2004 Toyota Camry Solara Program #2315

In the automotive world, five years is an eternity, and it’s been five years since Toyota introduced the Camry Solara coupe. While a fine example of the somewhat rare mid-size sporty coupe, the design was definitely due for an overhaul. So, enter the 2004 Solara. Toyota claims that it’s better in every way. But is this Solara good enough for another five years?

Well, if its good looks and added trigger charm are any testament to its fate, the 2004 Toyota Camry Solara could be around for quite a while. Definitely a refined version of the first-born Solara, the second generation wears a more aggressive skin that is both soft yet sharp. Its slightly longer but far more rakish profile features an arc-shape, creased sides and fast back with large teardrop taillights. And this Solara is also taller and wider than the previous generation. The 107.1 inch wheelbase, shared with the latest Camry sedan, is stretched two inches as well.

The carryover 2.4 liter 4-cylinder with variable valve timing delivers a hearty 157 horsepower and 162 pound feet of torque. But to put the real wind in Solara’s sails, trade up to Toyota’s new 3.3 liter 24-valve V6. Also with variable valve timing, it sends 225 horsepower and 240 pound feet of torque to the front wheels. Four-cylinder Solara buyers choose either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. Opt up for the V6 and the only transmission available is a new 5-speed sequential automatic with gated shifter override to satisfy manual shift die-hards.

At the track, our SE V6 delivered a smooth 0-60 run in 6.7 seconds, one full second faster than our 3-liter V6 manual we tested in 1999. In the quarter mile, the new Solara clocked 15.2 seconds at 91 miles-per-hour. The new Solara fires power right off the line. Acceleration remains smooth through silky shifts, with the same let-it-run character we found with this engine in the Lexus RX330.

But, while that was no surprise, handling of the new Solara was, and a pleasant one. Despite being a front driver with soft springs, understeer was well maintained. Just swift, even slalom shots that are easy to control. That’s with a power-assisted rack and pinion steering system that, per usual with Toyota, is on the numb side. Quick turn ins didn’t ignite any unexpected reactions from the rear end, as the front MacPherson strut and rear dual link suspension delivered impressive control.

Controlling rapidly declining speed was not quite as impressive. Stopping the Solara at a longish 134 feet from 60 are the coupe’s anti-lock equipped 4-wheel disc brakes. Our driver reported average ABS pulse and pedal feel, and stability was good.

Off the track, we found our SE V-6 to deliver a smooth and pleasurable drive with just enough punch and thrill to make mundane trips entertaining Inside, the ride was quiet and the cabin roomy, with overall space benefitting nicely from the longer wheelbase. The well equipped SE-trim includes standard 8-way adjustment for the driver’s firm bucket seat, and a tilt/telescope steering wheel with auxiliary radio controls for the standard 6-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo. Front and rear side curtain airbags are available, but only on the top level SLE.

Passenger space allows room for three in back and consists of a 60/40 split-fold seat. The deep and contoured seating is comfy with ample leg room, but you’re still in a coupe that may prove cramped for longer trips. Not much changed in cargo capacity. The Solara’s trunk space is right on target at 13.8 cubic feet, a foot bigger than the competing Accord coupe.

You won’t take a beating at the tank in the Solara either. EPA estimates for our SE V-6 averaged 20 city and 29 highway. We gathered a satisfying 24 miles per gallon in our mixed driving loop.

So, what does it take to step into a new Solara? Well, you can find your way to the wheel of a 4-cylinder SE with a 5-speed manual for $19,635. Our SE V-6 automatic tester ran $21,935 - that’s two grand less than a similar Accord coupe. Or jump into the top level V-6 SLE Solara for a still reasonable $26,510. Key SLE options include electronic stability control and satellite navigation.

So, affordable? Yes. But worth it? Surely. From every measure, the new Solara looks to be an able and desirable example of an increasingly rare breed of family-size coupe. Indeed anyone who still relishes the heyday of big-luxury two-doors will find much to offer and a very familiar concept in the 2004 Toyota Camry Solara.