Used 2004 Toyota Camry Solara Consumer Reviews
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Owned for 13 years & still running!!
I bought my Solara in 2004 & its still running beautiful in the year of 2018. There has never been no problems with my car. Oil changes ,changing of tires and regular maintenance is all it needs. If I were to buy another car I would definitely purchase another Solara in a heart beat!
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Love it!
I've had this car about a year now! I love it. It's very spacious, well made, has a luxious feel, and an awesome stero. I love the hard lines and sporty look. It runs smooth, light, and fast. Its truly a great car!
UNBELIEVABLE
My best friend refused to buy American cars and always bought Toyotas, Nissans and Hondas. I laughed at him until I got stuck with a LEMON American GM car. I bought two Toyotas both 2004 models and they are flawless perfect vehicles. I keep them maintained religiously and they have never let me down. This Solara is mine and I am absolutely in love with this car. I am 62 and have never had such a reliable vehicle. You couldn't pry it from mt cold dead hands (unless you gave me a new one)
Nicest Car I've Ever Had [almost]
I bought the car from a small dealer's online ad and the dealer is 2 highway hours away from my home. The previous owner[s] had all services done at two Toyota dealers. My selling dealer had to have the front upper strut mount body metal reinforced due to heavy corrosion. The repair seems fine. The rear suspension was very noisy - constant clanking/knocking noises over any road surface. Had to drive the car all the way back for the dealer to inspect, and just before the drive test, and during it, the noise reached catastrophic levels - sounded like a jackhammer crew was bashing the underside to pieces. Dealer replaced both rear strut mounts and struts, and brake rotors and pads. I had the rear sway bar bushings replaced by my local Toyota dealer. The repairs left the car with mild clunking at times, but basically it's not too bad. I've had to replace the entire parking brake cable/shoe assemblies, but at 12 years, it's expected.The car otherwise is absolutely wonderful and I love it more as the weeks go by. The JBL stereo cassette and CD performance is superb. The lighting at night is great. Most people think it's a new car, and you can only tell its age from the driver's seat leather wear. I'd buy another in a heartbeat, but only a coupe. I think the convertible top is hideous when up. I do think having no lock cylinders in the right door and deck lid is dumb though. Two year report: I still feel exactly the same way. Noisy suspension at slow speed but everything else is wonderful. New report: Still love the car but that suspension noise does drive me nuts until I turn up the JBL stereo . . . Cassette, of course. Three year report [next month is three years]: Everything the same, except the rear suspension is somewhat quieter now. No buyer's remorse.
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Best Car Ever
at 49 I have owned many car brands but this solara has been the best ever. Bought it 3 years ago with 82km and now have 171km and it runs like new. 3 weeks ago I hit black ice and went over a bank and almost cried at the thought that it may be totalled. It was repairable and will get it back this week. Regular maintenance & new timing belt, water pump is all I've ever done to it. Plan on running it until it literally falls apart. Only thing I would trade it for is a newer one with less miles.
Would buy again!
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.
Shiney new Black head turner
Too new to know about reliability, but the styling, the quiet drive is wonderful so far. A real head-turner w/the top down.
The best ride
This is the BEST car I have ever owned! Toyota is a fantastic company and they stand behind their vehicles! I love the style of my sporty red Solara as well as the performance, not to mention the detail of this car - could not be better! I plan on keeping this car until the very end. I have seen the previous years' solara models on the road and they still look sharp!
Grateful for my Solara, Fun & Safe
I bought my 2004 Solara about a year and a half ago. I was so excited to get it and have absolutely been in love with it ever since. My plan was to keep it for ever or as long as possible. After all my previous Celica was 22 years old and still running when I sold it years back. I loved having the convertible. I live in New England and both this year and last year I had my top down throughout October. Fortunately and unfortunately recently I found out just how safe this car is too. While driving down a main route, traveling about 40-45mph. I unexpectedly passed out, I woke up to the front left side of my beautiful car wrapped around a tree. Somehow I walked away with only having a bruise from the steering wheel on the top of my thighs, mostly just the right one. I have no idea at this point as to why I passed out. What I do know is I love my car even more now. I’m praying that the frame isn’t bent and I can repair it because at this time I can’t replace it. At this time if I have to get a new car I’m going to have a hard time trying to replace it with something I like even half as much and now on top of it, something I feel as safe in. Great car, highly recommend.
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Great cap down!
