What car is called the Solara?
The Solara is Toyota's two‑door, Camry‑based coupe/convertible produced from 1998 to 2008, marketed in most markets as the Toyota Solara and, in some regions, as the Camry Solara.
It was introduced in the late 1990s to offer a sportier, two‑door alternative built on Camry underpinnings, and it carried through two generations with both coupe and convertible body styles. Branding could vary by market, with some regions emphasizing the Camry connection.
Origins and branding
The Solara emerged as a practical bridge between Toyota’s sporty Celica and its mainstream Camry. In North America and certain markets it carried the Solara badge, while other regions used the Camry Solara name to highlight shared engineering with the Camry sedan.
Generations
The Solara was produced in two generations, each built on Camry underpinnings and offered as a two‑door coupe and a convertible. The following list outlines the two generations and their general characteristics.
- First generation (1998–2003): Based on the Camry platform, available as a two‑door coupe and a soft‑top convertible; engine options included a four‑cylinder and a V6, with interior elements shared from the Camry.
- Second generation (2004–2008): Updated styling on the Camry XV40 platform; continued as a two‑door coupe and convertible; offered four‑cylinder and V6 powertrains, with refinements to interior and features.
Across both generations, the Solara aimed to blend the practicality and reliability of Camry underpinnings with a sportier, more stylish two‑door package, while branding varied by market.
Naming, market presence, and legacy
In many markets the Solara designation stood on its own, but some regions branded it as the Camry Solara to emphasize its shared platform with the Camry. Production ended in 2008 as Toyota reorganized its lineup, leaving a distinct, if brief, chapter in Toyota's mid‑size lineup.
Summary
The Solara is Toyota's two‑door coupe/convertible based on Camry underpinnings, produced from 1998 to 2008 in two generations. It served as a sporty, practical alternative to the Camry and was marketed under the Solara name in most markets, with some regions using Camry Solara to reflect the shared engineering.
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.
Who makes Solara cars?
Toyota makes the Solara, a mid-size car that is a coupe or convertible version of the Camry. The Toyota Camry Solara was produced from 1998 to 2008 and is now only available on the used car market.
This video explains the history and features of the Toyota Solara: 57sAntique TAGSYouTube · Jun 30, 2025
- Manufacturer: Toyota
- Production period: 1998 to 2008
- Current availability: Used market only
- Vehicle type: Mid-size coupe and convertible
- Relationship to other models: It replaced the Camry Coupe and was built on the Camry platform.
How much does a Toyota Solara cost?
Prices for a used Toyota Camry Solara currently range from $1,995 to $17,995, with vehicle mileage ranging from 30,042 to 283,745.
Which car is called Solara?
Toyota Camry Solara
The Toyota Camry Solara, popularly known as the Toyota Solara, is a mid-size coupé/convertible built by Toyota.
