The redesigned
2004 Toyota Camry Solara coupe looks rakish but is basically an upscale touring car -- not a BMW-style performance coupe.
The top-line SLE V-6 version of the Solara I tested has the refinement to pass for a Lexus with its smooth styling and leather interior. It mostly looks like the $62,225 Lexus SC 430, with body metal that swoops across the car as if motivated by a headwind.
The 2003 Solara came as a coupe and convertible, but currently is offered only as a coupe. Expect a convertible version to be unveiled in the spring.
Toyota wants to broaden the Solara market with this new front-drive model, which is based on the Camry sedan. Its wheelbase (distance between axles) has grown two inches to 107.1 inches and overall length by one inch to 192.5 inches. Height has been increased by 1.8 inches.
Those increases allow more space in the quieter interior, which easily accommodates four tall adults. But there's little surplus rear head room for six-footers, and rear styling cramps a driver's over-the-shoulder visibility. It calls for considerably extra effort to climb in and out of the back seat -- partly because the seatbelts are in your face.
New seatbelt extension arms make it easier for front occupants to reach and engage their belts -- a feature that's appreciated each time you get in a front seat. Some coupe belts call for elaborate body contortions to reach them.
The rich-looking cockpit has a sweeping console and deeply contoured front bucket seats. Gauges can be easily read in the restyled instrument panel, and audio and climate system controls are unusually large and a welcome relief from the tiny controls in many cars. The new $1,350 navigation system has a 6.5-inch screen, among the largest on the market.
Drawbacks include long, heavy doors that are a nuisance in tight parking spots. The big trunk has a low, wide opening but intrusive manual hinges. Rear seatbacks flip forward to enlarge the cargo space.
The hood doesn't need an old-fashioned rod to hold it up, and the engine compartment is surgically neat with easily reached fluid-filler areas.
The new Solara is sportier than its predecessor and has agile handling enhanced by larger 16- or 17-inch tires, depending on the model. Steering is precise, and there's little body sway when sweeping through curves -- thanks to a revised suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars.
The ride is smooth and stopping distances are short with the easily modulated pedal. The top-line SLE V-6 can be had with a $650 stability control system, which isn't offered for other models.
Other Solara models are the base SE and new SE Sport. Prices range from $19,120 for the four-cylinder SE with a five-speed manual gearbox to $25,995 for the SLE V-6 with a five-speed automatic.
Carried over is a 2.4-liter, 157-horsepower four-cylinder engine. It provides acceptable pep, but the best engine is the smooth new 3.3-liter V-6, which generates 225 horsepower. It replaces a smaller 198-horsepower V-6 and also powers the 2004 Lexus RX 330 sport-utility vehicle.
Miles per gallon with the four-cylinder engine is in the low 20s in the city and low 30s on highways. It's 20 mpg city and 28 highway with the V-6, which calls for premium gasoline.
The four-cylinder engine comes with a five-speed manual gearbox or four-speed automatic. The V-6 only comes with a five-speed automatic transmission with a nifty manual-shift feature.
Solaras are well equipped with comfort and convenience items, including a tilt-telescoping wheel, cruise control, AM/FM/CD sound system, remote keyless entry and power locks and windows. Major options include a $900 power sunroof for all but the SLE model, which has it as standard equipment.
Safety items include front side air bags and a low tire pressure warning monitor. Front and rear curtain side air bags are newly optional for $400.
The four-cylinder Sport is aimed mainly at younger buyers. It costs $20,615 with the manual gearbox and $21,445 with a four-speed automatic. It's $22,495 with the V-6 and automatic. The Sport has a firmer suspension, 17-inch tires on aluminum wheels, unique lower body styling, dark-charcoal interior with a sport gauge design and leather-trimmed steering wheel.
Besides the leather interior, standard SLE features include automatic climate control, power driver's seat, power sunroof and a premium audio system with 6-disc, in-dash CD changer.
The new Solara is easy to live with. If you can't afford a Lexus coupe, the SLE V-6 version would be an especially good substitute.
2004 TOYOTA CAMRY SOLARA
Prices:
$19,120-$25,995
Likes:
Slick styling. Upscale interior. Refined. Fast with V-6. Good ride and handling.
Dislikes:
Sporty, but not a performance coupe. Rear entry and exit. Long, heavy doors.