Noting close to it for the money!!
Love the new Solara Convertible
Had a 2001 Volvo and lease was up - traded for new Solara which I had seen at the Chicago Auto Show. The car rides smooth, has much more space and plenty of pep. For the few little "creature comforts" you got with the Volvo, the additional space and $10,000 price difference are worth it.
Great Purchase! No Regrets!
As I enter my fourth year with this car I can honestly say I am more impressed as time goes by. The car is powerful, capable and gets surprisingly good mileage. I have not had one major repair and the only expense has been maintenance. This is my second Toyota and won't be the last. I came out of an 2002 Audi A4 that was a disaster. Toyota is the benchmark of well built and fairly priced mass market automobiles.
Great Dependable Car
Dependable car with basic upkeep. Ride is a little stiff(feel every bump in the road) being the sport model it has the better suspension at a cost of ride comfort but this does not kill the value of this car. One moment feels like a every day ride but when you put your foot down you can tell Toyota really put some thought into this model.
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Can't trade this one
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.
GREAT CAR
THIS IS A FUN CAR TO DRIVE, WITH ITS GREAT LOOKS AND SMOOTH RIDE. YOU DON'T HAVE TO SACRIFIC RIDE AND REFINEMENT FOR THE SPORT HANDLING.
Love this car
I recently bought the car with 85,000 km. Black with black interior. So far this has been my favorite car of all that I've owned. I haven't had it very long
Timing chain sprocket
Great comfort, ride, fuel economy, eye catching styling. At 40,000 miles I took it to the dealer for an engine noise. There was no check engine light on.They changed the belt tensioner. The moment I drove away the same noise was still there. The next week they found the timing chain sprocket's teeth were worn. They changed it. Two weeks later the engine quit on me. The timing chain came off, bent the valves and dented the a piston and damaged the cam. They rebuilt all changed all these with the timing chain sprocket being the culprit again. They couldn't tell me why the sprocket teeth keep stripping and if it will happen again.This is the 2.4l 4cyl engine.
Toyota Solara SLE convertible
There is a problem with rear view visibility from the drivers seat with the top up. The rear seat head restraints all so block vision out of small rear window. The Toyota body is not stiff enough with out the unit body roof, this makes the convertible a bit unstable on all but super smooth road surface. You get a lot of shake car needs improved body supports.
Awesome car!
Beautiful design. Extremely quiet. Lexus like quality. Excellent thigh support. Great accelaration! (Exhilaration!) Black with Dark Stone leather interior, Navigation system. Nav system is very intuitive and very easy to use.
Great job Toyota!!!!!!!
This is my first toyota car. I use to drive all american cars. This car is very good looking especially the lexus like rear end!! It drives very smooth and i was very satisfied with it so far. No problems so far. I almost purchased a Mazda 6 but then i fell in love with the solara. looks and drives way better! i never thought i would buy one cause the old ones looked like chick cars. Also i was not about to buy a ford quality car. Hope that this will be a good experience with toyota. Love the car interior looks good and so does the outside keep up the good work toyota
Great Solara Vehicle
Vehicle is fun to drive. Excellent interior design. Minor problem with a rattle in the front passenger door. This is my 4th Toyota (3rd Camry). Toyota continues to make great vehicles. Wouldn't want anything other than a Toyota.
Topless in Louisiana
What a great car. Fun to drive, classy and beautiful. They're selling as fast as they get them. Run and get yours. Quiet inside, smooth ride. Wow! Everything a Lexus without the price.
Toyota Solara is fun to drive
The Solara is very smooth to drive. I get a lot of compliments on the style of the car. I feel very safe because of the 5 star front and side crash ratings. I appreciate the fact that Toyota makes a moderately priced car with 3 airbags (front, side, and side curtain).
my car I love it!!!
I love this car. long trip, very comfortable, wish it had onstar on board but you cant have everything. Only things I have found negative with this car 1. you have a blind spot I have learned to figure it out but a little scarey at first. 2 this is minor but there is a cover for the front seat belt, floor behind the seat.I have had it replaced and again it has fell off and my back seat is not being used. If you push the front seat back it flys off.
TOYOTA SOLARA
I RECENTLY TOOK DELIVERY OF THE NEWLY DESIGNED TOYOTA SOLARA CONVERTIBLE. MY WIFE AND I COULD NOT BE HAPPIER WITH THIS NEW CAR. THIS IS THE FIRST CONVERTIBLE THAT WE HAVE EVER OWNED AND SO FAR WE ARE REALLY ENJOYING. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS CAR TO ANY0NE LOOK ING FOR THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE,
Wonderful Car!
