2004-2008 Toyota Solara: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Toyota added the Solara name and distinct styling for the 1999 redesign of its midsize Camry coupes. Solara convertibles bowed for 2000. These 2-dr models were again redesigned for 2004 on the latest Camry sedan platform, then two years old. Coupes arrived first in base SE, new SE Sport and luxury SLE trim. Convertibles bowed a few months later in SE and SLE guise with seating for four instead of five. These Solaras bore a family resemblance to the two-seat SC 430 hardtop-convertible at Toyota's luxury Lexus division, but followed previous models in using mostly Camry components. Chief among them were the powertrains. The base engine was a 157-hp 2.4-liter 4-cyl teamed with 5-speed manual transmission or optional 4-speed automatic. A 225-hp 3.3-liter V6 paired with 5-speed automatic transmission was mandatory for convertibles and available for SE Sport and SLE coupes. SE Sports featured unique lower-body styling, specific interior trim, and a performance-tuned suspension. They also came with 17-inch wheels, as did SLEs; SEs had 16-inch wheels. The two convertibles included a power fabric top with heated glass rear window. As basically a 2-dr Camry for fashionistas, these Solaras offered a fair helping of standard features, including antilock brakes and front side airbags. Front/rear curtain side airbags were a new option for coupes, and a traction/antiskid system was available for V6 SLEs. Every SLE came with power driver's seat, automatic climate control, and upgraded audio with in-dash CD changer (vs. single-CD player); V6 versions added leather upholstery and heated front seats. A sunroof was available for SE and Sport coupes. An optional navigation system was exclusive to SLE V6 models.