2004-2008 Toyota Solara: Road Test

Solaras trade 4-dr function for 2-dr style, but have most of the qualities that make Camry sedans so popular. Engines, for example, are models of quiet smoothness and deliver adequate to peppy acceleration. The 4-cyl furnishes 0-60 mph in a little over 9 sec with automatic transmission, a tad less with manual. A test V6 SE Sport coupe clocked just under 7 sec. Both automatic transmissions hesitate a bit to downshift for passing and need a heavy dose of throttle to do so, but the payback is pretty good fuel economy for midsize cars. We've had no opportunity to measure 4-cyl Solaras, but test V6s averaged from 19.7 mpg in aggressive city/suburban driving up to 22.3 mpg in mostly highway running. Toyota recommends premium-grade fuel for the V6, a minus with record pump prices nowadays. The suspension is set up to favor ride over handling, so Solaras feel less agile than rival 2-dr Honda Accords. They're competent, front-drive predictable, and pleasant to drive, but the soft suspension tuning makes Solaras better suited for highway cruising than attacking twisty mountain roads. Somewhat light, numb steering doesn't help. Convertibles feel less precise, due to a more-flexible structure vs. coupes-and the rival ragtop Chrysler Sebring. That's especially noticed on bumpy roads that can induce an unsettling amount of body quiver. Ride is otherwise absorbent, almost pillowy, though models with 17-inch tires register more small bumps. All Solaras make smooth, fairly swift stops. Refinement is another plus. Besides quiet engines, occupants notice little highway wind noise-even top-up in convertibles-and tire thrum is modest. Cabins also offer plenty of front leg space on firm seats that feel all-day comfortable. Head clearance, though, is just OK for six-footers and is restricted in back, where leg room is very tight without front seats pushed well forward. The convertible's rear seat is no fit place for even medium-height adults except on short hops. Coupes have three rear seatbelts, but their bench seat is also shaped for two and is no more inviting. Entry/exit is the usual 2-dr squeeze aft and a bit cumbersome fore, a penalty of the longish doors. Drivers enjoy the expected sensible Toyota dashboard with mostly simple, handy switchgear and large gauges, though some testers find the "floodlit" instruments harder to read than the usual backlit type. The optional navigation system is more user-friendly than most, but controls too many climate and audio functions. A standard tilt/telescope steering wheel helps tailor a sound basic driving stance. Still, a power seat, standard on SLEs and optional otherwise, is almost mandatory for shorter drivers, as the high-tail styling limits visibility astern and over-the-shoulder, especially top-up in convertibles. Cabin d¿cor mixes padded surfaces with some slightly cheap-looking plastics. The leather upholstery lacks richness, but SE Sports strive for style with racy graphitelike accents, special gauge graphics, and aluminum pedal trim. As for cargo space, coupes have more than enough for two on a long trip. The trunk opening is too small for bulky items, but is partly offset by a standard 60/40 split folding rear seat. Convertibles lack that feature, and their trunks are about 2 cu. ft. smaller, though also usefully shaped. Cabin storage is good, with a roomy bi-level console bin and a large in-dash cubby.

Value for the Money
Solaras are less spacious and practical than their Camry sedan parents, and are no more fun to drive. That may be why sales have been consistently low, making these Toyotas relatively rare on the used-car market, especially the convertibles. Still, Solaras are worth looking for if you want Camry sedan virtues with a dash of style. Accord coupes are more spirited, but Honda doesn't match the droptop Solara, and both brands have solid reputations for reliability and workmanship.