2004 Toyota Camry Solara User Reviews

Pros

Excellent fuel economy

Cons

Dashboard cracked

Purchased As Used

I bought this car used in 2006 (21k miles) for just over $17k. The car came with a 4 cylinder, 5-speed manual transmission. Three years later, I now have 57k miles on the car. I've enjoyed every single mile! Shortly after purchasing the car, I had to have the sunroof motor replaced as it was malfunctioning. That was covered under the factory warranty. Since then, I've also had to replace all four tires and brakes - although I consider that routine. The only concern I have is that my dashboard is cracked in four places, and I am unsure as to why that happened. Luckily, I don't plan on trading it in, so that is not a problem. I love the reliability of the car and how smooth the ride is. I get about 27 mpg in town and 34 mpg on the highway which is better than the Toyota site reports. The backseat is roomy enough to fit two adults with no concerns about height, although it would be nice to have a little more leg room. All in all, this is a fantastic car and I'm so glad I bought one....read morehide

Pros

great appearance

Cons

rough ride / too many rattles

I am very disappointed with this car.The car has rattles in the rear right strut,parcel shelf,sunroof,right c-pillar,and in dash around steering wheel. The wind noise at speed is disturbing.this car is not of the usual Toyota quality. My 2003 camry SE v6 was much superior. If I had known that this car was assembeled in usa I would have not leased it. Canadian built Toyotas are the best!!!!!!!!...read morehide

Pros

looks good

Cons

lousy transmission

test drive your solara,and make sure you dont get a lemon transmission.or a bad steering problem

INTERIOR DESIGN IS AWESOME!
HIGHLY RECOMEND GETTING THE CONVERTIBLE!(I DIDNT WISH I WOULD HAVE.)

Pros

Looks great, rides great and handles great! Sound system is awesome.

Cons

Has a couple of blind spots and minimal trunk space, but otherwise a terrific car.

I've been eyeing this car for about 3 years and I'm so glad they changed the style in 2004 for me to buy. It's red, classy, sporty and I consider this my midlife crisis car. Today, I just tried the standard shift feature while driving in the snow and it handle well. SO, GO FOR IT. You only live once. DROP THE TOP, THROW YOUR TOP OFF AND LIVE!...read morehide

Pros

Fuel Economy, Performance

Cons

Low slung vehicle, Low roof in back

Fabulous vehicle with deceptive acceleration, unbelievable handling, and an average fuel economy of 27.2 mpg. You will not find any competition for this vehicle until you double its price.

Pros

Great for a heavy coupe, good fuel economy through aerodynamics.

Cons

Ride is good, cornering great, plows through standing water.

With everyone buying an SUV, this vehicle, allows power with fuel economy, safety through design, airbags, and extra protection from side collision with the extra steel bars in each door, including the side impact curtain airbags.
I like the sporty feel. My sister bought a used BMW, for the same price everthing was the same with the two cars pretty much, mine had about 40 more HP from the VVTI 3.3....read morehide

I traded my 2003 Nissan Altima in for the 2005 Toyota Solara. It runs very well, has excellent gas milage, and who ever it was who said it handles heavier, is right, I had to get use to the heavyness of not only the car, but the large doors, but I really love this car. I got it last month and it had 21 miles on it when I bought it, I already put 700 miles on and still runs perfect with no problems. I am very pleased with this car.

Vicky...read morehide

The car is wonderful, drives great and is very comfortable.

A "check engine" light went on before it reached 1000 miles on my new car. Took it to Toyota of Santa Cruz (CA) and while they were checking it, a deep scratch appeared.

Took it back when the part came in (supposedly), then after 2 days they realized they had the wrong part and the one needed was on back order. They also didn't have the paint to fix the scratch they did.

Took the car back 2 weeks later when the part REALLY came in and while attempting (at 4pm the day after I brought it in) to install the part, they broke something else. Because it was so late in the day when they found the problem, they missed the cut off and couldn't get the part the next day. Low and behold, when the part came in today... it was the wrong part. Today is Wednesday and I dropped the car off on Sunday... Still not fixed but the good news is that they fixed the scratch they did, but "it's not perfect" quoted by the manager of the service department.

Moral of the story... Great car but take it to your own mechanic because Toyota (specifically Santa Cruz) cannot get their act together....read morehide

The 2004 has the same engine and its a beauty - but the body style leaves me wondering what they were thinking. The 2002/03 were built in Canada - I have had zero problems.