Acceleration

SE 4-cyl cpe, auto.	Sport V6 cpe	SLE V6 cpe w/nav. sys.	SLE V6 conv w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	6	6	6	5.9

No opportunity to time test automatic-transmission 4-cyl SE coupe, but it makes leisurely takeoffs, has just-adequate passing and merging power. V6 models noticeably stronger--test Sport V6 did 0-60 in just under 7.0 sec--but automatic transmission tends to rush into top gear, often hesitates in downshifting.

Fuel Economy

SE 4-cyl cpe, auto.	Sport V6 cpe	SLE V6 cpe w/nav. sys.	SLE V6 conv w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	5	5	5	5.1

No opportunity to measure with 4-cyl Solara. Test 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 premium-grade fuel for V6.

Ride Quality

SE 4-cyl cpe, auto.	Sport V6 cpe	SLE V6 cpe w/nav. sys.	SLE V6 conv w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	5	6	5	6.1

SE's soft suspension, conservative tires give pillowy, pleasant ride. Models with 17-inch tires less absorbent on sharp bumps or ridges. Sport coupe'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.	Sport V6 cpe	SLE V6 cpe w/nav. sys.	SLE V6 conv w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	6	6	5	6.2

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.	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 Sport coupe. Neither engine annoys, emitting only moderate snarl at full throttle. Convertible nearly coupe-quiet with top up.

Controls

SE 4-cyl cpe, auto.	Sport V6 cpe	SLE V6 cpe w/nav. sys.	SLE V6 conv w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	6	6	6.7

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.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

SE 4-cyl cpe, auto.	Sport V6 cpe	SLE V6 cpe w/nav. sys.	SLE V6 conv w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.8

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 six-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.	Sport V6 cpe	SLE V6 cpe w/nav. sys.	SLE V6 conv w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	4	4	3	5.1

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.	Sport V6 cpe	SLE V6 cpe w/nav. sys.	SLE V6 conv w/nav. sys.	Class Average
3	3	3	2	4.8

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.	Sport V6 cpe	SLE V6 cpe w/nav. sys.	SLE V6 conv w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	4	4	4	6.3

Solara inherits many virtues from its 2002-2006 Camry parent, but trades 4-dr practicality for 2-dr style, and still somehow avoids delivering an entertaining driving experience. Honda Accord coupes certainly have more spirit, but Solara matches the Honda's reputation for good resale value, and offers a convertible body style that Accord does not.

Total Score

SE 4-cyl cpe, auto.	Sport V6 cpe	SLE V6 cpe w/nav. sys.	SLE V6 conv w/nav. sys.	Class Average
54	53	54	48	59.2

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		47
Average Score		59
High Score		69