EDMUNDS.COM 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY SOLARA
Find, Buy, Review, Make offers on, and View more vehicles like the 2004 TOYOTA CAMRYSOLARA new at UsedNewCars.com!
Click Here For More Reviews On Edmunds.com
 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
The new standard for elegance, refinement and value in the midsize coupe and convertible segment, but it''s better enjoyed from the inside.
Pros
Unsurpassed build quality, smooth and efficient drivetrains, stylish interiors, high-quality materials throughout, extensive safety features.
Cons
Average performance credentials, middle-of-the-road styling, can''t get the V6 with a manual transmission.
What''s New for 2004
The Camry Solara is all new for 2004. It features a sleek new design, a larger optional V6 and a revamped interior with additional features and a more upscale look.
Overview
Introduction:
First introduced in 1999 as a more sophisticated sister to the Camry family sedan, the Solara coupe and convertible have quietly enjoyed the reputation of most Toyota vehicles -- reliable, well built and inoffensive-looking. For most types of vehicles, such qualities would be considered desirable, if not optimal, but when it comes to coupes and convertibles, you would hope that sporty, stylish and fun would figure in there as well. With the debut of the second-generation 2004 Solara, Toyota has made an attempt to bring some of those more desirable elements to its midsize coupe and convertible. The suspension has been retuned for better handling, a larger V6 offers more power and, although the looks are still cut to appeal to a wide-ranging audience, there are enough new lines to separate it from the slab-sided Camry sedan on which it is based. The convertible has its own body this time around, instead of being a "top chop" conversion of the coupe. This allowed engineers to build in extra rigidity and thus improve ride and handling characteristics. The result is a second-generation Solara that manages to add a significant measure of fun without sacrificing the traditional elements that made it so appealing the first time around. Although numerous features have been added, the Solara remains a solid value, as the price of several models is actually lower than the previous year. Notable additions to the lineup include an SE Sport coupe with a more aggressive suspension, larger wheels and tires and black graphite interior trim, as well as the availability of the four-cylinder engine on the top-line SLE coupe. The Solara''s interior fit and finish has been improved over the previous model that was already considered best in class. A mix of metallic and satin finishes interspersed with high-quality plastics gives Toyota''s midsize offerings a more distinctive, upscale appearance than its Camry sedan counterpart. Rear-seat room is still a bit tight for adults, but usable for short trips -- three passengers can ride in the back of the coupe, while the convertible can accommodate only two. Side airbags are standard on all models, with side-curtain airbags that protect both the front and rear passengers an available option on Solara coupes. The convertible''s standard power top raises and lowers in just 10 seconds and stows neatly under a tonneau cover that matches the color of the interior. Under the hood, improvements to the motor mounts effectively eliminate engine vibration, and even highway speeds barely turn up much wind or road noise. If mileage is a concern, the coupe''s standard four-cylinder delivers up to 33 miles per gallon, but for maximum performance, the optional V6 is essential. Although it''s still not available in conjunction with a manual transmission, a newly added five-speed automatic combined with a larger version of last year''s V6 provides solid all-around performance. With so few midsize coupes and convertibles on the market, the Solara doesn''t have much in the way of competition. But even so, Toyota gave the Solara everything that a buyer could ask for. It may not be the fastest, nor is it the most distinctive-looking, but when it comes to overall quality, performance and value, there are few that put it all together as well as the 2004 Camry Solara.
 |
For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The Camry Solara is available as a coupe or convertible. The coupe is offered in three trim levels -- SE, SE Sport and SLE -- while the convertible comes in SE and SLE versions only. The base SE coupe is well equipped with power windows, locks and mirrors; keyless entry; cruise control; satellite steering wheel audio controls; a six-speaker CD stereo; 16-inch wheels and tires; and a multifunction trip computer. The SE Sport adds a performance-oriented suspension, 17-inch wheel and tires, an exterior body kit, graphite-style interior trim, a unique gauge cluster and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; most of this equipment is also included on the SE convertible along with a power cloth top. Top-of-the-line SLE coupes and convertibles add automatic climate control, wood-style trim, a power-adjustable driver seat, a moonroof, a JBL premium audio system with a six-disc CD changer and, on V6 models, leather seating.
Powertrains and Performance:
The standard coupe engine on all models is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder rated at 157 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. It''s mated to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic and is EPA-rated at 23 city/33 highway for the manual and 23 city/32 highway with the automatic. Optional on coupes and standard on convertibles is a 3.3-liter V6 rated for 225 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. No manual is available with this engine, but the automatic is a five-speed unit with a manual-shift gate for those who like to pick their own gears. The EPA mileages estimate for all V6 models is 20 city/28 highway.
Safety:
All Solaras come standard with front and side-impact airbags and four-wheel antilock disc brakes. Side curtain airbags that protect both front and rear passengers are available on coupes as well. A combined electronic stability and traction control system is optional on SLE models with the V6 engine.
|
For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
All trim levels feature an upscale interior design with bright metallic accents and exceptional build quality. Sport models get sharp-looking graphite accents, while top-line SLE versions add premium wood trim. The front seats offer plenty of room for even the tallest drivers, but the rear seats are still better left for short trips. Buyers should note that coupes can seat three passengers in back, while the convertible can accommodate just two. When you''re ready for an open-air ride, the convertible''s power top automatically stows beneath its own tonneau cover. Overall, these are some of the nicest interiors you''ll find in this price range by far.
|
For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Never much of a sport coupe, the Solara''s revised suspension tuning delivers a well-controlled ride that''s still every bit as comfortable as before. The added stiffness of the SE Sport model gives it enough capability in the turns to have some fun while still maintaining the civilized ride quality of the other models. Power from the V6 is smoother than ever, but enthusiast drivers will be left wishing for a manual gearbox.
|
For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
[ UsedNewCars.com ] [ Information Index ] [ Site Map ]
[ TOYOTA Information Index ] [ CONVERTIBLE, COUPE/HATCHBACK Information Index ]
|
