What kind of car is a Solara?
The Solara is a Toyota two‑door mid‑size coupe/convertible built on the Camry platform, produced from 1999 to 2008. It is not a solar-powered vehicle, nor is it a current Toyota model in active production today.
While the name might evoke solar energy, the Solara was designed as a sportier, two‑door variant of Toyota’s mainstream sedan lineup. It aimed to offer the practicality of a Camry with a more stylish silhouette and, in the convertible form, added open-air versatility.
Origins and design intent
Designed to fill a niche between a practical family sedan and a sportier two‑door coupe, the Solara launched in the United States as a Camry‑based two‑door model with options for a hard‑top‑like feel in the coupe and a power-operated soft top in the convertible.
First generation (1999–2003)
The first generation Solara arrived as a 1999 model and shared its underpinnings with the Camry XV20. It offered two body styles (coupe and convertible) and two main engines, pairing everyday practicality with a sportier look.
- Body styles: 2-door coupe and 2-door convertible
- Platform: Camry-based XV20
- Engines: 2.4 L four-cylinder (2AZ-FE) and 3.0 L V6 (1MZ-FE)
- Drivetrain: front-wheel drive
- Transmission options: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
- Notable feature: power-operated soft top on the convertible
The first‑generation Solara established the model’s niche: a family‑friendly but stylish alternative to the standard Camry, with a focus on sporty lines and open‑air driving in the convertible variant.
Second generation (2004–2008)
The second generation, introduced in 2004, received a broader update in styling and interior comfort while remaining a Camry‑based two‑door personal car. It continued to offer coupe and convertible versions and refined performance and refinement.
- Body styles: 2-door coupe and 2-door convertible
- Platform: updated Camry platform (XV30 family)
- Engines: 2.4 L four-cylinder (2AZ-FE) and a larger V6 option (3.3 L, 3MZ-FE)
- Drivetrain: front-wheel drive
- Notable updates: refreshed interior, improved ride quality, and modernized styling
With the second generation, Toyota aimed to keep the Solara competitive by improving interior space, features, and performance while preserving the two‑door coupe and convertible options that defined the model.
How the Solara fit into Toyota’s lineup
Throughout its run, the Solara served as a niche offering within Toyota’s lineup, bridging the gap between the practical Camry and more performance‑focused coupes. It competed with other two‑door, sport‑oriented family cars and offered a convertible option at a time when open‑top cars were a growing segment in the mainstream market.
Legacy and market position
The Solara was discontinued after the 2008 model year as Toyota restructured its lineup and shifted focus toward other models. It did not have a direct modern replacement in the US market, though its two‑door, Camry‑based approach remains a point of reference for what Toyota considered a sportier, more stylish alternative to a traditional sedan.
Summary
The Solara is Toyota’s two-door mid-size coupe/convertible that rode on Camry platforms across two generations (1999–2003 and 2004–2008). It offered four-cylinder and V6 powertrains and delivered a sportier appearance and open-air option without stepping into the true luxury or high-performance segments. Today, it remains a noted chapter in Toyota’s history of expanding the Camry’s footprint with a stylish, two‑door alternative.
Is a Solara the same as a Camry?
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.
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.
What exactly is a Solara car?
The Toyota Camry Solara, popularly known as the Toyota Solara, is a mid-size coupé/convertible built by Toyota.
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.
