What wheel drive is a Toyota Solara?
The Toyota Solara uses front-wheel drive (FWD) throughout its production; there were no all-wheel-drive variants offered.
The Solara is a Camry-based two-door coupe produced from 1998 to 2008. It shared the Camry platform and mechanicals, including the front-drive layout, and Toyota did not offer an AWD option for this model during its lifespan.
Drivetrain overview
Key points about the Solara’s drive layout and how it was implemented across generations are summarized in the list below.
- All Solara models (1999–2008) were front-wheel drive (FWD).
- There were no all-wheel-drive (AWD) or four-wheel-drive (4WD) configurations offered.
- Engine options included four-cylinder and V6 choices, all paired with front-wheel drive.
In short, front-wheel drive defined the Solara’s drivetrain identity throughout its production run.
Generational notes
First generation (1999–2003)
All first-generation Solaras were front-wheel drive. They offered a range of engines, including a four-cylinder and a V6, but the drive layout remained front-driven in every trim.
Second generation (2004–2008)
Second-generation Solaras continued to use front-wheel drive exclusively, with similar engine options (four-cylinder and V6) while maintaining the same front-drive configuration across trims.
Why front-wheel drive mattered
For a mass-market two-door coupe, front-wheel drive provided packaging efficiency, better interior space usage, and lower production costs. The Solara’s FWD setup aligned with Toyota’s approach to practical, affordable performance during its era, even at the higher-performance V6 level.
Summary
The Toyota Solara is a front-wheel-drive vehicle across all model years (1999–2008), with no official AWD option offered. It bridged Camry-based practicality with coupe styling, offering four-cylinder and V6 engines while maintaining a consistent FWD layout.
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.
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) |
Is a 2006 Toyota Solara front or rear wheel drive?
Front wheel drive
Drivetrain
| Transmission | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
|---|---|
| Drive type | Front wheel drive |
Is the 2004 Toyota Solara FWD or RWD?
2004 Toyota Camry Solara Details
| Condition | Pre-owned |
|---|---|
| Passengers | 4 |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Horsepower | 225 hp @ 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 240 lb-ft @ 3600 RPM |
