Used 2002 Toyota Camry Solara Consumer Reviews

I love this car!!

I bought a 2000 model Solara in January and have been driving it for 2 months. No problems so far. This is one of the best purchases I've ever made.

Refined on a budget

Overall, I've only owned the car about 8 months, purchased it used for a private party, they kept records on everything this car went thru however, which was very little. To date, it's never been taken in for anything other than routine service. The only thing not absolutely pleasing about this car is the accommodation of someone of my height, at 6'2" I feel a little bit claustrophobic until I open the sunroof.

Wonderful Touring Car

2000 6cyl w/manual tranny. Extremely comfortable, almost luxurious ride. All reviews saying it is 'Lexus-like' are dead-on. The engine, brakes, tranny have been problem-free at 36K miles. After comparing it to CL/Integra, Accord, Cougar, Tiburon,and Seabring, I think I have the best car (that suits me) for the money.

My history of owning Toyotas

Just comments to share of my experience of owning Toyotas, they are one of the most reliable cars made. The only thing that I changed on my Toyota is the struts. I had Monroe struts installed and it improved the handling greatly and also the Monroe struts are cheaper in price compared to Toyota struts. I also put better tires on my Toyota, Michelin X ones.

Smoooooth Solara

I traded-in a 2000 Volvo S70 for the Solara. The Solara wasn't on my radar screen but the salesman suggested I try it and I was impressed from the get-go. It doesn't take corners like a sports car, but the overall performance with the new 157 hp 4 cyl is surprisingly good.

Fun, Reliable Car

I bought my Solara SLE new in July, 2002. Very reliable - I've put 70,000+ miles on it but have had NO mechanical problems whatsoever. Handles well - especially on curves. Average about 26- 27 MPG on highway. Handles very well in up to 6" of snow. V-6 has a lot of power. Overall fun car to drive!

02 Solara Coupe

We traded in a 1995 2-d Camry with 200k miles for the Solara. This makes the 5th Camry we've owned. Very satisfied with the vehicle. Beautiful machine both in style and performance.

Comfortable

I have owned my SLE Solara 3 weeks now and have about 1,500 miles on it. I find the Solara to be a very comfortable car with fantastically comfortable seats,roomy interior front and back....handling at all speeds is very good with a quiet ride. Unfortunately the Solara does lack luxury feature and for that matter even standard features of todays cars such as auto locking door locks,trip computer,rear heat outlets,delay headlights,power passenger seat,ect.

Great first car

Had the car for about two weeks now. I'm 17 years old and am satisfied with this car. I wish I had gotten the v6, but the 4-cylinder engine has proven to be more economical, getting a lot of miles to the gallon. Wish that it came with 17 inch rims like the SLE models. But other than that, it's a great car.

I love this car!

I bought my Solara used with only a little over 23,000 miles, and it was 3 years old. I love the smooth drive, the power, and the fully loaded interior. It hums with style. I am completely satisfied and would buy another Solara any day.

My Solara

The Solara is responsive car. Handles well in any condition. The interior of the car is nice with the "wood" grain. Gives you a bit of luxury without the price. Road noise is not a problem in this car despite its low profile.

Don't listen to the complainers

Trouble free experience with this car. Very quiet and comfortable. Efficient engine. Handles nice.

review of my Solara

Very pleased. The 5th Toyota I've owned has the most power AND gets the best gas mileage of them all, plus is safer, smoother, and roomier. Wish I got a sunroof though. The back seat is a little hard to get into from driver's side, but roomy for a 2-door, but a little short on head room. Needs option for a graphic EQ & a deck that plays a CD w/MP3's but sound system is still above avg. I prefer rear wheel drive. Torque steer not bad; level largely determined by tires. Turning circle not as tight as a 96 Camry's. Anyway, I'm not selling the car anytime soon. Excellent value for quality, comfort, and power for the price.

So Far Very Good

The Solara and the dealer have been the best I have experienced in a long time. The car has had no problems and has performed as expected. The only thing that I could complain about is the quality of the paint and the interior carpet. Both seem to be the cheapest possible.

soooo satisfied

After driving a 1998 BMW Z3, the Solara is a breath of fresh air. The Z3 was fun to drive, extremely dificult to live with, especially as my only source of transport. I love the Solara and have no regrets about trading in the Z3. The first thing I noticed about the Solara was that the steering is a little soft, but aside from that I'm sooo satisfied

Not a Shock, the average rating is a 9!

