2000 Toyota Camry/Solara: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Minor trim and equipment revisions highlight the year-2000 editions of America's best-selling car line and its companion coupe series, while a convertible version of the 2-door is new this spring.
Camry far outsells Solara and offers sedans in CE, LE, and top-shelf XLE models. CEs come only with a 4-cylinder engine. A V6 is available on LE and XLE. CEs and LEs offer manual or optional automatic transmission; XLEs automatic only. Camrys get new grilles, bumpers, and taillights, plus multi-reflector headlamps and self-propping hoods. XLEs add imitation wood interior trim and the XLE V6 goes to standard 16-inch wheels versus other models' 15s or 14s.
Solaras share Camry's sedan platform and are marketed as "Camrys," but have unique styling and chassis tuning. Joining the coupe is a convertible with a power top and glass rear window. The droptop is expected to account for only about 6000 of the 50,000 Solaras built annually. Solaras come as SE models with the 4-cylinder or V6 engine, plus as upscale SLE V6s. All convertibles and SLE V6 coupes have automatic transmission. SE coupes with either engine can be equipped with a 5-speed manual.
Front side airbags are optional in both lines. Antilock brakes are optional with the 4-cylinder engine and standard with the V6, where they include rear discs. Other changes for both model lines include revised climate controls and upgraded audio systems, including a standard CD player.

COMPETITION

Perennial Best Buys Honda Accord and Toyota Camry continue to shine with refinement, model diversity, and comfort. Both come in coupe and sedan form, offer economic 4-cylinder or sporty V6 power, have room for four adults, and are reasonably priced.
Recommended models include the smooth Buick Century, the import-flavored Chevy Malibu, the sporty Nissan Maxima, surprising Olds Intrigue, and the good-looking Pontiac Grand Prix. All come with V6 power, offer lots of standard equipment, and have pleasing road manners that will suit a variety of driving styles.
If you are looking for something a touch bigger without spending a whole lot more we suggest the Budget Buy Chevy Impala. It's the largest car in this class, has a powerful V6, and doesn't cost any more than the others.