2002 Toyota Solara: Road Test
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2002 Toyota Solara ▼
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- MSRP: $19,365 -$30,525
- Invoice: $17,427 -$27,472
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Our road test for the 2002 Toyota Solara includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Toyota Solara from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Toyota Solara, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Toyota Solara help you decide if a 2002 Toyota Solara is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Solara SE cpe, 4 cyl auto. | Solara SLE conv | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 5 |
New 4-cyl noticeably peppier than the one it replaces, and works happily with automatic transmission to provide adequate acceleration. But Solara is a relatively heavy car--especially in convertible form--and V6 power suits it better. This V6 furnishes smooth but not-robust acceleration; a V6 Solara is far less lively than an Acura CL, for example.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Solara SE cpe, 4 cyl auto. | Solara SLE conv | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5.3 |
Test 4-cyl SE coupe with automatic transmission averaged 21.8 mpg. Test SLE convertible averaged 20.1 mpg. Toyota recommends regular-grade gas for the 4 cyl, premium for the V6.
RIDE QUALITY
| Solara SE cpe, 4 cyl auto. | Solara SLE conv | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
Comfortably supple and absorbent in all models, with little unwanted float over dips and swells.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Solara SE cpe, 4 cyl auto. | Solara SLE conv | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5.8 |
Predictable and pleasant, but coupe structure far more solid than convertible's, and less body flex means more-confident road manners. Body lean apparent in tight, fast turns, but not excessive. Little road feel through steering. Brakes strong, easily modulated, but be sure to get ABS.
QUIETNESS
| Solara SE cpe, 4 cyl auto. | Solara SLE conv | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 5 | 5.4 |
Top-of-class refinement for coupe. Recent test Solara convertible suffered undue rough-road body shudders and a creaky top. Minor tire thrum on coarse pavement, but impressive new 4-cyl engine is almost as smooth and quiet as the V6.
CONTROLS
| Solara SE cpe, 4 cyl auto. | Solara SLE conv | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 6.3 |
Simple, intuitive, conservative. Fine workmanship, materials, though leather upholstery is visually drab.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Solara SE cpe, 4 cyl auto. | Solara SLE conv | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5.7 |
Adult-size space, comfortable bucket seats, good range of adjustments. But some nagging over-the-shoulder blind spots, especially in convertible with its tiny rear window.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Solara SE cpe, 4 cyl auto. | Solara SLE conv | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4.3 |
Two adults is the comfortable limit. Awkward entry/exit due to narrowish floor passages, cumbersome front seat latches and belts.
CARGO ROOM
| Solara SE cpe, 4 cyl auto. | Solara SLE conv | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 4.6 |
Trunk adequate in coupe, tight but still useful in convertible. Both have relatively high liftovers. Interior storage nothing special.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Solara SE cpe, 4 cyl auto. | Solara SLE conv | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 6 |
Solara is polished in most every control and movement. It favors ride comfort over sporty road manners, though V6 versions have decent acceleration. The 2-dr body style complicates rear-seat entry/exit, but the back seat itself is no penalty box. The convertible suffers pronounced top-down body flex with the roof lowered, making the solid coupe the more-solid value.
Total Score
| Solara SE cpe, 4 cyl auto. | Solara SLE conv | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 60 | 55 | 54.6 |
Total Score: 58
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