Figures the average rating would be a 9. If I was aked that is what I would say. Top Down a 10, Top up an 8. When it's up you have to deal with convertible rattle (nothing when the radio is on). Down, it turns heads and performs well. This is NOT a Sports Car, so stop comparing it to Eclipse, Camaro and Stang. Compared to Cabrio and Sebring this car is the only choice. Toyota Service and Reliablity is priceless and what you pay more for it up front, you will get back when (and if) you trade it in.

LUXURY/SPORTS CAR CROSSOVER

GREAT CAR! THINKS IT'S A LEXUS. THE SOLARA DEFINITELY HAS LEXUS SOUND DEADENING WHICH RESULTS IN LOW WIND/ROAD NOISE. THE V-6 HAS ENOUGH UMPH TO BREAK OUT OF A STANDING STOP WITH A MONTE CARLO BUT A FEW MORE HP WOULDN'T HURT. LIKE OTHERS, IT SEEMS TO DING EASILY ON THE SIDES. I CHOSE THE SOLARA OVER THE ACCORD, PASSAT, AND THE MAXIMA. THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS IN THEIR CLASS AND PRICE RANGE. WHEN I'M READY TO GIVE UP THE SPORTS CAR SIDE OF ME, I WOULD CONSIDER THE AVALON.

Average Car

After owning Honda's for many years, I decided to switch to Toyota because I liked the look of my Solara. There's plenty of room. It's smooth riding and handling. It has a luxurious look for the price. Its just not a fine tuned car. It doesn't have the precision of my Honda's. It's an excellent car for someone who wants a vehicle that you put the key in, put gas in it and go. Don't expect to get much more out of it. I compare it to a big econobox that you really can't get much more out of the engine or transmission. Nonetheless, everyone who gets into my car seems to love it. I wish I shared their enthusiasm since I'm the one who drives it everyday.

FUN AND SLEEK

FUN TO DRIVE, SLEEK BUT AFFORDABLE, SPORTY BUT STILL ELEGANT

Love the New Solara

First Solara I've owned. Fun, flirty, elegant, practical and efficient to drive. Good placement of controls. Excellent looking interior and exterior.

what a car!

After drive this car theirs no way anyone could buy a 2dr Accord.

Runnemede

I have really enjoyed the response. It is very manuverable in traffic. I switched from a full size Cadillac to the Toyota Solara and from day one I have been very pleased. I do not miss the Cadillac.

Research pays off

I relied on user reviews and Edmunds for months to help me find a new car to buy that I would be pleased with for years to come. I reveiwed several cars before choosing the Solara. It's sporty yet large enough to be practical. It accelerates quickly & breaks smoothly. I love my high quality automobile. I would recommend not only researching the cars themselves but also the financing. The only thing I dislike about my car is the sleazy dealership it came from. They ripped me off. I won't even drive my car by there let alone get it serviced there. So be sure to know all the facts about leasing & buying before you go to the dealership.

Love at first sight

I bought this car in March 2003. I love the way it looks, and drives. Great for highway driving.

2002 Hot Momma Solara

VERY fun to drive. Unless a super need for speed, I see no point in buying a V6. The 4-cylinder has LOTS of pick- up. I frequently drive 80 mph on interstate and there is not the shaking of every imaginable part of the vehicle that I was used to before I bought the Solara. Car brakes very well (have avoided several wrecks by quick stops). Although this car was a little beyond my means (I'm a college student), I'll buy yet another red Solara when it's time. LOVE IT.

Love this Ride

All the reliability of the Camry, all the looks of a sports coupe, and all the luxury of a Lexus. It gets great gas mileage and the 2.4L engine has enough get up and go to satisfy. Big enough back seat to accomodate two adults in comfort and has a large trunk. You will not be disppointed if you choose to buy this car.

Not as good as my wife's Accord

I had driven a Honda Accord but thought they were a bit pricey when I went shopping for a new car. I bought the 2002 Solara during the big sales in June, 2002, when the dealer wanted to make room for the incoming 2003's. I was looking for a reliable, roomy, safe, 5-speed, 4 cylinder vehicle with decent fuel economy. I got all of those but the car handles poorly in wet weather (left turns are especially sloppy) and the thing is too noisy on the highway. Next time I'm in the market for a new car I'm going back to Honda.

