Most comfortable convertible in recent memory. Nice leather. Solid build feel (NOT solid road feel). Rock solid dependable. Very roomy for it's size. Very easy to maintain -- ie: not a BMW :) Does not need TLC.

Again NOT a BMW! NEEDS supercharger to have any decent acceleration. Rip the stereo out and add good strong amp to existing JBL speakers (a plus -- add good trunk subwoofer). BAD cowl shake over bumps -- difference between hardtop is night & day! Added support added weight and it shows during cornering/maneuvering -- get rid of the stock tires and add sway bars to improve. No option for stick shift in SLE version -- sorely missed!

No reason to pick the convertible over the hardtop unless you are a topless fanatic like I am. I own both (because I ordered the h/t a year before the conv) and the conv is strictly for lazy touring and nothing else. Adding the supercharger and TRD accessories (sway bars, etc -- NOT the body kits, they're useless) is the only way to bring up back up to hardtop standards. So that means that if you put the TRD $$$ in the hardtop, you'd have a decent challenger to all those other rice-burners on the road (granted no Saleen here). But at $31k+TRDfor the conv, it might be worth buying a Saleen conv instead @ $44k, and then you'd have power to cram down those kiddies and their wannabe Civics! BUT a SE hardtop 6 cyl stick @ $21k+TRD is a value -- with dependability and power to leave the rice behind.

So, I still like mine anyway because everybody has a Mustang and a Sebring and they fall apart in seconds, but few have a Solara conv and mine will outlast them all :)

(Rating reflects convertible only. Hardtop rating would be 5 and 4 stars)

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2000 Solara hardtop -- much better road feel, stability and even acceleration *without* the supercharger.

Toyota Camry reliability / interchangeability of parts. Fit, finish, quality of materials are very good. Very quiet (every person who's ridden in it has mentioned it, as have many magazine articles, as have many people on this site -- it's true!). Even with the moon-roof open it's relatively quiet -- you can still talk to your passenger and listen to the radio, no problem.

Stock suspension is stiffer than the Camry, but no better (and even a little worse, believe it or not) at cornering. This trait has been talked about in several magazine articles, and I can report that it is true. It's not a tremendous difference, but the stock Solara has a much sportier "feel" to it than actual performance delivery. 63/37% F/R weight distribution doesn’t help.

I drove a 1994 V6 Camry for 5 years and decided to upgrade to another one because I loved it so much. Good power, fair cornering, extremely reliable. When I saw the Solara, which is simply a sportier version of the Camry, I went for it. The Solara shares almost all components with the Camry so reliability, dependability, etc. are absolutely top-notch. While I can't say I like every aspect of the Solara, I am overall happy with it. The interior is spectacular for a car in its price range. It's been said before and it bears repeating -- the Solara is really a baby Lexus -- especially with the SLE package. I'm not going to say it's AS good as a Lexus, but the quality is closer to Lexus than it is to Toyota (which is already pretty good), and I should know. For the price it's a great deal, interior-wise. I do wish the seats had a memory setting, but this hasn't been a problem for me as of yet. Also of note is that depending upon the exterior color, your interior colors are limited. For one, they only offer two of them -- tan and grey. Second; in most cases there is only one interior option for each exterior color. In other words, if you get the silver exterior, you can only get the grey interior. I don't mind it myself, but it's something to consider. The cost of quality at an inexpensive price, I suppose.

In terms of actual performance, there are also a couple of things of note. It's been written about in several articles, and I can personally vouch for it, that the stock Solara is not a spectacular cornering car. In fact, it has slightly worse cornering characteristics (skidpad, slalom) than the stock Camry. It's not terrible at cornering, mind you, it's just not that great, either. The Solara is a long, narrow, slightly heavy car for it's size -- which is good for straight-aways and a smoother ride -- but not for cornering. As I plan on putting a Stage 3 TRD (Toyota Racing Development, available at larger Toyota dealerships, doesn't void the warranty, even has a warranty of its own) package on my Solara (body kit, wheels, shocks, & struts) I’m not so concerned about this because with it installed the Solara theoretically rivals almost any other sports car on the market (skidpad goes from .75 to .90, according to MoterTrend, .68 to .82 according to TRD [probably more accurate], slalom speed increases, and it gets fatter and firmer rubber for less slippage around the corners). It's been said that this package makes all the difference in the world. If you really want a Solara that handles as well as a European sports coupe you'll need to either purchase this TRD package for it, or buy some other car. If smooth ride and comfort are what matters to you, then the Solara is fine as is.

