Is the Toyota Solara good on gas?
Yes, for an older non-hybrid two-door, the Solara offers reasonable fuel economy—especially with the four-cylinder engines. Four-cylinders typically deliver mid-20s to upper-30s mpg on the highway and around the mid-20s in city driving, while the V6 versions consume more fuel. There is no hybrid version, and mileage varies by year, engine, transmission, and maintenance.
Overview of fuel economy by generation and engine
To understand what to expect, it's helpful to separate the Solara into its two generations and the main engine options. Both generations share Camry-based underpinnings, which supports reliability but means efficiency isn’t aligned with modern hybrids.
First generation (1999–2003)
Four‑cylinder models generally posted in the low‑to‑mid 20s mpg in city driving and the high 20s to low 30s mpg on the highway. The V6 version tended to be in the mid‑20s mpg overall, with city figures typically in the teens to low 20s and highway in the upper 20s to low 30s, depending on transmission and year.
Second generation (2004–2008)
Four‑cylinder Solaras commonly reached about 22–25 mpg in city driving and 30–33 mpg on the highway, with some variation by year and equipment. V6 models generally ran around 18–22 mpg in the city and 27–30 mpg on the highway, again reflecting configuration and maintenance differences.
What affects fuel economy
Actual mileage depends on multiple factors beyond the engine itself. Driving style, maintenance history, tire condition and inflation, aerodynamics (roof racks, sunroof usage), and climate control usage all influence real-world mpg.
Here are the key variables that most strongly impact Solara fuel economy:
- Engine and transmission type (4‑cylinder vs V6; automatic vs manual)
- Maintenance status (timing belt/chain, spark plugs, oxygen sensors, coils, air filter)
- Tire pressure and alignment
- Vehicle load and accessories (cargo, roof racks)
- Driving behavior (acceleration, speed, braking, cruise control use)
Even with careful maintenance, the Solara’s efficiency is a product of its era and design. It remains competitive for its class among non-hybrid, older coupes, but it does not match modern compact cars or hybrid platforms.
Tips to maximize fuel economy
If you’re trying to get the most out of a Solara, consider these practical steps that reflect common owner experience and technician guidance:
- Keep tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure and perform regular tire rotations.
- Follow the recommended maintenance schedule for oil changes, air filters, and spark plugs.
- Use the appropriate grade of oil and avoid unnecessary heavy loads or roof racks when not needed.
- Drive smoothly: accelerate gradually, anticipate traffic, and use cruise control on highways when appropriate.
- Minimize idling; turn off the engine if you’re stopped for extended periods.
- Ensure the oxygen sensors and catalytic converter are functioning properly, as faults can degrade mpg.
- Keep the air conditioning use reasonable; in very hot weather, a well-maintained system helps avoid excessive strain on the engine.
- Choose fuel with the recommended octane rating and avoid mixing fuels that can affect engine efficiency.
Applying these practices can help you approach the typical mpg ranges described above, though individual results will vary based on year and configuration.
Summary
The Toyota Solara delivers respectable fuel economy for its era, particularly with the four-cylinder engines, and without the complexity (or cost) of a hybrid system. V6 versions are noticeably less efficient. For buyers prioritizing modern efficiency, a newer vehicle or a hybrid remains a better option, but well-maintained Solara models can still offer reasonable economy for daily driving in the present day.
