Used 2002 Toyota Camry Solara Consumer Reviews
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Amazing
We bought this Solara in 02 from an auto auction. This car amazes me every day. We have 232000 miles on it and nothing ever goes wrong. Just regular oil changes and thats it. It runs smooth with no shaking, vibrating, noise, or rattles. I seriously wonder if Lexus parts were used in this vehicle. If you have a chance to get an 02 Solara, get it. It will prbably last another 10 years. Amazing!!
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Best car I have ever owned
I decided to give Toyota a try with the purchase of my 2002 Toyota Solara. This is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned. The only thing I have had to replace on this car in 4 years is tires and a battery.
- SE CoupeMSRP: $2,299382 mi away
- SE V6 ConvertibleMSRP: $5,500586 mi away
- SE V6 ConvertibleMSRP: $4,995708 mi away
Fantastic Car
I bought my Solara in 2006 with 78,000 miles and it now has 242,000 miles on it. I have only replace the flex pipe on the exhuast,the driver side door window glide bar and the calipers on the front brakes total cost for parts so far is less than $500.00 it still runs great and get around 30-32 miles per gallon and burns no oil.I had a 1993 Lexus LS400 before I bought this car and it had 330,000 miles with no problems, so it also was a great also car.
Still in love since 2002
I bought this car new and have not had one mechanical problem (except the radio antenna replacement at 100,000 miles) thus far. The car still drives like a new Lexus, such a smooth ride at so many miles. Luxury and comfort--- I'm keeping this car as long as it allows me. No problems with convertible top to date. Had to replacement rear seat cupholder one time. Very flimsy.
Good value
Have had for 4 years. Smooth, quiet, only replaced tires during this time. Dependable, and enjoyable to drive. Excellent sound system. Very reliable. Expect to have this car for many years to come.
A Great Sporty Car
My third Solara (had 4cyl and SLE). The V6 5spd is the best! Much more power(200hp) than 4 cyl and much more fun to drive than SLE. Not a sports car, but has a real sporty feel. If you really enjoy the driving experience, you must get the SE V6 5spd! Very quick acceleration, silky smooth and quiet, but responsive and sporty handling. Fine overall quality of workmanship (virtually trouble free). Great bet for the mid-lifer who didn't quite make it to that sports car.
The Car that Pays itself over and over
Loved this car! Picked one up in 2012 for $1200 at 115k. Insurance totaled it for all the cosmetic damage due to hail. Only put Brakes, Tires, and Oil in it-the dam thing last another 120k in mileage giving me 10yrs without a car payment. I don't even think Toyota knew how good of a car they built!
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It saved us
The sad story is that I no longer have this car. Totaled. It good news is that it saved our lives. Unbelievable construction/quiet/responsive/roomy and can take a 60 mph rear end hit. Felt only like a bumper car hit us in the back. I'm replacing the 2002 with a 2003!!!
Drop the top, sit back, exhale, it's Solara time!
Bought certified used with 75K miles in '05. Now has 230K and has been a faithful companion day after day, regardless of distance to be driven. The 4 cyl engine is surprisingly capable of pushing a rather heavy car. The handling is good for such a large, comfortable car. Fuel mileage 26-27 mpg in mixed driving. Performance in a word: competent. Not a BMW, more of a well-sorted Buick. Favorite features: insulated convertible top provides a very quiet cabin or wide open sky. The JBL stereo is quite good. The velour cloth seats are very comfortable and the driver's seat limitlessly adjustable. Four adults can sit in the car comfortably. The ride is comfortable and smooth for the most part with a smooth shifting automatic. On the right days with good back roads this car can provide a sublime experience. It kind of disappears under you. Haven't serviced it often, but have had a few extraordinary items - the rear window in the convertible top shattered when it caught the lip for the tonneau cover on the back seat while closing the top, the top had stretched; the radiator was replaced; the baffle in the intake plenum has loosened and gives a sound like a bad exhaust pipe; charcoal vapor canister replaced. But that's about it. Overall, it has been extraordinarily reliable, never leaving us stranded, and the peace of mind that comes with that is in large part why I just relax everytime I open the door and sit behind the wheel. It is wonderful when weather permits top down motoring - It's Solara Time! The worst aspects of the car are the way it judders and shakes and rattles on rough surfaces, like gravel roads or railroad crossings - the ride isn't bad, there's just a lot of flex in the body and the large doors and rattling windows create a cacophony. The top is fairly good most of the time but in heavy rain leaks are a problem - probably a drainage issue in the windshield posts. I'm in the process of a mini-restoration as I hope to drive it another 100K miles. At the risk of coming across as a lover of appliances, I am quite attached to this car. There is nothing like it on the market today. If you don't expect a sports car but instead are looking for a very good touring car with space for four and a real trunk (mine has a full-sized spare!) a used Solara is a steal based on current market prices. Highly recommended.