In terms of power, the Solara again has some issues you might want to think about. Primarily, its off-the-line starting power is not fantastic. This is NOT a 0-50mph stoplight-to-stoplight rice burner. However, when you're already moving, the Solara's middle-to-high range power is excellent. If you're traveling at, say, 50mph and you see an opening and push down on the accelerator, the other cars around you will just disappear. You'll look in your rear view mirror and they'll just be ... gone -- you'll wonder where they disappeared to. And because it's so quiet, the V6 Solara can get you into real trouble if you aren't being careful. This car is very capable between 40-100mph -- which is what it seems to be expressively tuned for -- too capable, maybe. I haven't tried it above 100 yet, but up to that point I felt no hesitation whatsoever -- as if it had an easy 20 mph more to it, maybe even more. Hondas, for example, simply can't compete with you on the freeway -- only high powered Acuras, Mercedes, or mid range BMWs are in your league; you can even take on the occasional Mustang through light traffic -- but if you and the Mustang migrate onto the streets, forget about it -- it's wide body and thick tires will have you for lunch. That's just the way it is.

If the Solara's lack of lower-end power bugs you terribly, there is yet another TRD fix available for it -- a bolt on supercharger, which delivers an additional 75 or so hp & lb/ft torque (which can actually go much, much higher, up to 350 total hp, if you're willing to void the warranty), specifically tuned for this engine, designed to boost power through the entire RPM range, that doesn’t void your Toyota warranty in any way. I can't even imagine how fast this car would be on the freeways with this little contraption bolted on. Yes, I do plan on getting one of these, too. But mainly for the mid range speeds.

Another quirk of the Solara (and I don't know if this is true of the newer Camrys as well, I didn’t test drive one long enough to notice) is that the accelerator pedal doesn’t feel as if it’s directly attached to the engine, but rather as if it’s interpreted through some sort of “fly-by-wire”, fuzzy-logic circuitry before being delivered to the engine. As this engine is the same V6 (1MZFE) they’ve been using for years in these models (and the same one as in my previous Camry) this new quirk must be due to new ECU programming. This odd effect creates the impression, as does much of the rest of the car, of a continuous compromise between performance and plush-ish practicality. Bottom line is that the Solara is a sporty coupe -- a supped up Camry, really -- NOT a genuine full-on sports car. If performance is more important to you than luxury, then this may not be your ride.

In terms of looks -- the front is generic but sporty. I actually like that. I don’t want to stand out too much when I’m travelling 90. The side view looks superb, somewhat Lexus-ish. The rear, however, is admittedly lacking. With a Stage 3 TRD package, however, the Solara’s looks definitely get better. (You check out TRD’s website @ www.trdusa.com for more info on what a Solara could look like, and more on TRD products in general, if you’re interested.) A surprising fact with this car for me (I’m tall) is that the view out of this car is actually much better than the Camry. I feel much more sure of what’s around me when I drive this car.

Conclusion -- the stock Solara is an excellent car for modern day long road & freeway driving, but only average and so-so in term of city street maneuvering / sports car driving. If you drive longer distances, or primarily on highways, you will appreciate the innate qualities of the Solara. It has a controlled but pleasant ride, quiet and luxurious environment, good sound system, excellent mid/high range acceleration, positive strong brakes, and a stable and assured manner at freeway speeds … not as good as a BMW or Audi, mind you … but then it does cost ten grand less; is simply a Camry, after all (which can be good, in terms of repairs); and isn't THAT much different from those other cars, from what I've personally experienced. If, on the other hand, you primarily want a street / city traffic / sports car type car (and aren't willing to spend the additional bucks for TRD to make it all better), then consider instead a Honda, cheaper Acura, turbo-charged Volkswagen, or low number BMW -- which for a comparable price are far nimbler [and noisy] for city driving -- where the Solara admittedly doesn't (a-hem) shine.