This is my second Solara Convertible. First was a 2001. The car is beautiful, dependable, and always attracts attention. Only real downside is the rearview visibility. Rear window is too small and the rear seat headrests are too big.
First Toyota/Last Toyota
Purchased new 2004 Solara SE Sport on 9/4/03. From day one, car pulls left and tire pressure warning light is always on. Have taken to dealership 5 times, they have opened a case with Toyota Technical, and still unable to fix. Am developing quite a few muscles holding this car on the road. Have discovered numerous reviews on the internet stating the same problems with this car. Very nice looking car if they could make it go straight.
Worst Owning Experience Ever
Had problems from day 1. The car had the "Left Drift Issue", rattle in dashboard, and the start of transmission problems. The car was in the shop 4 times for the pull issue and the rattles, but the dealership was never able to fix them. Eventually was told that the car is suppose to pull to the left. Completely unsatisified with this car, coming from a family that owns nothing but Toyotas. Owned the car for a total of 5 months before I had enough and traded it in on a brand new Scion tC, which has had absolutely no problems at all. I guess the plant in Kentucky should take notes on how cars are built in Japan because they sure as hell can't compete with the quality from overseas.
Love this car
I'm a first time car buyer and bought the car with 160,000 miles yes 160,000 miles and when I drove it it felt like a new car and when I bought it in for in oil change the dealer asked if the car reached 50 thousand miles I love the car. It keeps its value if maintained
Solara convertible shakiy and shudders
Review by Cleveland Plain Dealer auto editor says the car is "less than mediocre" because the car shudders and shakes over the slightest road bumps as does the steering wheel. Poor rear visibility with top up due to large non- adjustable rear seat head rests and blind spot from side of top. Would like auto lock and unlock latches for top as in BMW 3 series. Would like automatic boot for top as in Audi Cabriolet even if it would cost some more. Would like option of body side moldings as on 2003 model. Seat belts don't move easily when tethered in belt hoder which also unlatches.
WORST CAR EVER
Our family has been buying Toyota for the past 20 years. From Corollas to Camrys and we couldnt imagine getting any other car when it came to buying a new car for me. It was the worst mistake of my life. From day 2 the car started to make a loud engine noise, the alignment was always off, the tire pressure light keeps going on and the seats move around during turns and sudden breaking. The dealership did nothing to fix any of my problems and nor did any other in my area. They all said the same thing; "IT'S SUPPOSE TO DO THAT" I guess Toyotas are suppose to suck. I finally got rid of it and am now driving a Honda Accord with ZERO problems. Good buy Toyota forever.
The WORST vehicle I have EVER owned
I am COMPLETELY DISSATISFIED with this vehicle. It has been a problem since day one. I too have the problem of the car not starting- there goes safety and reliability. The car intermittently will not start- completely dead- no clicks no nothing. It has even died in the middle of traffic. Real safe! It has also had a boat load of other problems. It has been into Toyota (Smart Motors, Madison Wisconsin), and they are basically accusing me of "making up a problem", becuase it is intermittent and they can't duplicate it. Toyota Customer service is NO help either. I get in the car and hope it gets me to my destination safely. Sad that a car with EVERY option is such a piece of junk!!!!!
Great Car
This is a great car.I was extremely hesitant about buying a foreign car.This is actually my first ever out of 13.I am happy beyond words with this vehicle.Well done!
Toy4Me
This car is very easy on the eyes. I chose red as my color. Wherever I go people comment on how nice my car is. Looks like a lexus, feels like a lexus, acts like a lexus, but without the price of a lexus.
love it!!!!!!!!!
I love my four wheels motorcycle, because thats how i feel my new convertible. Very nice ride, sleek, pimping look, specially when the top is down, looks way "different from any other convertible, roomy, the only con I can tell about it is the blind sptots are really blind, can't see a thing in the bck when backing up.
Toyota Solara Converttible
Purchased this newly designed Solara Convertible on the basis of my Lexus and it is (Along with my Lexus) the best convetible I've ever had, which includes Mercedes, mustangs and sebrings.Fun to drive, but I also enjoy the numererous comments I get.