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Mid Life Crisis Averted
For years I've wanted a convertible. This is my 3rd Toyota.This is a great car and fun to drive. The only problem I have had is the convertible top. It seems to catch on the right rear side often. This causes the "lip" behind the back seat to tear. Other than that, no problems.
Awesomely Surprised
I am surprised in the performance and most of all the gas mileage. I live in Los Angeles, my mom found this car in Hayward. I drove from Hayward to Los Angeles which was about 380ish miles I used a little more than a half of a tank. And still had enough to last me for the work weekend which ended it 500 miles to the tank. I have a lead foot so I was perhaps speeding. WOW. I like the V6 power and the sunroof. It is a fun car and I know Toyota are reliable. And I got the car under 65k miles so it is has a lot of life to go.
Can take a blow and keep rolling!
Had this car for over 4 years with over 165k miles on it...It runs strong made for the open road gas mileage is optimal @ 65 mph to 75 mph ....in town drinving i average 19-21 mpg without a tune-up since purchasing...the cars frame bumbers can take a blow without much distortion or passenger feel of said impact....mowed down a stop sign just plate dent, pulled a 4 town truck.out the mud "DONT RECOMMEND " 30 K MILES later car still shifts smooth...smaller gas tanker clipped my rear corner at 30 mph only scuff marks....and barely felt the impact....Overall a smooth, comfortable everyday driver thats build sturdier then it appears at 1 st glance!!
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Maintenance free car
This car never left us stranded in 15 years. It is a great running car even with 200k miles on it. I have been driving it for 15 years. It's starting to look ragged and time to look for a new car. I am buying another toyota nothing else. We didn't replace any parts besides general maintenance stuff. You know oil changes, batteries thermostat those kind of things. My husband took good care of her. And she is still worth 1500.00 hard to believe.
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Dependable Snazzy Machinr
I bought this car new in August 2001 and now have 125,000 miles on it. It looks great with original top and paint (always garaged). Just considering replacing it because my wife feels it is getting too old.
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Love my Solara!!
The car has been an incredible blessing! I still have it, bought it in 2003, it's black sand pearl met. I have had it for 15 1/2 yrs. Driven across the US to drop my kids for their studies/work, us and everything else fitted well. It's now 199,000 miles and going. I love the way it holds to the road and how easy it's to maneuver in hard spots. It has spunk! And yes, I love its looks, back spoiler and all.
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Extremely reliable, always sporty
Had my 2002 til 2020. Loved that car. Always reliable,not expensive to maintain. My first V6; won’t go back to 4 cylinders. The new Solaras are ugly in my opinion. My SLE was sleek and styling and she never let me down. Great design and long lasting parts. Paint faded due to long hours in Florida sun, but no rust. They don’t make ‘me like this anymore.
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My opinion
Great automobile, fun to drive, mechanically solid, looks great, worth the time.
Best car I've ever owned
I bought my Camry Solara new in 2002 and would buy another if I could find one. I have had no problems with it. The only things that I've done were the recommended routine maintenance and tires. On a trip I get 32mpg and arrive feeling well due to the comfortable ride. It's good looking too. I can't ask for more. I now have 172,000 miles on it and feel that I should buy a newer car, but I still love this one. It owes me nothing!
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Worth the wait!!
Unfortunately it took appprox. 7 weeks to receive my vehicle, when the vehicle arrived, and we looked it over, it was very much worth the wait! Interior: one would think Lexus, Elegant... Exterior: very sleek design... An eye catcher. Dealership very professional, when the vehicle came in, closing of the deal took only minutes, with the promise of being pampered for a lifetime.
I love my car
I have owned my Solara for 8 yrs. Never had major problems with it. It just hit 100,000 miles and still love my car. People find it hard to believe that the car is 8 yrs old. Recently bought a 2010 Camry sedan. Usually, I get the new car and my husband drives the old car. Since I still love my car, I did not want to give my Solara up, so my husband is driving the new car.
Toyota Delivers
Great overall car! Toyota quaility is very evident. Extremely fun to drive and it delivers nice power.
Satisfied Customer
Purchased used with 82,000 miles. Have driven 5,000 miles so far. Typical Toyota, feels like a new car. Paint and interior still look like new. Even my 18 year old son (a Jeep guy) admits it really drives nice. Glad we bought it!