(Review numbers represent stock rating -- I'll review it again after my TRD add-ons.)

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V6 Camry, Audi A6 (nice car for $10,000 more - probably purchase this next time, when I can afford it and its repairs), BMW 325, Honda Prelude.

Comfortable. Quiet. Powerful. Classy.

Only seats 4 but could have 5 if another seatbelt was in the back.
Sometimes rear window and front window don't fit properly and have to redo to get seal.

Best vehicle in price range for a convertible. Smooth ride. Quiet. Feels like I'm sailing or soaring. At times I hear other vehicles engines but not the Solara's. Been geeting lots of compliments even from total strangers and teenagers on the street. People find the car different because they're somewhat rare compared to Mustangs or Sebrings. Mustang has more horse and more noise and lot less comfort. Sebring doesn't inspire any confidence. Solara easy getting up to 80mph but seems hard to press it much faster and still feel safe handling.

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Mustang. Sebring. This gets an 8.5. out of 10. Mustang 5.5 . Sebring 4.

Oh man the 8 speaker JBL stereo system is so nice

would be nice to have a bit more horse power for 4-cyl. Honda 2-door Accord has 150 HP, 15 HP more than Solara.

I just Love the car. It is much quieter than my parents Honda Accord and looks much better. Would of get a V6 buy I got a very good deal on this 4-cyl.

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Honda Accord: Solara is much more quieter and more sporty look than 2-Door Accord.
Toyata Celica GTS: Of course Celica is much faster than my 4-cyl. Solara, but solara is much bigger and of-course safer.

Great car with kids. Have the SLE fully loaded. Great sound system, love the sun roof, love the looks of the car. Has lots of leg and head room for 6' 5" husband. Great trunk space for traveling. Everyone should own a Solara.

Seat belts in back seat have locked up 4 or 5 times. Dealership replaced every time at no cost to me, but shouldn't have had to replace. No other qualities are weak, the car is great. I wish Toyota would drop the word Camry from the name. It is not a Camry it is a SOLARA!!!!!

Love this car. Great ride, handling and space for my family. Great reliabilty, would recommend to anyone.

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Toyota Camry 4-door. No comparison between the two cars. The only thing they share is the platform they are built on. Solara is 200% better than a regular Camry(fully loaded). Solara rides, handles, drives better.

Quiet engine, luxurious leather interior, roomy trunk and back seat, comfort level is fabulous!

Sucky JBL system, my 6 disc premium CD sound system had to be replaced after one month, I was told they had had many problems with JBL in Solaras and Camrys.

I love this car! My fourth convertible and by far the nicest, having owned two Mustangs that were uncomfortable and fell apart. NEVER WILL I OWN FORD OR CHRYSLER AGAIN. Toyota rocks for its quality and smooth ride. This car is a Lexus 300 convertible! Ride and interior of Lexus. My car has the smoothest, most comfortable ride of any car I have owned. The trunk space and rear seats make this a perfect beach car, I am taking mine this weekend with two teenagers! The engine is soooo quiet, no leaks, lots of superb features for a convertible. A man recently nearly wrecked his 400 Lexus staring at my car, think he thought it was Lexus sportscar from front end. I have had many comments at stop lights, etc.

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More comfortable than Honda Accord and Ford Mustang!

Quiet engine, luxurious leather interior, roomy trunk and back seat, comfort level is fabulous!

Sucky JBL system, my 6 disc premium CD sound system had to be replaced after one month, I was told they had had many problems with JBL in Solaras and Camrys.

