The Toyota Camry Solara Coupe and Convertible carry into 2008 unchanged after receiving extensive upgrades last model year. Nine years into its model cycle, the Solara is still one of the best values in its segment as it packages sporty refinement.
Solara Coupe is available in three model grades: SE, highlighted by sporty metallic finish interior trim; Sport with its unique exterior styling, enhanced handling and special interior trim; and SLE with additional luxury content and woodgrain-style interior trim. All models feature eye-catching LED taillights, and a standard rear spoiler accentuates the sporty profile.
The Sport grade features unique 17-inch alloy wheels, with an aggressive five-spoke design and polished chrome finish, a larger profile rear spoiler and unique chrome exhaust tip. The Solara Sport is distinguished by a bold body panel treatment, specially tuned suspension and dark-charcoal interior with black graphite-style trim.
Solara Convertible is available in SE, Sport and SLE grades. The Sport Convertible shares the Sport Coupe’s dark-charcoal interior with black graphite-style trim and 17-inch alloy wheels along with the front and rear underbody spoilers and rocker panel moldings. High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps are standard on the Sport and available for the SLE grade.
Solara continues to offer four-cylinder and V6 power choices, and fuel efficiency remains excellent for the class: four-cylinder Solara models are rated at 21 mpg city/31 mpg highway for five-speed manual transmission and 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway for the five-speed automatic transmission. The Solara Convertible is powered exclusively by a 210-horsepower 3.3-liter V6 engine, which is also available on Solara coupe models.
Advanced Active and Passive Safety
All Solara models are equipped with a direct tire pressure monitor system and standard front seat-mounted side airbags, with Coupe models also equipped with standard front and rear side curtain airbags. Four-wheel disc brakes and an anti-lock brake system (ABS) help provide responsive, reliable stopping power on all Solara models, and the SLE V6 can also be equipped with optional Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control. VSC helps maintain direction during cornering by manipulating engine torque and individual wheel-braking control when it detects tire slippage.
Two Levels of Sporty Power
All Solara Coupes come equipped as standard with a double overhead cam (DOHC) 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 155 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 158 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 RPM. The all-aluminum 3.3-liter V6 produces 210 horsepower at 5,600 RPM and 220 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,600 RPM, with ample torque at low and mid-range speeds. In both engines, Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) ensures an even spread of power across the engine speed range for sporty response.
The smooth, quick-revving four-cylinder engine comes equipped as standard with a crisp-shifting five-speed manual transmission. A five-speed automatic transmission with intelligent electronic controls is optional. The V6 is teamed with the five-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment and features a gated shifter with sequential shift mode to help produce lively performance and excellent fuel efficiency. All Solara models receive California Level II Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV-II) and EPA Tier II Bin 5 certification.
Confident Handling, Quiet Running
The Solara suspension and steering systems have been specially tuned to provide lively handling response. Front and rear suspension systems are mounted to anti-vibration sub-frames, ensuring a smooth, quiet ride.
The Solara SE Coupe features standard 16-inch alloy wheels with P215/60 R16 tires. The Solara Sport heightens handling reflexes with a performance-tuned suspension that includes stiffer front and rear springs, specific front and rear shock absorbers and P215/55 R17 summer tires on 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels (Sport Convertible equipped with all-season tires only). The Solara SLE V6 Coupe also features standard 17-inch alloy wheels.
Solara provides a quiet, serene ride reminiscent of luxury models. The Solara Coupe registers a 0.29 coefficient of drag (Cd), which helps to minimize wind noise. Foam filler in the roof and pillar panels further helps to subdue road and wind noise. Vibration-damping and noise-suppressant materials are used throughout the cabin, as well as in the wheel housings, dash panel and trunk.
Special Attention to Convertible Engineering
In the Solara Convertible, reinforcements optimally located throughout the vehicle provide high torsional rigidity, resulting in a smooth, quiet ride and responsive handling. The Solara convertible’s standard power retractable roof lowers or raises in just 10 seconds. With its power top up, the Solara Convertible provides two inches greater rear headroom than the coupe.
The convertible top features a headliner and a glass rear window to optimize passenger comfort. When lowered, the Solara Convertible’s soft-top stows behind the rear seat with a low profile for a sleek overall appearance. An available windscreen can be installed to suppress wind turbulence, when the top is down. The all-window control system allows the driver to open and close all door- and quarter-windows by pressing one button on the instrument panel.
Unexpected Interior
The Solara provides room and practicality unexpected in coupes and convertibles. A 107.1-inch wheelbase allows for a roomy interior, particularly in the rear seat, where many coupe and convertible models can feel confining. Solara passengers will find ample headroom and legroom in the rear seat, as well as generous front and rear shoulder and hip room.
The Solara Coupe offers flexibility for passengers and cargo with a standard 60/40 split/fold-down rear seat with adjustable headrests. Versatile interior storage space in all Solara models includes a front console box, cup holders that double as additional storage, and a center console that provides dual storage compartments.
The instrument panel features standard Optitron meters for a more upscale look. The gauge display uses three main meters highlighted by a 3-D chrome trim ring design, with soft lighting and fully illuminated needle pointers at night.
A standard tilt/telescopic steering wheel helps the driver to set an ideal driving position. A center-mounted three-pod multi-function display integrates a five-feature trip computer in the left pod, with functions that include fuel consumption, average speed, miles-to-go and elapsed time.
Solara targets class-leading fit and finish quality with gaps between interior surfaces narrowed to 0.5 millimeters or less and by using a full soft-touch dash panel, invisible front-passenger airbag seams and chrome accents. Silicone dampers ensure smooth operation for all register knobs.
The standard audio system integrates a universal mini-jack port, MP3 CD and satellite radio capability, while SE and Sport grades also have a standard six-disc CD changer. All models also feature steering wheel audio controls.
The available navigation system for the Solara SLE features voice activation and is integrated with the optional premium JBL audio system and features a four-disc in-dash CD changer, plus Bluetooth® wireless technology for hands-free telephone compatibility. The hands-free calling feature is also available on SE and Sport grades without navigation.
The Solara Sport Coupe and Convertible models feature a dark-charcoal interior with black graphite-style trim, all black sport-fabric seats, exclusive sport gauge design and trim, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob and aluminum-trimmed pedals.
Outstanding Toyota Value
Solara SE offers an expansive standard equipment list that includes cruise control, power windows with driver-side auto up/down, power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, power door locks, remote keyless entry, engine immobilizer, and dual 12-volt power outlets.
The SLE gives the Solara an infusion of luxury with standard automatic climate control, a power adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar, power moonroof, heated exterior mirrors, auto-dimming inside and driver’s side mirrors, JBL premium 3-in-1 audio system with six-disc in-dash CD changer and eight speakers in six locations (7 speakers in SLE Convertible), HomeLink® universal transceiver, and a security system with an alarm and engine immobilizer.
SLE Coupe V6 models also add a leather-trimmed interior with heated front seats (optional on the SLE four-cylinder coupe). Options for all Solara models include XM® Satellite or SIRIUS® Satellite radio capability and a DVD-based navigation system with voice activation and a 6.5-inch screen.
All Solara Coupe and Convertible models are assembled exclusively at Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Georgetown, KY.
Toyota’s 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle limited warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60 months/60,000 miles and corrosion perforation for 60 months with no mileage limitation.