Fun in the Sun
We bought the Solara as a Certified Used Toyota. The car gives a Lexus like ride. The V6 accelarates well and the transmission is smooth. The car is very comfortable on long trips.
Great Car
Bought the SLE Convertible used with 40K miles. It has been a great car. I added aftermarket heated seats (about $350) and an XM commander radio with PIE adaptor (it plays using the CD button and not with FM modulator). Normal oil changes and maintenance - car runs great and is a blast to drive on sunny days, especially in the spring and fall. Mileage is about 24/gallon. Quiet ride with the top up.
Fun to Drive
I've owned the 2002 Toyota Solara Convertable for 3 years now, and I still enjoy driving it, particularly around town, somewhat less so on the highway (especially with the top down, when wind noise can be tiring). For a convertible, you probably can't do better in this price range. I note a few rattles at high speeds, and lately the brakes "shimmy" when slowing from highway speeds, but I've had no mechanical trouble with this car-- just change the oil, rotate the tires, typical wonderful Toyota reliability.
Easy Decision
After attending the 2002 Auto Show here in town and seeing the Sebring and Solara convertibles on the same floor, I realized there was not comparison. For the same money, the Solara ragtop was the only choice. The Sebring seemed "flimsy" by comparison. This is indeed a rare car. When I tell my friends what I bought half of them have no idea what I'm talking about.
Yippeeee
I purchased a used 2002 Solara, I had always wanted a Solara but had a car so didn't need another one. Once my car hit rock bottom I purchased the Solara. It drives brand new, it handles the road with care, smoothly, gracefully. The person I purchased the car from took great care of it...no scratches on the exterior and the interior didn't look worn at all. As I write this review, the check engine light has came on so I'm going to my favorite mechanic to check it out, hopefully nothing expensive but the car is 7yrs old so I guess i can expect a little something. I will let you know if it was something major. Buy Toyota Solara!!!
First car I will drive to the ground
I just realized today that I put 188,000 miles into my Solara. Normally I replace my daily commuter cars every 2-3 years , but that changed with my Solara. Every single time when I come back from business trip where I rent new cars and get back to my car's driver seat I fill that I own better car. It is my second car which I have almost no problem with ( another one was 1999 Pathfinder ). Only regular maintenance.
Not too bad but could be better
Our 1st convertible & although the top down is nice I am very disappointed with the mpg which is 19 not the 22-23I was hoping for. The leather is hard and the kids need to sit on pillows because of that. It has a squeak that's annoying when driving at low speeds. and the paint quality isn't great for a white pearl color. It is peppy and the radio/cd is nice. We had it for 3 months now and only got a valet key with it and now the dealer has to replace the ecm to have new master keys programmed and made. The ecm is free, keys aren't. Overall for 7300 price its an ok deal. I just wish I got better mpg, also it does have an occasional puff of smoke on start ups, aka valve seals worn, fun car though.
The best
I have owned over 50 cars over 35 years of driving. This is the best. Average 33 mpg no matter how I drive. Over 125,000 miles and no problems. None. This car is even better than my 1983 300td Mercedes.
Best Car I've Ever Owned
I bought my car new and would've kept it until the wheels fell off, but a Dodge turned left in front of me and killed the car. But WOW, I can't believe how well my Solara did in the accident! She protected me well. I had the car for almost 6.5 years, 144,000 miles. Maintenance: Oil changes, battery and tires, brakes, tensioner, belts, catalytic converter (at ~135K), regular factory maintenance. Car was amazing. I miss it! I would trust the car to get me anywhere. 27mpg city (always), 30-32mpg highway (depending on if I was driving or my husband) :o). Buy one if you can!
Over all break even
Over all break even.. Has good performance but in occassions the power lacks.. (v6-200hp engine). Fuel mileage is low comparatively.. stylish look so breaks even..
GOOD BUY
GREAT CAR FOR THE PRICE. THOUGHT ABOUT BUYING THE ACURA 3.2 TYPE S, BUT THE TOYOTA WAS A MUCH BETTER DEAL. TOYOTA OF ORLANDO GAVE A GOOD PRICE DUE TO VOLUME SALES. DRIVES GOOD, COMFORTABLE INTERIOR, NICE MOONROOF, GOOD JBL SOUND, COMFORTABLE PERF. LEATHER.
Magnificent
I bought one of the first ones in May 2000 and have been very happy. I wanted a family sized convertible and was about to buy the Chrysler Sebring, even though I wasn't wild about it. Then I heard an aannouncement of the Toyota Solara coming out in a year. I waited a whole year before the first production models were rolled out and have not been sorry about the wait.
