What happened to Toyota Solara?

The Toyota Solara ended production after the 2008 model year and has no direct successor in Toyota’s lineup. The two-door coupe and convertible, built on Camry underpinnings, was sold in North America from 1998 to 2008 and appeared in two generations before the model was quietly retired as market tastes shifted toward SUVs and crossovers.

Overview and place in Toyota’s lineup

The Solara was a Camry-based two-door coupe and later convertible that offered a sportier alternative to Toyota’s mainstream sedans. It filled a niche for buyers seeking a stylish, practical two-seater with Toyota reliability, but it never achieved the volume of larger siblings like the Camry. The vehicle existed alongside other sporty Toyota options, and its momentum waned as consumer preferences shifted away from two-door coupes and convertibles toward even more versatile crossovers.

Production timeline

To illustrate the Solara’s two-generation arc and its end, here are the key periods and defining traits of each generation.

• First generation (1998–2003): A Camry-based two-door coupe and convertible, offered with a range of engines including a four-cylinder and a larger V6, built on the XV20 platform.


• Second generation (2004–2008): A more refined design with updated interior and technologies, available with revised engine options and the same two body styles, built on the newer Camry-based platform, ending with the 2008 model year.

In summary, the Solara's two generations spanned roughly a decade of production, culminating in a discontinuation after 2008 without a direct replacement in Toyota’s lineup.

First generation (1998–2003)

The first-generation Solara introduced the concept of a Camry-derived two-door coupe with an available convertible, offering modest performance and a focus on reliability. It shared engineering with the Camry but was styled to appeal to buyers seeking sportier lines and a more engaging silhouette than the sedan.

• Body styles: coupe and convertible


• Engines: 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a larger V6 option


• Drivetrain: front-wheel drive

These elements established the Solara as a practical, stylish alternative within Toyota’s lineup, though sales varied by market and generation.

Second generation (2004–2008)

The second generation brought a more modern interior, improved safety features, and revised styling while continuing the two-door theme. It retained the coupe and convertible options and used updated Camry underpinnings to modernize the driving experience.

• Key updates: refreshed styling, improved interior, updated safety features


• Engines: updated four-cylinder and a larger V6 option


• Market positioning: sport-oriented alternative to the Camry within Toyota’s lineup

The second generation rode out until the 2008 model year, after which Toyota discontinued the Solara and shifted emphasis toward other segments.

Why Toyota discontinued the Solara

Several factors contributed to the end of Solara production. The following points outline the primary reasons behind the decision and its broader context in Toyota’s strategy during the late 2000s.

• Weak sales compared with more popular Toyota models and the Camry sedan


• Market shift away from two-door coupes and convertibles toward SUVs/crossovers


• Overlap with Camry’s platform and features reducing distinct value


• Strategic focus during the late-2000s downturn on core, high-demand segments

As a result, Toyota did not pursue a direct successor to the Solara, opting instead to reinforce its mainstream sedans and a growing lineup of crossovers and hybrids.

Impact and legacy

Among enthusiasts, the Solara is remembered as a practical, reliable two-door option that offered a blend of sporty style and everyday usability. While it never achieved the enduring popularity of some rivals, its demise reflected broader market trends and Toyota’s evolving product priorities. Parts availability and community knowledge remain accessible for owners and prospective buyers who value its Camry-based reliability in a sportier package.

Summary

In short: The Toyota Solara was produced from 1998 to 2008 in two generations as a Camry-based two-door coupe and convertible. It was discontinued due to modest sales and shifting market demand toward crossovers and other Toyota models, with no direct replacement in the lineup. Today, the Solara lives on mainly in the memories of enthusiasts and as a note in Toyota’s history of adapting to changing consumer tastes.

What is the best year of the Toyota Solara?

The best Toyota Solara years are generally considered to be the second generation (2004–2008), with specific models like the 2004 and 2007 often highlighted for improvements and features. While the first generation (1999–2003) was also reliable, some V6 models in this period had issues with the manual transmission being discontinued and some engines in earlier models could be prone to sludge if maintenance was neglected.
 
Recommended years and why

• 2004: This year marked a redesign for the Solara, bringing a new look, an updated interior, and higher-quality materials. The 2004 V6 models offered features like 17-inch wheels, heated leather seats, and optional navigation, stability, and traction control. 
• 2007: The final model year saw significant updates, including a restyled front and rear, new head and tail lamps, and the addition of features like an MP3 CD player, satellite radio, Bluetooth, and tire-pressure monitoring system. 
• 2006: This model is frequently praised by owners for its reliability, low maintenance needs, and smooth performance. 
• 2003: This model year is also cited by drivers as being reliable and fun to drive, though the V6 manual transmission was discontinued this year. 

Things to consider for earlier models (1999–2003)

• Some earlier 2.4L engines were susceptible to "sludge" if oil changes were not performed frequently. 
• The manual transmission was discontinued on V6 models in 2003. 

What to look for when buying

• Check for maintenance records: Ensure that maintenance, especially oil changes, has been performed regularly, particularly for the 2.4L models. 
• Inspect the convertible top: On convertible models, check that the top mechanism functions smoothly and is in good condition. 
• Consider the V6: The V6 engine is known for its durability and provides a more powerful driving experience than the four-cylinder. 

What is the life expectancy of a Toyota Solara?

A Toyota Solara can last for over 200,000 miles, and many owners report reaching 300,000 miles or more with proper maintenance. The actual lifespan depends heavily on regular maintenance, and specific issues like the V6 engine's timing belt and potential oil sludging require attention.
 
Factors influencing Solara life expectancy

• Proper maintenance is key: Consistent maintenance is the most crucial factor in achieving high mileage, with many owners reporting reaching over 200,000 or even 300,000 miles. 
• V6 engine considerations: The V6 engine requires a significant timing belt replacement every 90,000 miles. Additionally, avoid 10,000-mile oil change intervals, as some older models were prone to oil sludging under that schedule. 
• General reliability: The Solara's strong reputation for reliability, inherited from the Toyota Camry, contributes to its potential for a long life. 
• Common issues: While generally reliable, some common issues can affect longevity, such as dashboard cracking or failed oxygen sensors. Keeping up with these repairs can help. 

How to maximize your Solara's life

• Follow a strict maintenance schedule: Adhere to the recommended maintenance schedule in your owner's manual. 
• Use high-quality oil: Consider using synthetic oil to protect the engine.
• Address V6 specific needs: Be sure to get the timing belt replaced at the recommended interval and avoid excessively long oil change intervals. 
• Don't ignore small problems: Address issues like a "Check Engine" light promptly to prevent more significant problems down the road. 

Is Toyota bringing back the Solara?

No, the Toyota Solara is not coming back and has been discontinued. While there are many speculative videos and social media posts on the internet about a new Solara, these are not official announcements from Toyota and are likely concept designs or fan-made content. The Solara was discontinued in 2008 due to declining sales and a shift in the market toward SUVs. 
This video discusses the comeback of the Toyota Solara: 38sFOUR WHEELYouTube · Aug 29, 2025

• Discontinued in 2008: The Solara's production ended in 2008, with the coupe ceasing first and the convertible shortly after. 
• Decline in popularity: The discontinuation was a result of falling sales as the market began to shift away from coupes and convertibles towards crossovers and SUVs. 
• Online speculation: The return of the Solara is a popular topic online, with many videos, like those on YouTube, showing potential designs for a new model. However, these are not official and are based on concepts rather than any actual product plans from Toyota. 
• Official lineup: The current official Toyota model lineup for 2025 does not include the Solara. 

What problems did the Camry Solara have?

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.