Handling and steering are secure, but conservative as opposed to sporty. The 3.3-liter V6 engine provides adequate thrust, but can only be paired with an automatic transmission, limiting this car's fun-to-drive potential.
Solara's suspension is biased towards soft ride comfort, but not overly so. The interior is a coddling, well-appointed place. Front legroom, however, lags behind others in the class.
As is the case with most Toyotas, the cockpit controls are well thought-out and very logically placed. If you opt for the navigation system, however, prepare for compromised audio system controls. At least the major ones are duplicated on the steering wheel. Visibility to the rear is limited by the rear three-quarter styling.
Build quality and materials are, as expected, very good. Interior styling is handsome, but a debate rages over the exterior, especially the sagging tail.