Is a Toyota Solara front or rear wheel drive?
The Toyota Solara is front-wheel drive.
The Solara is a two-door coupe/convertible built on the Camry platform and produced from 1998 through 2008. Across all generations, Toyota did not offer a factory rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive option for the Solara; power is delivered to the front wheels via a transversely mounted engine and transaxle. This layout is consistent with the Camry family and supports interior space, efficiency, and predictable handling.
Drivetrain architecture
The Solara uses a transverse engine layout with power directed to the front axle. This front-wheel-drive configuration is common for mid-size sedans and coupes, providing straightforward maintenance and good fuel economy characteristics for a two-door family car.
Generations and engine options
First generation (1998–2003)
Built on the Camry platform, the first-generation Solara offered both four-cylinder and V6 powertrains, with front-wheel drive standard across models.
Second generation (2004–2008)
The second generation carried on with the same front-wheel-drive setup and offered a choice of four-cylinder and V6 engines, aligned with Camry technology of the era.
Why it matters for owners
For buyers, the front-wheel-drive layout affects traction, handling, and maintenance. There is no factory AWD option for the Solara, which can influence winter performance and towing capability compared with all-wheel-drive rivals.
Summary
In summary, the Toyota Solara is front-wheel drive throughout its production run, built on the Camry platform. It does not have a factory rear- or all-wheel-drive variant, making it a practical, front-driven coupe/convertible from 1998 to 2008.
Is the 2006 Toyota Solara front-wheel drive?
A 5-speed manual is standard on the base coupe, with a 5-speed automatic available. The V6 pairs solely with the automatic. Every Camry Solara is front-wheel drive (FWD).
What are common problems with the Solara?
Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.
Is the Toyota Solara FWD or RWD?
front-wheel-drive
| Toyota Camry Solara | |
|---|---|
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel-drive |
| Related | Toyota Camry |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Toyota Camry coupé (XV10) |
Why did Toyota discontinue the Solara?
Toyota discontinued the Solara primarily due to declining sales and a shrinking market for large coupes and convertibles, a trend that ultimately led to production ending in 2008. The decision was driven by poor sales performance in its second generation, as the market shifted towards more practical vehicles like SUVs, and the car's handling was considered uncompetitive.
Primary reasons for discontinuation
- Declining Sales: The second-generation Solara sold significantly fewer units than its predecessor, with sales dropping from about 50,000 in 2005 to just over 20,000 in 2008. The coupe was discontinued after the 2008 model year, followed shortly by the convertible in December 2008.
- Changing Market Trends: The automotive market was moving away from large, sedan-based coupes and convertibles. Consumer preference shifted toward more practical vehicles, particularly crossover SUVs.
- Lack of Competitive Performance: Despite being redesigned, the Solara's handling was criticized for being soft and not sporty enough, especially when compared to competitors. This made it a less appealing option for buyers seeking a sporty car.
- Profitability: The sales numbers did not justify the production costs, and the profit margin did not meet expectations.
- No Direct Replacement: The Solara was discontinued without a direct successor, marking the end of Toyota's large, two-door coupe variant derived from the Camry platform.
