Vehicle History Report
Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.
- • New Cars
2007 Toyota Solara Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2007 Toyota Solara Review:
2007 Toyota Solara Review
These coupes and convertibles are spinoffs of Toyota's 2002-2006 Camry sedan design. Both Solara body styles come in SE, Sport, and luxury SLE trim. Convertibles have a power fabric top with heated glass rear window. Coupes are available with a 155-hp 4-cyl engine or a 210-hp V6. Convertibles come only with the V6. Four-cyl Solaras are available with manual or automatic transmission. V6 versions come only with automatic. Sport versions have specific exterior trim and Sport coupes get a sport suspension. All Solaras have ABS. An antiskid system is optional on V6 models. Both body styles come with front side airbags. Coupes add curtain side airbags; they're standard instead of optional for 2007. Also for '07, xenon headlamps are newly available and standard on Sport and SLE models. SLEs gain a wireless cell phone link.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family oriented sedans and wagons.
Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Mercury Milan, and Saturn Aura.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Saturn Aura.
Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Mercury Milan, and Saturn Aura.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Saturn Aura.
News
Solara reportedly gets the axe after 2008 because of underwhelming sales. Sources say the coupe might return around 2010. That timing, however, would be out of phase with the parent Camry's design cycle, so we'd look for a different sort of Solara on a different platform--assuming a new version does, in fact, materialize.
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2007 Toyota Solara Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration (V6) | Navigation-system controls |
| Quietness | Rear-seat entry/exit |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| 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'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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2007 Toyota Solara Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 12/08/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| SE 4-cylinder 2-door coupe, manual | $19,930 | $17,936 | $620 |
|
|
|||
| SE 4-cylinder 2-door coupe, automatic | $20,760 | $18,683 | $620 |
|
|
|||
| SE V6 2-door coupe, automatic | $22,260 | $20,033 | $620 |
|
|
|||
| SE V6 2-door convertible, automatic | $27,190 | $24,468 | $620 |
|
|
|||
| Sport 4-cylinder 2-door coupe, manual | $22,200 | $19,980 | $620 |
|
|
|||
| Sport 4-cylinder 2-door coupe, automatic | $23,030 | $20,725 | $620 |
|
|
|||
| Sport V6 2-door coupe, automatic | $24,530 | $22,075 | $620 |
|
|
|||
| Sport V6 2-door convertible, automatic | $29,460 | $26,512 | $620 |
|
|
|||
| SLE 4-cylinder 2-door coupe, automatic | $23,905 | $21,514 | $620 |
|
|
|||
| SLE V6 2-door coupe, automatic | $26,905 | $24,214 | $620 |
|
|
|||
| SLE V6 2-door convertible, automatic | $30,460 | $27,413 | $620 |
Price note: Prices are for vehicles distributed by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. The dealer invoice and destination charge may be higher in areas served by independent distributors.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
SE
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine or 3.3-liter V6 engine, 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags (coupe), antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights, emergency inside trunklid release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescope steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat w/power lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat (coupe), power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, variable-intermittent wipers, power convertible top (convertible), rear defogger, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, rear spoiler, 215/60R16 tires, alloy wheels.
Sport adds to SE:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Xenon headlights, sport suspension (coupe), 215/55R17 tires.
SLE 4-cylinder adds to SE:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, 8-way power driver seat, automatic climate control, heated power mirrors w/driver-side automatic day/night, power sunroof (coupe), JBL sound system, wireless cell phone link, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, universal garage door opener.
SLE V6 adds to SLE 4-cylinder:
Powertrain
3.3-liter V6 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
215/55R17 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Leather Pkg.
|
||
|
SLE 4 cylinder
|
$1,365
|
$1,092
|
|
Leather upholstery, heated front seats.
|
||
|
|
||
Safety |
||
|
Antiskid system
|
||
|
V6
|
$650
|
$559
|
|
Includes traction control.
|
||
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Navigation system
|
||
|
SLE V6
|
$1,300
|
$1,115
|
|
Includes 4-disc CD changer. Deletes std. 6-disc CD/MP3 changer.
|
||
|
Power sunroof
|
||
|
SE/Sport coupe
|
$900
|
$720
|
|
JBL AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
|
||
|
SE coupe
|
$1,050
|
$789
|
|
SE convertible
|
$1,080
|
$822
|
|
Sport coupe
|
$820
|
$615
|
|
Sport convertible
|
$850
|
$638
|
|
Includes wireless cell phone link.
|
||
|
Satellite radio
|
||
|
SE, SLE 4-cylinder, SLE V6, Sport
|
$449
|
$359
|
|
Sport requires JBL AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer. NA SE 4 cylinder.
|
||
|
8-way power driver seat
|
||
|
SE, Sport
|
$390
|
$312
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Xenon headlights
|
||
|
SLE
|
$515
|
$412
|
|
Special paint
|
||
|
SE, SLE 4-cylinder, SLE V6, Sport
|
$220
|
$187
|
|
215/55R17 tires
|
||
|
SE V6
|
$380
|
$304
|
|
|
||
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2007 Toyota Solara Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Toyota Solara 2-door coupe | Toyota Solara 2-door convertible |
| Wheelbase, in. | 107.1 | 107.1 |
| Overall Length, in. | 192.5 | 192.5 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.5 | 71.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.1 | 56.5 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3185 | 3440 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 13.8 | 11.7 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.5 | 18.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 4 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.0 | 38.5 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.0 | 42.0 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.4 | 38.4 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.4 | 35.0 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.4 /144 | 3.3 /202 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 155 @ 6000 | 210 @ 5600 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 158 @ 4000 | 220 @ 3600 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 5-speed manual | 24/34 | --/-- |
| 5-speed automatic | 25/34 | 21/29 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Toyota Solara 2-door coupe | Toyota Solara 2-door convertible |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | For Highlander Hybrid, Prius, and Camry hybrid 8/100,000 on hybrid components. |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | None/-- | Prius gets 3/36,000 Roadside Assistance. |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2007 Toyota Solara Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
Locate a Dealer
Sell Your Car
Powered by:
-
MAKE -
CATEGORY
Acura
Aston Martin
Audi
Bentley
BMW
Buick
Cadillac
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Ford
GMC
Honda
Hummer
Hyundai
Infiniti
Isuzu
Jaguar
Jeep
Kia
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lotus
Maserati
Mazda
Mercedes-Benz
Mercury
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pontiac
Porsche
Rolls-Royce
Roush
Saab
Saturn
Scion
Smart
Subaru
Suzuki
Toyota
Volkswagen
Volvo
Subcompact Car
Compact Car
Midsize Car
Large Car
Premium Midsize Car
Premium Large Car
Sporty/performance Car
Premium Sporty/performance Car
Minivan
Full-size Van
Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Compact Pickup Truck
Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Premium Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Pickup Truck
Premium Compact Car
Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Exotic Car
