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2008 Toyota Camry Solara Review

June 22, 2008

STYLING | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

beginning to show its age
Edmunds

front-end styling imparts a squared-off stance
Cars.com

Solaras are spinoffs of Toyota's 2003-2006 Camry sedan designs
ConsumerGuide

side windows are narrow, set off by a wavy beltline flowing from the tip of the front fender all the way to the trunk
Kelley Blue Book

In both coupe and convertible form, the 2008 Toyota Camry Solara has a droopy, dated exterior design. Inside, it shines.

The Camry Solara comes in coupe and convertible (with cloth top) styles, and convertibles are two inches taller than the coupe with the top up. In reviews read by TheCarConnection.com, reviewers were not impressed by the Solara's aged design, but most found the interior timeless. Edmunds comments that the Toyota Camry Solara is "beginning to show its age" as "the rear deck appears to droop on both the coupe and the convertible." They sum up the exterior by writing, "Solara's diminishing appeal is due at least in part to its exterior styling, which although curvy and sophisticated, has never come across as trendy or youthful." Further, they add, "the current Camry Solara convertible's traditional fabric top can be seen as a bit dowdy given that many competing models now offer retractable hardtop designs." Cars.com notes that Sport models have "a six-piece body kit, a unique rear spoiler and 17-inch alloy wheels," and all 2008 Toyota Camry Solaras feature "front-end styling [that] imparts a squared-off stance that follows elements of the Lexus' 2007 ES350 sedan." For the Toyota Camry Solara, 2008 adds LED taillamps to all trims. Kelley Blue Book writes that the Solara's side windows are "narrow, set off by a wavy beltline." Typical of large coupes and convertibles, the Toyota Camry Solara's doors are long and heavy--something to keep in mind when parking. The criticisms are not lost on Toyota; 2008 may be the last year for the Solara, according to AutoWeek, which writes, "Underachieving sales mean Toyota will kill the coupe and convertible after the 2008 model year."

For 2008, Toyota had the good sense not to change the instrument panel. Kelley Blue Book describes it as being "logically arranged with clearly marked gauges and intuitive functions for the audio and ventilation controls." Edmunds says of the interior: "the mix of metallic and satin finishes interspersed with high-quality plastics provides a distinctive, upscale appearance." Cars.com notes each model "has a separate interior surface treatment. The SLE features woodgrain, the SE has silver-metallic trim, and Sport trims have black graphite-looking trim."

Conclusion

While the 2008 Toyota Camry Solara's exterior won't turn any heads, its classy, well-designed interior will impress.

STYLING | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:beginning to show its ageEdmundsfront-end styling imparts a squared-off stanceCars.comSolaras are spinoffs of Toyota's 2003-2006 Camry sedan designsConsumerGuideside windows are narrow, set off by a wavy beltline flowing from the tip of the front fender all the way to the trunkKelley Blue Book In both coupe and convertible form, the 2008 Toyota Camry Solara has a droopy, dated exterior design. Inside, it shines. The Camry Solara comes in coupe and convertible (with cloth top) styles, and convertibles are two inches taller than the coupe with the top up. In reviews read by TheCarConnection.com, reviewers were not impressed by the Solara's aged design, but most found the interior timeless. Edmunds comments that the Toyota Camry Solara is "beginning to show its age" as "the rear deck appears to droop on both the coupe and the convertible." They sum up the exterior by writing, "Solara's diminishing appeal is due at least in part to its exterior styling, which although curvy and sophisticated, has never come across as trendy or youthful." Further, they add, "the current Camry Solara convertible's traditional fabric top can be seen as a bit dowdy given that many competing models now offer retractable hardtop designs." Cars.com notes that Sport models have "a six-piece body kit, a unique rear spoiler and 17-inch alloy wheels," and all 2008 Toyota Camry Solaras feature "front-end styling [that] imparts a squared-off stance that follows elements of the Lexus' 2007 ES350 sedan." For the Toyota Camry Solara, 2008 adds LED taillamps to all trims. Kelley Blue Book writes that the Solara's side windows are "narrow, set off by a wavy beltline." Typical of large coupes and convertibles, the Toyota Camry Solara's doors are long and heavy--something to keep in mind when parking. The criticisms are not lost on Toyota; 2008 may be the last year for the Solara, according to AutoWeek, which writes, "Underachieving sales mean Toyota will kill the coupe and convertible after the 2008 model year." For 2008, Toyota had the good sense not to change the instrument panel. Kelley Blue Book describes it as being "logically arranged with clearly marked gauges and intuitive functions for the audio and ventilation controls." Edmunds says of the interior: "the mix of metallic and satin finishes interspersed with high-quality plastics provides a distinctive, upscale appearance." Cars.com notes each model "has a separate interior surface treatment. The SLE features woodgrain, the SE has silver-metallic trim, and Sport trims have black graphite-looking trim." ConclusionWhile the 2008 Toyota Camry Solara's exterior won't turn any heads, its classy, well-designed interior will impress.  2008 TOYOTA CAMRY SOLARA STYLING | [6 out of 10] Edmunds: "beginning to show its age" Cars.com: "front-end styling imparts a squared-off stance" ConsumerGuide: "Solaras are spinoffs of Toyota's 2003-2006 Camry sedan designs" Kelley Blue Book: "side windows are narrow, set off by a ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Nissan Altima Coupe has a look reminiscent of the last Chevrolet Monte Carlo, along with four- and six-cylinder engines. Similar powertrains are available in the Honda Accord Coupe, which also comes with a six-speed manual transmission and a smart, new exterior shape. The Chrysler Sebring Convertible and Pontiac G6 Convertible offer top-down seating for four, but both have average handling, and the Chrysler is styled poorly.

Next Steps:

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See the Toyota Camry Solara in Other Years:

2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999

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