2001 Toyota Camry/Solara: Road Test
2001 Toyota Camry/Solara ▼
- MSRP: $17,675 - $30,515
- Invoice: $15,906 - $27,463
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Our road test for the 2001 Toyota Camry/Solara includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Toyota Camry/Solara from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Toyota Camry/Solara, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Toyota Camry/Solara help you decide if a 2001 Toyota Camry/Solara is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Camry LE/XLE, I4 auto. | Camry LE/XLE, V6 auto. | Solara SE cpe, I4 auto. | Solara SLE conv | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 4.9 |
V6 models are polished and quick: under 8 sec 0-60 mph for our test coupes and sedans. The 4 cyl is also refined and decently peppy. The heavier ragtops are noticeably slower with any powerteam.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Camry LE/XLE, I4 auto. | Camry LE/XLE, V6 auto. | Solara SE cpe, I4 auto. | Solara SLE conv | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 5.4 |
A test 4-cyl Camry averaged 22.5 mpg despite lots of urban driving. Our recent V6 test models have averaged in the low 20s on the recommended premium fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Camry LE/XLE, I4 auto. | Camry LE/XLE, V6 auto. | Solara SE cpe, I4 auto. | Solara SLE conv | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5.3 |
Comfortably supple and absorbent. Some unwanted float occurs over dips and swells even in the more firmly damped Solaras.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Camry LE/XLE, I4 auto. | Camry LE/XLE, V6 auto. | Solara SE cpe, I4 auto. | Solara SLE conv | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.1 |
Safe, predictable and pleasant, but far from sporty. Steering is quick and precise, but overassisted and numb. Body lean is apparent but not alarming in tight, fast turns. Brakes are strong, easily modulated.
QUIETNESS
| Camry LE/XLE, I4 auto. | Camry LE/XLE, V6 auto. | Solara SE cpe, I4 auto. | Solara SLE conv | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 5.2 |
Among the best in class, thanks to hushed powertrains and ample, strategic sound-deadening. Tire thrum intrudes on coarse pavement, though, and a test ragtop Solara suffered undue rough-road body flex and a creaky top.
CONTROLS
| Camry LE/XLE, I4 auto. | Camry LE/XLE, V6 auto. | Solara SE cpe, I4 auto. | Solara SLE conv | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 6 |
No eye candy here, but simple, clean and intuitive design and layout. Cabin materials and workmanship a cut-above most every rival.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Camry LE/XLE, I4 auto. | Camry LE/XLE, V6 auto. | Solara SE cpe, I4 auto. | Solara SLE conv | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.5 |
Adult-size space, comfortable bucket seats. Drivers enjoy a good range of adjustments, but all body styles have nagging over-the-shoulder blind spots; convertible is worst with its tiny rear window.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Camry LE/XLE, I4 auto. | Camry LE/XLE, V6 auto. | Solara SE cpe, I4 auto. | Solara SLE conv | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 4.1 |
Not enough width for a middle adult, but good room for two. Entry/exit is easy in Camrys, awkward in Solaras due to long doors, narrowish floor passages, cumbersome front seat latches and belts.
CARGO ROOM
| Camry LE/XLE, I4 auto. | Camry LE/XLE, V6 auto. | Solara SE cpe, I4 auto. | Solara SLE conv | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 4.5 |
Competitive all around; ragtops have the least. Trunk openings are fairly small and high in both Solaras. Coupes and sedans have split-fold rear seatbacks with lockable in-trunk releases for security.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Camry LE/XLE, I4 auto. | Camry LE/XLE, V6 auto. | Solara SE cpe, I4 auto. | Solara SLE conv | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 5.8 |
Among the pricier midsize cars, but well worth it. Sporty types find Camry/Solara rather bland. But refinement, design, and workmanship rival those of much costlier cars. Toyota reliability and high resale value cement their Best Buy credentials. Note: Redesigned models due for 2002.
Total Score
| Camry LE/XLE, I4 auto. | Camry LE/XLE, V6 auto. | Solara SE cpe, I4 auto. | Solara SLE conv | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | 64 | 60 | 55 | 51.8 |
Total Score: 65
Scores for all Midsize Cars
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