2008 Toyota Solara: Road Test
2008 Toyota Solara ▼
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- MSRP: $20,180 -$30,710
- Invoice: $18,160 -$27,639
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Our road test for the 2008 Toyota Solara includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Toyota Solara from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Toyota Solara, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Toyota Solara help you decide if a 2008 Toyota Solara is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| SE 4-cylinder coupe, automatic | Sport V6 coupe | SLE V6 coupe | SLE V6 convertible w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Four-cylinder Solaras with the automatic transmission have leisurely takeoffs and just-adequate passing and merging power. V6 models are noticeably stronger: a Sport V6 did 0-60 in just under 7.0 sec in our test. The automatic transmission tends to rush into top gear and often hesitates in downshifting.
FUEL ECONOMY
| SE 4-cylinder coupe, automatic | Sport V6 coupe | SLE V6 coupe | SLE V6 convertible w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
No opportunity to measure with a 4-cylinder Solara. In Consumer Guide testing, a Sport V6 averaged 19.7 mpg, including gas-eating performance tests. Test SLE V6 averaged 22.3 mpg in mostly highway driving. Our extended-use SLE V6 convertible averaged 20.7 mpg over 6755 miles. All Solaras use regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| SE 4-cylinder coupe, automatic | Sport V6 coupe | SLE V6 coupe | SLE V6 convertible w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
SE's soft suspension and conservative tires give a pillowy, pleasant ride. Models with 17-inch tires are less absorbent on sharp bumps or ridges. Sport coupe's firmer suspension adds to impact harshness. Top up or down, the convertible exhibits pronounced--and at times unsettling--body quake over uneven surfaces.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| SE 4-cylinder coupe, automatic | Sport V6 coupe | SLE V6 coupe | SLE V6 convertible w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
Coupe predictable and competent, but Solara is less agile than the rival 2-door Honda Accord. Light, numb steering doesn't help. The convertible's more-flexible structure contributes to its less-precise handling feel.
QUIETNESS
| SE 4-cylinder coupe, automatic | Sport V6 coupe | SLE V6 coupe | SLE V6 convertible w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 6.1 |
The leading noise source is coarse-pavement tire slap and drone on SLE and, to greater extent, on the Sport coupe. Neither engine annoys, emitting only a moderate snarl at full throttle. Convertibles are nearly coupe-quiet with the top up.
CONTROLS
| SE 4-cylinder coupe, automatic | Sport V6 coupe | SLE V6 coupe | SLE V6 convertible w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6.3 |
Large gauges, handy and intuitive switchgear. Some testers find Solara's "floodlit" instruments harder to read and regulate than typical backlit gauges. Available touch screen navigation system is less tricky to program than some, but it controls too many climate and audio functions, complicating what should be simple adjustments.
DETAILS
| SE 4-cylinder coupe, automatic | Sport V6 coupe | SLE V6 coupe | SLE V6 convertible w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Cabin materials mix nicely padded surfaces with some plastics that border on cut-rate. Our extended-use convertible required one unscheduled service stop during its 6755-mile test. Overall assembly quality has been good on all models tested, with convertibles remaining rattle free despite their unnerving body flex.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| SE 4-cylinder coupe, automatic | Sport V6 coupe | SLE V6 coupe | SLE V6 convertible w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Firm, supportive seats furnish fine long-haul comfort. All models have a tilt and telescopic steering wheel. Ample leg space, but headroom is not generous for six-footers. High-tail styling limits vision astern and over the shoulder, especially top-up in convertibles. Long doors are a nuisance in tight quarters.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| SE 4-cylinder coupe, automatic | Sport V6 coupe | SLE V6 coupe | SLE V6 convertible w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5.1 |
Coupes are a little roomier than 2-door Accords, but most adults will feel hemmed in even if the front seats are not set far back. The bench seat has a short cushion shaped only for two. Convertibles are too tight for anything but short trips or preteens. Entry and exit are the usual 2-door squeeze play, except for kids.
CARGO ROOM
| SE 4-cylinder coupe, automatic | Sport V6 coupe | SLE V6 coupe | SLE V6 convertible w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4.1 |
The trunk opening is too small for bulky boxes, but has more than adequate space for two on a long trip. Coupes come with a 60/40 split folding rear seat. Good cabin storage includes a bi-level console bin, large dash bin. Convertibles forfeit about 2 cu ft of cargo space, but the trunk is usefully shaped.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| SE 4-cylinder coupe, automatic | Sport V6 coupe | SLE V6 coupe | SLE V6 convertible w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 6.2 |
Solara inherits many virtues from its 2002-2006 Camry parent, but it trades 4-door practicality for 2-door style. Further, it avoids delivering an entertaining driving experience. Honda Accord coupes certainly have more spirit, but Solara matches the Honda's reputation for good resale value. This Toyota also offers a convertible body style that Accord does not.
Total Score
| SE 4-cylinder coupe, automatic | Sport V6 coupe | SLE V6 coupe | SLE V6 convertible w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59 | 58 | 60 | 54 | 63.1 |
Total Score: 58
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