2006 Toyota Solara: Road Test
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2006 Toyota Solara ▼
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- MSRP: $19,530 -$30,210
- Invoice: $17,576 -$27,189
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Our road test for the 2006 Toyota Solara includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Toyota Solara from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Toyota Solara, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Toyota Solara help you decide if a 2006 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 | 5.6 |
No opportunity to time test automatic-transmission 4-cyl SE coupe, but it made leisurely takeoffs, had just-adequate passing and merging power. Expect 0-60 mph to mirror the 9.2 sec of comparable test Camry. V6 models noticeably stronger--test SE Sport V6 did 0-60 in just under 7.0 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 | 5.2 |
No opportunity to measure with 4-cyl Solara. Test SE Sport V6 averaged 19.7 mpg, including gas-eating performance tests. Test SLE V6 averaged 22.3 mpg in mostly highway driving. Extended-use SLE V6 convertible averaged 20.7 mpg over 6755 miles. 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 | 6.1 |
SE's soft suspension, conservative tires give pillowy, pleasant ride. Models with 17-inch tires less absorbent on sharp bumps or ridges. SE Sport's firmer suspension adds to impact harshness. Top up or down, convertible exhibits pronounced--and at times unsettling--body quake over uneven surfaces.
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 less agile than rival 2-dr Honda Accord. Light, numb steering doesn't help. Convertible's more-flexible structure contributes to less-precise handling feel.
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 | 6.2 |
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 | 6.8 |
Large gauges, handy and intuitive switchgear. Some testers find Solara's "floodlit" instruments harder to read and regulate than usual backlit gauges, and that its zigzag automatic-transmission gate complicates shifting. Available touch screen navigation system less tricky than most, but it controls too many climate and audio functions. 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 | 6.6 |
Firm, supportive seats furnish fine long-haul comfort. All models have tilt/telescope steering wheel. 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 limits vision astern and over the shoulder, especially top-up in convertibles. 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 | 5 |
Coupes a little roomier than 2-dr Accords, but most adults will feel hemmed in if front seats are even halfway back. Bench seat has short cushion shaped only for two. Convertible too tight for anything but short trips or preteens. Entry/exit the usual 2-dr 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 | 4.5 |
Trunk opening too small for bulky boxes, but more than adequate space for two on a long trip. Coupes come with 60/40 split folding rear seat. Good cabin storage includes bi-level console bin, large dash bin. Convertibles forfeit about 2 cu ft of cargo space, but trunk is 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 | 6.1 |
Solara inherits many virtues from its 2002-2006 Camry parent, but trades 4-dr practicality for 2-dr style, and it's no more entertaining to drive. Accord coupes have more spirit, but Solara matches the Honda's reputation for reliability and high resale value, and offers a convertible body style that 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 | 58.2 |
Total Score: 53
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