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.
Solara Convertible
Excellent car - poor dealership
Not as good as expected
After five Camaros and reading Toyota's reviews, I decided to get one. The Toyota was more expensive, but I thought I would keep it longer due to reliabily claims. I really like overall look and handling of the car, but my experience has been less than great. The car has been in the shop more than my Camaro. I have had the Emissions Canister, Service Computer, Sun Visor, door panel and light in glove box replaced and I still have a rattle. This Toyota has had more rattles. The ride is very rough for a car this size (worse than Camaro). I can feel every bump in the road. I like the car, but I don't know if I would ever purchase one again.
Great Fun . . . Great Car
Actually I have a 2001 SLE Convertible, but aside from a few cosmetic alterations the car is identical to the 2002 model. Great car, and a lot of fun to drive. O.K., it's not a true "sports" car, more like a cruiser, but it is so much nicer and more reliable than the Sebring. I looked at the BMW, Saab, and Volo convertibles, but opted for the Toyota. Saved 10k+ and have more room for people sitting in the back seat. Plus less time in the shop means fewer headaches.
this car's ok, but not excellent
have been driving a 2002 solara sle v6 for a month. it's very quiet and has ample power. interior is very nice and jbl sound system is also excellent. it gives a smooth ride but handling and suspension isn't as firm as I want it to be. nice looking car (front and side looks) but i don't like the new taillights. (i have been looking for after-market taillights with no success. let me know if you know where I can get a pair.)
i love this car
i have had the pleasure of driving lexus, toyota, honda, and other types of cars and after very careful consideration to buying my first new car im 100% positive that i made the perfect choice in buying my 2002 solara
Solara Convertible
Terrific vehicle - Lexus like build quality at a Toyota price. Haven't driven the new Chrysler, but if want a convertible and need more than 2 seats, this baby is tough to beat!
Pleasure Trip
Wow!! A mid-size convertible under $30K with the reliability and power of a high-end Toyota Camry, packed to hilt with extras....not to mention the best and biggest power moonroof available anywhere. Move over Avalon this is by far the best car Toyota makes. I test drove this thing and had to have it. They don't seem to sell these w/o the upgraded package so be prepared not to penny-pinch. Got mine for $29,999 with everything it can possibly come with.
pikecology
Bought used; I love it except for the fair to poor gas mileage and noisy top lowering pistons.
Sporty, economical and FUN!
The Solara SE-V6 is a great vehicle. It has crisp power and acceleration, responsive handling through tight curves, minimal roll and good braking. The Solara is fun and easy to drive and the controls are easy to access and operate. There is plenty of room for four and it is a great road car. I get lots of complements on its looks, comfort, power and smooth ride. The only downfall I can think of is the amount of road and wind noise you hear when the rear seats are folded down.
Love this car!
This was not my first choice for a car. I was set on a Passat or an Audi A4. On a trip to toyota for a friend I saw it and decided to test drive it. It is a great car! The ride is especially smooth and the acceleration is a lot of fun. I am not sorry that I got my Solara. Expect the always excellent quality typical of Toyotas.
great car
Though I own a 4-cyl, automatic, the car gave me in excess of 35-mpg at 75 mph on a trip to Ny from Fla. Very comfortable, with 550 miles between fillups. the car is giving me about 30 mpg in everyday use. I'm 6'1", so I need the legroom of a midsize.
A Combination of Fun and Pratical
I have enjoyed this car every day I drive it. Several times a week I pat myself on the back for choosing this vehicle. It has room enough for adults, economical to operate, and is a car that should last for years. And yet, it is a blast to drive. I have had two minor items which needed to be repaired. The car is comfortable and solid. It has all the features I want. The wind and outside noise is low for a convertable, but is certainly more than hardtops. Most notable on interstate and around trucks. No regrets.
Nice car but poor steering
This is an excellent car (bought the 2002 SE V6 new)but the steering is fuzzy (doesn't track well). It takes a lot away from the driving experience for a sporty looking car with a V6.
BEST 4 PASSENGER CONVERTIBLE
We drove every convertible from $55k on down. Decided we wanted a 4 passenger car. This car is the best:lots of fun to drive, maybe not a real sports car but plenty fast and zippy. In fact it was faster off the line than either the Saab or Volvo convertibles. It was the most comfortable riding of all of them. I don't put a lot of mileage on, but I enjoy this car every day.
It Rocks !!!
Been almost 3 years not... but I can just say, that this car has lived up to my expectations. No major issues at all. Just a few trips to the shop for the top. Interiors are great, excellent space in the rear.