Thoughts On My Solara

I purchased my Solara used; it was a year old with 28K miles on it. I have enjoyed this car since taking ownership of it. The ride is comfortable, the design pleasing on the outside, ergonomically logical on the inside. This car is like getting a Lexus for a bargain price. For a coupe, the interior is quite roomy, even the back seats. Despite being a used car, I have had not one problem with this vehicle (which is why I chose Toyota).

My experience

I leased a 2000 Solara and the transmission died in 2 years. It the took the dealer almost a month to locate a replacement transmission. I would not deal with this car again. I can't wait until my lease is up to dump this car.

Smooth as Silk

I purchase this car after doin alot of homework...it has paid off. This vehicle is exactly what I was looking for - turn heads, be reliable, and don;t take me to the cleaners on pruchase or maintenance. It has held up its end of the bargain. Its a shame Toyota ruined the loos of the Solara with its 2004 modsel - man, its really overweight looking. My Solara will be with me many years to come as it has checked out with the leading consumer report magazine and has stellar reliability as most Toyota products do. Go for it, this car is a winner.

So far so good

I have owned the Solara now since Oct. 2003 and have to say that is proving very reliable and generally a pleasure to drive. Still has a nice "tight" ride with a very quiet cabin. It's the only car I've owned that has not developed a rattle or buzz of any kind. The engine doesn't feel or sound like a 4 cyl. but has lots of pick up and excellent gas mileage.

Fun car to drive and easy to own

I would recommend this car to any buyer. It's extremely reliable, handles great, comfortable ride, power to spare and is just enjoyable to drive it.

Great ride.

I seriously love the thing. I owned a 1988 Cadillac Sedan deVille before this one, and the Solara feels much nicer than the Caddy. The acceleration is OK (for a 4-banger) and has been praised by a Trans-Am owner as "having balls" (again, for a 4-banger). Mileage is great, ride is as smooth as the old Caddy, and the stock audio system isn't too bad. It's a royal pain in the butt to change the rear speakers, however. The vehicle itself is quite sexy. Very reliable as well. I've recommended it to many people already :)

nice...

the only thing i regret is why i didn't buy the trim with leather and rear spoiler..and why it is silver instead of black?? (they should make more black cars) my mistake..othrwise,a dream car for the money. dealrship was not helpful/professional at all,they failed my test.i will buy toyota again,but never from the same people.

Love My Solara

My solara is fantastic. It's sporty on the outside and classy on the inside. Very comfortable for four adults. It's a keeper!

good

this car is the best cheap car

Thinks it's a Lexus

I sell nearly every other Brand of automobile except Toyota. My wife has had a wealth of nice cars before and since our marriage. The 1999 Solara I am reviewing is the nicest we have ever owned. Smooth, quiet, roomy, comfortable and great value for the money spent.

Love this car

This car is the most resonably price luxery, sports coupe on the market. Similar to the Accord but rare.

Buy one if you find it!

I bought my '02 Solara (4 cylinder) in '06, with 75k miles on it. It is now 2021 and this thing it still kicking - with 275k miles on it! No major work has ever been needed, just routine maintenance. The paint job looks bad, but it's a mechanically sound vehicle for sure!

Keeps going and going and going

We have a 2002 Toyota Solara that we bought used for our daughter 12 years ago. She commuted to high school and all through college with it, then my son drove the heck out of it, had a couple of wrecks, and it has 299k miles on it. Still running. Still chugging away, even though it was thoroughly abused. Nothing was ever done to it other than oil changes, tires, and batteries. They run forever. Best car we've ever had.

Best, most reliable car I have ever owned. Good

Great, safe vehicle!

not impressed

Rode in one that of friend owns. Can you say rattles? Actually considered buying one and I'm satisfied I didn't. The ride and mileage wasn't very impressive either.

Load of satisfaction

from corollas to solara

Moving from 2 previous Corollas, this is a big up. Smooth exceration, quiet ride and excellent sound system. From previous Toyota experience reliablity should not be a concern.

Load of satisfaction