2004 Toyota Solara: Road Test
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2004 Toyota Solara ▼
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- MSRP: $19,220 -$29,450
- Invoice: $17,297 -$26,504
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Our road test for the 2004 Toyota Solara includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Toyota Solara from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Toyota Solara, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Toyota Solara help you decide if a 2004 Toyota Solara is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| SE 4-cyl cpe, auto. | SE Sport V6 cpe | SLE V6 cpe w/nav. sys. | SLE V6 conv w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
No opportunity to time our test automatic-transmission 4-cyl SE coupe, but it had modest power away from a stop, just-adequate passing and merging performance. Expect 0-60 mph to mirror the 9.2 sec of comparable test Camry. V6 coupe noticeably stronger--test SE Sport V6 did 0-60 in just under 7 sec--but 5-speed automatic tends to rush into top gear, often hesitates in downshifting.
FUEL ECONOMY
| SE 4-cyl cpe, auto. | SE Sport V6 cpe | SLE V6 cpe w/nav. sys. | SLE V6 conv w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.3 |
Here, too, 4-cyl Solara should emulate comparable Camry; test 4-cyl automatic-transmission Camry averaged 23.3 mpg. Test Solara SE Sport V6 averaged 19.7 mpg, including gas-eating acceleration tests. Test SLE V6 averaged 22.3 mpg in mostly highway driving. Extended-use SLE V6 convertible averaging 21.5 mpg over first 3303 mi. Toyota recommends 91-octane fuel for V6.
RIDE QUALITY
| SE 4-cyl cpe, auto. | SE Sport V6 cpe | SLE V6 cpe w/nav. sys. | SLE V6 conv w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
SE's soft suspension, conservative tires give pillowy, pleasant ride. Models with 17-inch tires don't easily absorb sharp bumps or ridges. SE Sport's firm suspension adds to impact harshness. Top up or down, convertible exhibits pronounced--and at times unsettling--body quake over uneven surfaces. All furnish adequately flat ride at highway speeds.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| SE 4-cyl cpe, auto. | SE Sport V6 cpe | SLE V6 cpe w/nav. sys. | SLE V6 conv w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6.1 |
Coupe predictable, competent, but not as agile as rival 2-dr Accord. Light, numb steering doesn't help. Convertible's less-rigid structure contributes to less-precise handling feel. Note that antiskid and traction control are available only for SLEs equipped with optional curtain side airbags or navigation system.
QUIETNESS
| SE 4-cyl cpe, auto. | SE Sport V6 cpe | SLE V6 cpe w/nav. sys. | SLE V6 conv w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 5.8 |
Leading noise source is coarse-pavement tire slap and drone on SLE and, to greater extent, on SE Sport. Neither engine annoys, emitting only moderate snarl at full throttle. Convertible nearly coupe-quiet with top up.
CONTROLS
| SE 4-cyl cpe, auto. | SE Sport V6 cpe | SLE V6 cpe w/nav. sys. | SLE V6 conv w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.4 |
Large gauges, switchgear well-placed, easily deciphered. But some testers find traditional backlighting easier to read and regulate than Solara's "floodlit" instrument illumination. And some find that zigzag automatic-transmission gate complicates shifting. Available touch-screen navigation system less tricky than most, but it controls too many climate and audio functions, and its voice activation is easily confused. Cabin materials mix nicely padded surfaces with some plastics that border on cut-rate. SE Sports dress up with racy graphitelike accents, special gauges, aluminum pedal trim.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| SE 4-cyl cpe, auto. | SE Sport V6 cpe | SLE V6 cpe w/nav. sys. | SLE V6 conv w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
Firm, supportive seats deliver fine long-haul comfort. Standard tilt/telescope steering a nice touch. Power driver seat standard on SLEs, otherwise optional, further tailors sound basic driving position. Ample leg space, but head room not generous for 6-footers. High-tail styling slightly cramps views astern and over-the-shoulder. As in other coupes, long doors a nuisance in tight quarters.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| SE 4-cyl cpe, auto. | SE Sport V6 cpe | SLE V6 cpe w/nav. sys. | SLE V6 conv w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4.5 |
Coupes a little roomier than 2-dr Accords, but most adults will feel hemmed in if front seats are even halfway back. And bench seat has short cushion shaped for only two. Convertible too tight for anything but short trips or preteens. Entry/exit the usual coupe squeeze play except for kids.
CARGO ROOM
| SE 4-cyl cpe, auto. | SE Sport V6 cpe | SLE V6 cpe w/nav. sys. | SLE V6 conv w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 4.6 |
Trunk opening too small for bulky boxes, but more than adequate space for two on a long trip. All coupes include 60/40 split folding rear seat. Cabin storage good, aided by two-tiered console bin and large dash bin. Convertibles forfeit about 2 cu ft of trunk space, but remaining storage area usefully shaped.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| SE 4-cyl cpe, auto. | SE Sport V6 cpe | SLE V6 cpe w/nav. sys. | SLE V6 conv w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 6 |
Solara inherits many virtues from its sedan parent, but trades 4-dr practicality for 2-dr style, and it's no more entertaining than a Camry to drive. Accord coupes have more spirit, but Solara matches the Honda's reputation for reliability and high resale value, plus offers a convertible body style Accord does not.
Total Score
| SE 4-cyl cpe, auto. | SE Sport V6 cpe | SLE V6 cpe w/nav. sys. | SLE V6 conv w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54 | 53 | 55 | 50 | 56.1 |
Total Score: 53
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