Toyota Solara Converetible
This is my first Toyota and I am truly impressed with this vehicle. It is fun to drive and the build quality is outstanding. My prior vehicle was a Volvo C70 and there is no comparison to quality.
second time around
I was lucky to get this car in May below sticker. I replaced my 2000 solara convertible with this one. As much as I enjoyed the 2000 the 2004 is a better built better looking car. I work with some who got the lexus hard top convertible and comparing the two I got better value.
Loving new Solara
Used to drive the Volvo C70 and love the extra room in the trunk and back seat of the Solara. The few little "extras" you get with Volvo aren't worth the additional $10,000 or the loss of extra space.
Fun car without XM Radio
Great convertible for the money compared to Chrysler or Ford. Much more for your money than $15,000 extra would cost for BMW or others. If interested in the XM satellite radio, negotiate the price up front since it will cost you over $700 to make the factory unit work after the fact in the SLE model. I was told I could take the vehicle to Best Buy to have the necessary equipment installed to make the "XM Ready" stereo work. Not true. You must install Toyota parts to make the head unit work as designed unless you want to add another head unit. Most Toyota dealers do not understand or have experience with XM radio.
LOVE IT!!
Overall, this is a wonderful vehicle. Took it on a 2000 mile road trip 2 weeks after we bought it and it performed beautifully. Lots of power, convertible works very fast, very comfortable drive. Has lots of features for the price. Also, has lots of head room for the taller driver. Was going to buy a T-bird for $10M more, but very happy we went with the Solara. The GPS system is awesome. Also, you don't see a "million" of these cars on the road. Read in previous reviews about some wind noise and "shaking" of the car. Haven't had any of those issues. It's a little bumpy on rough roads but it's very livable.
love it!
This is my second Solara, and I love it. I bought the first model when it came out in 1999. I got an SLE with a V6. I loved that car, but the SE v4 is just as nice. The look, feel, comfort and the driver are excellent. The pickup is surprisingly quick too; even when I when I was driving up a mountain.
Very Happy
Really, what competition is there to the Solara convertible? The Chrysler Sebring is a quality joke, and actually costs more similarly equipped. The Ford Mustang is old technology, at least until the 2005's are available. (Then try to buy one for six months.) The Turbo Beetle costs two thousand dollars less, but it is definitely not in the same class. The Solara offers Toyota quality, 7 second to 60 mph performance and luxurious accomodations. This truly is a great buy.
It's Awsome Baby!
It is a great car that hold four people comfortably and it is real quiet compared to previous comvertables
Excellent, Fast, Sporty
Had a 2002 Solara Convertible SLE V6 and this one blows it away in style and performance. I love the new interior - it's sporty and classy at the same time. I get compliments on this car EVERY DAY. Opted to not get the navigation system but love the looks of the stereo anyway.
Great buy
I gave up a mercedes 500 SL for this car and I am happy I did. I looked at every convertable on the market. I had decided on Lexus sc430 till I test drove it for a day. The Solara has the appearance of the Lexus with twice the room and half the price. This is a fun car that combines the function of a practical car with the the thrill of driving a sporty eye catching car.
New SLE convertible
The power adjustable driver's seat is great. It is very comfortable. I find the car to quiet while driving with top up. The power top and power all windows buttons are convenient and a time saver.
I feel like a princess!
I love this car! I waited a long time for a convertible with room in the trunk to carry items. This car handles so easily and is so quiet!
Best value and good looking coup
1. Ride is smooth, and relax. The suspension is firmmer than Camry like Lexus ES300 in sprot mode. Maneuverability is good. The steering weight toward the light side. Neither wind nor road noise was heard. The ambient is very like the one in Lexas. Materials is first rated and on par of Lexus. Leather is great on touch. Engine is Quiet, smooth & strong. The AT works great and smooth. Everyone laid eyes on it liked it. It looks very sporty and sexy. The cosmic Blue metallic I have is a very soft color and pleasant to eyes. Overall, we are satisfied with car in every category including the price. For 26K+, it provides features better than we expected.
Many annoying defects
I have had a significant number of problems with my Solara (none involving the engine, thankfully), including significant rattling in the dashboard (6 repairs, and counting), rattling/loose passenger window, whistling of the door seals at highway speeds, defective tire pressure indicator, defective rocker (retracting) mechanism in sunroof, defective driving lights, etc. Very shocking, given Toyota's reputation for reliability.