2004 Toyota Camry Solara Review
Fuel Economy
21 - 24 mpg
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.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
5 Years 105,000 Miles - Still Love It
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Toyota Camry Solara SE V6 2dr Coupe (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Eight cars to date, this is the first car I've owned where I put more that 50,000 miles on it. This is my second Toyota. Hasn't had any problems, engine is still quiet and smooth, and parts still fit together like they were new. Mileage has gone down some, from 30 to 28 MPG - still excellent for me. Was not looking for a sport car, just a sporty look, so the performance (or lack thereof) isn't important to me. I never thought I would have a car this long, and I am in no hurry to buy another.
Favorite Features
Styling, good gas mileage for a 6 cylinder.
Suggested Improvements
Reduce road noise.
Can't trade this one
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Toyota Camry Solara SLE 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
Review
I have had this wonderful car for 5 worry-free years. I only change the oil, and just got a new battery and new tires. This car gets excellent gas mileage (4-cyl model - 38+ on my most recent hiway trip), and all comment on its great looks. I would like to have something to carry my kayaks in, and have been looking, but just cannot part with this great car. I'm going to the outdoor outfitter to get a Thule rack for the top (I already have a bike rack), so I'll still have my low maintenance, excellent mileage, comfy car. Drove from Virginia to Texas in one day (4am to 11pm), and felt great when I got there - the car already had 60k miles when I made the trip and was totally reliable.
Favorite Features
Mileage! I never put gas in the car! Great 6 CD changer stereo with text msg so you can find out who's singing.
Suggested Improvements
The tire pressure light (it's easy to shut off - no trip to dealer required), but it's too sensitive.
Complete Lemon
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 3 | Fun-to-Drive: | 2 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 3 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 2 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 3 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Toyota Camry Solara SLE V6 2dr Convertible (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
Review
The car has been to the shop 23 times in the last 4 years. There was a short in the electrical system in the first month that Toyota didn't find that caused many other problems. Worst Dealer ever, worst car ever. The car understeers heavily, too little grip for fun handling, I average 23 mpg. I bought this because I thought the Passat was unreliable. I will be trading this piece of crap in for a Saab this week. VW and Toyota need to be taught what customer service is.
Favorite Features
Resale value, I will still lose a ton of money but I can't afford all the repairs.
Suggested Improvements
CUSTOMER SERVICE and Toyota should replace Lemons with another new car and apologize to me for my troubles. I will not buy another Toyota again.
UNBELIEVABLE MACHINE
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Toyota Camry Solara SE Sport 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I've owned my Solara for 4+ years now and I have nothing but positive words for this car. I currently have around 165K on the car, primarily highway miles and it still runs as soft, smooth and quietly as it did the first day I purchased it. I'm amazed at what Toyota has done with this machine. I've only had minor repair issues in the past mainly due to my excessive driving. Only had to replace driver side window regulator because it was broken into and regulator was damaged. And I have an AC leak which I hope won't be too much of a repair before this summer hits.
Favorite Features
I love the interior and exterior design of the vehicle. What sold me on the car was the frosted glass and the green LED lighting all over the dash. I love it.
Suggested Improvements
No suggested improvements at all. I'm excited to see what the next masterpiece will be like because this one is damn near flawless.
Would buy again!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Toyota Camry Solara SE V6 2dr Convertible (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Soft ride, comfortable seats, fair gas mileage, not a road racer, great looking, not costly to run or own, the ladies love it with the top down, large trunk space, easy low cost upkeep, always starts, quiet as a convertible can be, 10 second top up or down, interior build quality is excellent.
Favorite Features
Quality convertible with great looks for not much money.
Suggested Improvements
Make transmission shift without hesitation, always smooth and not a big deal but noticeable. Dampen the hood movement. (Hard to do in a drop top.)
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