |||
| Camry CE, LE | $3,800-4,500 | $3,100-3,700 | $1,200-1,400 |
| Camry XLE | $4,500-5,200 | $3,700-4,300 | $1,600-1,900 |
| 1997 | |||
| Camry CE, LE | $3,300-4,000 | $2,600-3,200 | $800-1,000 |
| Camry XLE | $4,000-4,700 | $3,300-3,900 | $1,300-1,500 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Toyota Camry/Solara include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door convertible | 2-door coupe | 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 105.1 | 105.2 | 105.2 |
| Overall Length, in. | 190.0 | 190.0 | 188.5 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.1 | 71.1 | 70.1 |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.5 | 55.1 | 55.4 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3437 | 3120 | 2998 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 8.8 | 13.8 | 14.1 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.5 | 18.5 | 18.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.8 | 38.3 | 38.6 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.3 | 43.3 | 43.5 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.7 | 36.2 | 37.6 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.3 | 35.2 | 35.5 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||
Powertrain Options and Availability
A 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine was standard under Camry hoods, rated at 133 horsepower (raised to 136 in 2000). Any model might have the optional dual-overhead-cam V6 instead, making 194 horsepower. Except for the CE series, a 4-speed automatic transmission was standard. Horsepower/torque ratings were slightly lower when sold with California emissions equipment. Solara engines were rated at 135 and 200 horsepower, respectively, in 1999. Solara's 4-cylinder rose to 138 horsepower in 2000. In 2002, the 2.2-liter four was replaced by a 2.4-liter unit. It made 157 horsepower and again mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 2.4 / 144 | 157 | 162 | 5-speed manual: 24/33 4-speed automatic: 24/32 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc I4 | 2.2 / 132 | 133-138 | 147 | 5-speed manual: 23/31 4-speed automatic: 23/30 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 22.5 |
| dohc V6 | 3.0 / 183 | 194-200 | 209-214 | 5-speed manual: 20/28 4-speed automatic: 19/26 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 20.4 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan, USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Toyota Camry/Solara include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 Camry |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1997-2003 Toyota Camry/Solara directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1997 in 19 states:
In extreme cold for an extended period, accumulated moisture can temporarily freeze in brake-vacuum hose, resulting in elimination of power-brake assist.
1997:
Accumulated moisture can temporarily freeze in brake-vacuum hose.
1997:
Ignition key can be removed even when gearshift lever is not in "Park" position.
1997-98:
Insufficiently tightened steering-wheel nut may cause steering vibration and looseness; nut could eventually come off, leading to separation from shaft.
1998:
Audiovox Securikey+ Security System can malfunction causing electrical failure; can cause engine to run poorly and stall, and electrical components can intermittently fail.
1998:
Some wheel lug nuts are defective, causing loss of torque, fatigue fracture of wheel, and possible loss of wheel.
1998-2000 Camry made in KY:
Accelerator-cable housing could be deformed at the cruise-control actuator-to-throttle body connection. The accelerator inner-cable could wear away and eventually break, increasing the risk of a crash.
2000:
Due to improper heat treatment, certain rear-axle shafts could fail or break after extended use.
2001 Camry:
Accelerator cable housing could fail at the cruise control actuator-to-throttle body connection. This could allow the throttle to return to idle or remain in its most recent position regardless of accelerator pedal operation.
2001 Camry:
Front-subframe assembly was not adequately welded. This condition could cause failure of the assembly, increasing the risk of a crash.
2001 Camry:
The front sub frame assembly has not been adequately welded. This condition could cause failure of the assembly following long-term usage, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect and replace the front sub frame, if necessary.
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
