Are Toyota Camry and Solara the same?
The simple answer: No. The Toyota Camry and Solara are not the same model. The Solara was introduced as a two‑door coupe/fastback variant built on the Camry’s platform and sold in North America from 1999 through 2008, while the Camry remains Toyota’s mainstream four‑door midsize sedan lineup today.
Origins and relationship
Both cars share underlying engineering and many mechanical components, but they were positioned for different buyers and uses. The Solara was designed to offer a sportier, two‑door alternative to the Camry’s traditional four‑door sedan, using the Camry’s platform but wearing its own distinct styling and trim emphasis. In markets where the Solara carried the Camry Solara name, it was marketed separately from the four‑door Camry.
First generation (1999–2003)
Introduced in the late 1990s, the Solara was the two‑door counterpart to the Camry, sharing most of the same engines and drivetrains but offering a sportier coupe‑style body. It targeted buyers seeking a more stylish, less utilitarian alternative to the Camry sedan while retaining Camry‑level reliability.
Second generation (2004–2008)
The second generation brought a refreshed design and improved features, still based on the Camry’s platform but maintaining the two‑door coupe silhouette until production ended in 2008. After 2008, Toyota did not reintroduce the Solara as a direct replacement for the Camry in the North American market.
Key differences between Camry and Solara
Before listing the main practical differences, note that they share many mechanicals but diverge in styling, doors, and market positioning.
- Body style: Camry is a four‑door sedan; Solara is a two‑door coupe/fastback variant (with hatchback styling in later designs).
- Accessibility and space: Camry offers easier rear passenger access and typically more trunk space for everyday practicality; Solara prioritizes sportier aesthetics and a sleeker profile.
- Market positioning: Camry targets the broad family sedan segment with a wide trim and option slate; Solara aimed at buyers seeking a sportier alternative using the same underlying platform.
- Powertrains: Both generations shared many of the same engines and transmissions, but tuning, equipment, and available options varied by model and market.
- Current status: Camry remains in continuous production and is a core model for Toyota; Solara was discontinued after 2008 and has not been revived as a direct Camry replacement.
In practice, they are related but not the same vehicle. The Camry remains Toyota’s standard midsize sedan, while the Solara lived as a niche two‑door variant for a decade.
Market status and current relevance
As of today, the Toyota Camry continues to be one of the brand’s best‑selling vehicles worldwide, with ongoing design updates, hybrid options, and increasingly advanced safety features. The Solara, by contrast, ended production in 2008 and has not been revived in the modern Toyota lineup. Enthusiasts sometimes refer to modern sportier Camry trims or two‑door coupes in other lines, but there is no direct, current Solara model in production.
Summary
The Camry and Solara are not the same model. The Solara was a two‑door coupe variant built on the Camry platform and sold in North America from 1999 to 2008, while the Camry remains Toyota’s main four‑door midsize sedan today. They share components but serve different market segments, and only the Camry ecosystem continues in production today.
What's the Lexus version of a Toyota Camry?
The Lexus version of the Toyota Camry is the Lexus ES, which shares the same platform but is a more luxurious sedan. Key differences include a more premium interior, a smoother and quieter ride, and typically a more powerful engine option, such as the V6 found in the ES 350. The Lexus ES also focuses on higher-end features and brand prestige, whereas the Camry is positioned as a reliable and efficient mainstream sedan.
This video compares the 2025 Lexus ES and 2025 Toyota Camry: 58sHawkeye RidesYouTube · Oct 3, 2024
Lexus ES vs. Toyota Camry
| Feature | Lexus ES | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Positioning | Luxury sedan | Mainstream sedan |
| Interior | More premium materials, advanced infotainment standard on base models (e.g., 12.3-inch touchscreen), and upscale features | Standard interior with fabric, upgrading to higher trims for more features |
| Engine | Often has a more powerful V6 option (e.g., the ES 350's 302 hp engine) | Typically has a standard 4-cylinder engine, with hybrid options available |
| Performance | Generally offers a smoother and quieter ride with a focus on comfort | Focuses on efficiency and value, though higher trims can be sportier |
| Price | Higher starting MSRP than the Camry | More affordable starting price |
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Which Camry to stay away from?
You should stay away from the 2007–2014 Toyota Camry, particularly the 2007–2011 models with the 2.4L 2AZ-FE engine due to oil consumption issues, and the 2012–2014 models that had transmission and AC problems. The 2018–2019 models also had reports of transmission issues with their 8-speed automatics.
Specific model years to avoid and why
- 2007–2011: These models, especially those with the 2.4L 4-cylinder engine, are prone to excessive oil consumption due to a design flaw in the piston rings. This can lead to serious engine damage, like rod knock, if not maintained meticulously.
- 2012–2014: These years experienced recurring problems with the automatic transmission, including slipping and torque converter issues. Owners also reported a musty smell from the AC system due to mold growth, and other issues with the AC compressor or heating.
- 2018–2019: Some of these models had problems with the 8-speed automatic transmission, leading to funky shifting.
What to consider instead
If you're looking for a reliable used Camry, focus on other model years like 2005–2006, 2015, or 2016–2017 models. You may also consider models from 2010 onwards, which had more reliable engines and safety features like standard stability control.
Is a Toyota Camry and Solara the same?
The Solara was manufactured to replace the Toyota Camry Coupe from four years earlier (competition to the Honda Accord Coupe). It was designed to be a mid-sized car with sporty features and it had a four-cylinder engine with more power than the standard Camry.
What is the other name for the Toyota Solara?
Toyota Camry Solara. The Toyota Camry Solara, also more commonly known as the Toyota Solara, is a mid-size coupe/convertible designed and engineered by Toyota.