I love this car! My fourth convertible and by far the nicest, having owned two Mustangs that were uncomfortable and fell apart. NEVER WILL I OWN FORD OR CHRYSLER AGAIN. Toyota rocks for its quality and smooth ride. This car is a Lexus 300 convertible! Ride and interior of Lexus. My car has the smoothest, most comfortable ride of any car I have owned. The trunk space and rear seats make this a perfect beach car, I am taking mine this weekend with two teenagers! The engine is soooo quiet, no leaks, lots of superb features for a convertible. A man recently nearly wrecked his 400 Lexus staring at my car, think he thought it was Lexus sportscar from front end. I have had many comments at stop lights, etc.

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More comfortable than Honda Accord and Ford Mustang!

Great looks for this size vehicle.

Although the JBL speakers are very good for stock speakers, the CD dash system had problems after only almost a year. My dials came loose, and the CD player was unable to change tracks, requiring additional factory attention. I had it sent in (3 weeks without a stereo...arrgh!) and now things seem to be OK, although I'm thinking of replacing it with a better system now. Although I love the colors of the interior, I hate the cheap quality leather...but for the price of the vehicle, I don't see that as a huge problem.

Still running great after almost 2 years since I got it...I love the sleek lines...not nearly as boxy as the Camry, has tons of space, making it feel luxurious, but still a sporty 2-door. Toyota created clean lines for the interior. I've only had to replace a taillight bulb that went out so far. I've even forgotten about changing the oil a few times, but even after all my driving the oil is still clear...I've really enjoyed it, but I have to admit that I'm ready for a Lexus (it feels like a luxury tease, but you know that you're still driving a Toyota with all of the plastic, and the cheap quality leather interior). Overall I'd say it gives good bang for the buck & I've been quite happy though!

Excellent handling. Very comfortable overall. Steering wheel is quite comfortable, compared to other cars I have driven. Good heating and cooling system, for when the top is up. Room in the back seat for adults.

The mileage is disappointing!!! Maybe 20 mpg in town; the best I have gotten on the highway so far is 24 mpg. My Olds 88 sedan gets 30, and I expected at least that much from a Japanese car company.

I LOVE this car! Admittedly, I am the daughter of an American Motors fan father, so I have driven some real doozies, but I have also driven Mercedes sedans. The handling of this car is superb, and it is comfortable front seat and back. My 6'2" husband has plenty of headroom in it, too. The sound system is good. There is plenty of room in the trunk, and I do not travel light. My friends enjoy going for a spin with the top down, weather permitting. So far, no leaks have occurred and my windows have sealed well each time. The front wheel drive has gotten me out to the boonies when needed. I would recommend this car to anyone considering a convertible. It makes me feel seventeen again.

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Much more comfortable than the Mustang convertible. Way more headroom than BMW convertibles.

Love the stereo system, controls and moon roof. Great handling and smooth ride with the quietness.

Funny, I wrote this and just last weekend my husband test drove the 2001 Solara with TRD modifications. We were thinking about purchasing another Solara but I'm changing my mind and convincing my husband to find something else.

First it was the vibration in the stering wheel and the tires went out of alignment. Replace the front shocks and tires. Went to complain to the dealer but not much could be done. Then the track in the CD player was skipping. Since the car was still under warranty I took this into Walnut Creek Toyota in the morning told them of the complaint and they said they would replace it. Picked up the car in in the afternoon, drove it a block and found that the track was still skipping (they didn't do anything). Took the car back in again for replacement. Now that my Solara just hit the over 36,000 miles or 3 years (which ever comes first) the remote on the Car door of the driver's side won't lock or unlock by remote. I'm beginning to think that Toyota is loosing their once known quality touch.

My first impression I loved the car! Bought the car after several test drives in various conditions. I'm probaby one of the first people who got this car on the road in pearl white.

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1980 and 1981 Toyota Celica, 1991 Honda CRX Si, 1998 Honda Civic EX, 2000 Integra GSR, 1995 Honda Oddessey, 1990 Ford Aerostar.