2008 Toyota Camry Solara Convertible
in Affordable Four-Seat Convertibles
Based on analysis of 18 Camry-Solara-Convertible reviews and test drives.
Toyota Camry Solara Convertible - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Toyota Camry Solara Convertible ranks 1 out of 9 Affordable Four-Seat Convertibles. This ranking is based on our analysis of 18 published reviews and test drives of the Toyota Camry Solara Convertible, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Solara Convertible wins praise for an interior that many reviews say would be at home in a Lexus, and for a smooth, quiet engine. Opinion on its exterior, however, is divided, and many writers single out the car's handling as unexciting.
Nearly all reviewers praise the cabin of the 2008 Toyota Camry Solara Convertible, with more than one reviewer saying it's something you'd expect to see from Toyota's luxury division, Lexus. Unlike some convertibles in this class, the Solara also offers a comfortable back seat you can easily use. Few test drivers, however, are as excited by its exterior. The Solara is powered by an exceptionally smooth and quiet engine, but it is not the most exciting drive in the class. It's also showing its age a bit -- it offers only a cloth top, in a class where many competitors now offer affordable hardtop options. Consider a Ford Mustang Convertible if you're looking for a sub-$30,000 drop-top that makes your pulse race. The Solara may be right for you if you're primarily interested in affordable open-top cruising in luxurious surroundings.
The Solara Convertible comes in three trims: the base SE, a more engagin Sport edition and a luxury-themed SLE. The same highly-regarded, 3.3-liter V6 powers all three. All three use the same five-speed automatic transmission as well. Since many automotive writers criticize the Solara for slushy handling, buyers might want to test drive the Sport edition -- it has a re-tuned suspension that makes it a bit more responsive than the other trims.
- "In a market that rewards build quality, reliability, and smooth, quiet operation, the Solara Convertible goes down easy." -- Motor Trend
- "The convertible has a tight body structure, Lexus-like build quality and a cabin that is big enough for four adults. The padded power top goes down in 10 seconds and keeps out wind and road noise when it is up." -- The Family Car
- "The Solara convertible, while not exactly a stellar performer, certainly has enough zip for routine driving." -- Fort Worth Star-Telegram
- "Sports-car lovers need not apply. But on the limited menu of true four-seat convertibles…the Solara is very tempting." -- Car and Driver
- " Built on the same platform as the Camry sedan, the Solara offers high levels of quality, durability and reliability." -- New Car Test Drive
Camry-Solara-Convertible Performance - 6.6 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Toyota Camry Solara convertible gets good reviews for its smooth, quiet engine, but reviewers are less than excited about the handling and some find the automatic transmission sluggish. Motor Trend says, "The Solara Convertible is for folks who may have never stepped on a clutch pedal or purchased a set of performance tires and never dreamed of clipping apexes on Mulholland Drive. They just want to motor patio-style now and then in the quiet, smooth-running, drop-top version of America's best-selling car." Our full Toyota Camry Solara Performance Review gives more detail. continue
Camry-Solara-Convertible Exterior - NA
Reviewers can't reach any kind of consensus over the 2008 Toyota Camry Solara Convertible's appearance. For every review we found that praised the Solara's look, we found another that panned it. If you'd like to make up your own mind, take a look at our Toyota Camry Solara Photo Gallery, or continue to our full Exterior Review to read arguments from both sides. continue
Camry-Solara-Convertible Interior - 8.5 (Very Good)
There is no controversy over the Solara's interior. Nearly every test driver praises the cabin's comfort, with most comparing it to something you would expect to see from Toyota's luxury car arm. "Inside, buyers will be hard-pressed to tell this Toyota from a far-pricier Lexus, so nicely done are the materials, detailing, fit, and finish," gushes Motor Trend. Our Solara Convertible Photo Gallery shows you the cabin in more detail, while our full Interior Review describes the features available on each trim <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--> <!--[endif]--> continue
Camry-Solara-Convertible Safety - NA
The 2008 Toyota Camry Solara achieves outstanding scores in federal government crash tests, and slightly more mixed scores from the insurance industry. Continue with our full Safety Review to read about available safety features. continue
Camry-Solara-Convertible Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Toyota Camry Solara Convertible reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2008 Toyota Camry Solara Convertible reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Solara Convertible comes with a standard 36-month/36,000-mile basic warranty. continue
