2007 Toyota Camry Solara Review
The Solara is a sporty variant of the Toyota Camry, first introduced in 1999. Available as a coupe or a convertible, the Solara is the Camry for practical buyers who refused to grow up. The convertible was added in 2000. The second generation debuted in 2004 as a coupe, with the new convertible appearing later that year.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The Toyota Camry Solara strikes an odd balance between the frivolous and the practical. But it does it well. Essentially, it’s a boring, but reliable Camry with a sexier look and a beefier engine. While it’s certainly not for diehard enthusiasts, it fits the bill for everyday people who want a dash of excitement.
What’s New For 2007:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
J.D. Power ratings are not available. Problems with the first gen Solara include brake noise, picky CD players, weak fuel door springs, engine noise, chattering power seats, rattling moonroofs, suspension noise, and water leaks. It was recalled eleven times. The current gen has had issues with engine noise, stalling, poor shifting, and valve cover leaks. It has seen four significant recalls. Expect average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
Government crash test ratings are unavailable. The IIHS gives it “Good” for frontal impacts, “Acceptable” for side impacts, and “Poor” in rear collisions. Anti-lock brakes, front side airbags, and a tire-pressure monitor come standard. The coupe comes standard with full side airbags. Stability and traction control is optional.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Good performance for the money
+ Safer and more reliable than most sports cars
+ Plenty of luxury features
Cons
– Some reliability concerns
– Totally undercut by the Tiburon
– It’s still a Camry
Head-To-Head Competition:
The Solara compares well to the $8,000 more expensive 2008 Chrysler Sebring Touring. Although the Sebring comes with a six-cylinder and a DVD player, it only has about 30 more hp and up to six fewer miles to the gallon. The Solara is also a sensible alternative to the 2008 Ford Mustang. Sure, the Mustang offers 50 more hp, but it costs $4,000 more and lacks ABS, a CD changer, and gets six fewer miles to the gallon. Hyundai, dead set to undercut its Japanese rivals, does so with the Hyundai Tiburon GS, which costs $3,000 less and has a much better warranty. However, it does lack a CD player.
What Others Are Saying:
“There are cars you can sit in and like from the beginning. The 2004 Toyota Camry Solara was not one of them. For reasons I can’t explain, neither I nor my driving companion took a liking to the Solara during the long drive and ferry ride from the city of Vancouver to my home on Vancouver Island. But then, a strange thing happened. With each day the 2004 Toyota Camry Solara’s approval rating began to climb, to the point where, at the conclusion of the test, I didn’t want to give the car back.” – About.com
“I wish the Camry Solara Coupe was around when first I began to buy cars.” – The Auto Channel
“The new Solara should do well. It’s reasonably priced and offers a lot for the money in the growing market for upscale autos.” – MSN
Read more about the 2007 Toyota Camry Solara at the Toyota manufacturer web site.
