2001 Toyota Camry Solara Review
2001 Toyota Camry Solara Review
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Used Camry Solara for sale
Appraise This CarToyota Camry Solara model years
Toyota Camry Solara types
- Coupe
- Convertible
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Roomy cabin, convertible version, reliable Camry genes, delectable V6.
Cons
- Expensive, Camry name doesn't inspire visions of excitement, no manual offered with SLE trim.
What’s new
Top-level SLE models can be equipped with a new JBL audio system, so long as you order leather upholstery. Option package fiddling makes it easier to equip a Solara the way you like. The anti-theft and engine immobilizer system is restricted to SLEs, while SEs now come standard with a six-speaker cassette stereo. Twilight Blue Pearl is replaced by Indigo Ink as an exterior color.
Edmunds says
A Camry with two fewer doors and possibly a foldable roof. There are worse things to drive.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 Toyota Camry Solara SE 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $5.35 per gallon for regular unleaded in California.
Monthly estimates based on costs in California
$267/mo for Camry Solara SE
Camry Solara SE
vs
$251/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
With its own sheetmetal and a tighter suspension, the Solara is more than just a two-door Camry. Yes, it's based on the Camry platform and uses the same engine and basic components, but almost every aspect of this sporty-looking car has been, uh, Solara-ized to inject it with personality.
Available in two trim levels, SE or SLE, and in your choice of coupe or convertible formats, Solara looks like a promising package. Under the hood you will find either a 2.2-liter, 135-horsepower four-cylinder engine or a 3.0-liter, 200-horsepower V6. Both motors can be had in the SE model, but the premium-grade SLE comes only with the V6 and an automatic transmission. For buyers looking to get the maximum "sport" out of the Solara, the SE V6 with a five-speed manual is your best bet. Note that the Honda Accord Coupe V6 does not offer a manual transmission, or a convertible top, for that matter. Yessireebob, Toyota does give the consumer a wide variety of choice.
For handling duty, Toyota takes the Camry's basic suspension and makes it stiffer by increasing the damping rates and adding a brace that joins the front strut towers together. It also reinforces the transom between the trunk and the passenger compartment and stiffens the front and rear suspension mounts for improved overall body rigidity. The Solara also features a steering system that is more sport-oriented than the Camry's. However, the Solara is still geared for comfort. If you're looking for true handling excellence, check out the Celica.
The interior is quiet and full of high-quality switchgear laid out in a logical manner. Cloth upholstery is standard, with leather available on SLE models. The pricey convertible features a power folding top, automatic-down power rear-quarter windows and a glass backlight with defogger.
Safety is high on Toyota's list of priorities when it comes to the Solara, but the stuff that matters is optional. Base SE models don't come with standard ABS. Optional side airbags can be ordered on any model. If you purchase an SLE model, traction control can be checked on the options sheet.
For 2001, Solara is largely unchanged. Top-level SLE models can be equipped with a new JBL audio system, so long as you opt for the leather package. The anti-theft and engine immobilizer system is restricted to SLEs, while SEs now come standard with a six-speaker cassette stereo. Twilight Blue Pearl paint is replaced by a new shade called Indigo Ink.Ultimately, the Solara is a two-door Camry with more aggressive styling and minor suspension differences. Style takes precedence over utility. This makes it a fine choice for those looking for Camry's spaciousness and reliability but who seek a little something whimsical.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2001 Toyota Camry Solara.
5 star(81%)
4 star(14%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
57 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.63 out of 5 stars
Best car I ever had.
theron, 09/17/2011
2001 Toyota Camry Solara SE 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
My wife and I bought the car new Jan. 2001. 130,000 miles later, still runs like the day we bought it. My wife uses the car daily, and does not mind the 0-60 time of about a half a day. The car will not quit. Love it for that reason alone. Two sets of tires, one set of brakes, one battery & a timing belt, nothing else. Engine does not use any oil because I religiously change it every … 3500 miles. It also gets better gas mileage that rated, with 500 miles per fill-up. Hope it lasts forever.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Satisfaction
Hornet, 05/17/2004
2001 Toyota Camry Solara SLE V6 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
I was the owner of a Chrysler Sebring
Convertible (1998) which was purchased
new. I would never buy another one. I
purchased this Certified 2001 Solara
Convertible (SLE V6) and found it to be
a superb vehicle. I have owner Audi,
Mercedes, Infiniti, Volvo and Toyota
automobiles over these many years.
This is the best.
4.38 out of 5 stars
My therapy
Htees, 04/15/2008
2001 Toyota Camry Solara SLE V6 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
My Solara conv. has been the perfect 'crisis' vehicle for a family guy that wants to cruise, enjoy the fresh air, and still have the ability to take company along. The design draws compliments, the performance is adequate, and the comfort is outstanding. It could use a little more structural support and better suspension components, but other than that no real complaints. The top has … proven VERY reliable and sound for a seven year old cloth top, and I have only treated it(water proofing)and had it retightened twice for minimal cost. So far reliability has been outstanding and I just turned 90,000.
4.25 out of 5 stars
Solid Car
dylancasb, 08/19/2011
2001 Toyota Camry Solara SE 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
I bought my 01 18 months ago with 58,000 miles on it. Since then I have put 30,000 miles on it.
I have had no trouble with the vehicle at all.
However, when I first bought it I had to put one quart of oil in whenever it reached 2K miles since an oil change.
I began changing the oil every 2K miles and now it doesnt use any oil even if I go past 3K between oil changes (sludge can be a … problem with this model engine and frequent oil changes are a good idea). The 4cyl is a little underpowered but it gets good mileage.
The interior fit is sound throughout the car.
The hood finish is rough and seems to be a common problem with solaras in these years.
2001 Camry Solara Highlights
Coupe
SE
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $18,965 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $267/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Camry Solara include:
- Alarm
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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