2008 Toyota Camry Solara Convertible Interior Review
in Affordable Four-Seat Convertibles
Based on analysis of 18 Camry-Solara-Convertible reviews and test drives.
Interior - What the Auto Press Says
The interior draws the real raves on the 2008 Toyota Camry Solara Convertible and several reviewers invoke the name Lexus in describing it. "Toyota designers went all-out on the interior, creating an environment worthy of a Lexus badge," says Edmunds.
The Family Car makes the same comparison: "Throughout the cabin, the fit, finish and feel are much closer to a Lexus than the price would suggest." And what makes the interior so luxurious? Pretty much everything, starting with the materials. "The interior of the Solara convertible features a truly innovative and creative use of contemporary materials," says About.com. "The metal-like plastic on the center console is a big step forward aesthetically over the fake wood used in the previous generation Solara." The Family Car compares the Solara Convertible's interior to a stereo: "The rose-colored woodgrain trim was handsome. Brushed silver, clear plastic and bright chrome surround the audio and climate-control panels and sweep down into the console. The look and feel is closer to a home audio system than a car." Automobile.com only has a minor quibble: "Except for an abundance of molded plastic surrounding the rear seating area, the Solaras living space is comprised of quality materials consistent with those found in its Camry cousin."
The dashboard is also fairly pleasing to critics. Autobytel finds that "the dash design is simple and elegant." Motor Trend seems to like the controls, though that may depend on how they feel about Starbucks: "Greenish translucent panels on the automatic shifter gate and center stack would complement the overstuffed decor in a trendy coffee shop." Edmunds, however, thinks that the controls are prettier than they are useable: "[S]ome controls seem designed more for aesthetic form than ergonomic function."
Seating
Reviewers are quite impressed with the comfort level in the Solara convertible, both in the front row and the back row. In its comparison of four convertibles, Autobytel said: "Thanks to spacious, inviting seats and that pillowy ride, the Toyota Camry Solara convertible is our pick for most comfortable ... Comfort is important, as the folks at Toyota are obviously well aware." The key to that comfort is the Solara Convertible's spaciousness. "Built on the current Camry sedan platform," says Edmunds, "this Solara is larger than its predecessor and carrying four adults is a comfortable proposition."
The front seat is comfortable enough for a long commute. "Once I resolved to sit back and enjoy the ride," says an Edmunds reviewer, "the driver seat became a big easy chair for me -- not a bad place to go at the end of the day." Once again, the key is spaciousness. "In front are well-padded yet firm buckets that would accommodate Today Show weatherman Al Roker," says Autobytel, "before he had his stomach stapled."
The length of the Solara Convertible guarantees that there will also be ample space in the back row. "A longish 107.1-inch wheelbase affords the Solara Convertible's rear-seat passengers decent legroom," notes Motor Trend. Automobile.com also finds the back seats accommodating: "The Solara is a convertible that truly can seat two adults in the rear without requiring them to pretzelize their limbs or get to know each other intimately."
Interior Features
Autobytel notes that even the base model Solara Convertible "offers an impressive list of standard features." These features include a multi-information display with average speed, instant and average fuel economy, distance to empty and elapsed time functions; three-spoke tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio and multi-information display controls; a leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and parking brake handle, and dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors. Edmunds notes that "[s]teering wheel-mounted stereo controls are handy, especially since it's a lengthy reach to the head unit."
Entertainment
Of the Solara Convertible's optional AM/FM six-disc in-dash CD changer MP3/WMA playback capability, Autobytel says: "When it comes to fun, there were two things that really stood out about our Toyota Camry Solara SLE convertible -- one of them being the thumping, 315-watt JBL sound system. At slow speeds and high speeds, top up and down, that thing just pounded out the tunes." However, Edmunds isn't as impressed: "The JBL system leaves an adequate but unmemorable sonic impression with its boomy bass and a lack of mid- and high-range clarity."
Cargo
The cargo space in the Solara Convertible doesn't draw very many reviewer comments. Autobytel notes that "the trunk is spacious." The Family Car allays any fears that the top might get in the way while it's down: "When the top is folded behind the rear seat it leaves plenty of room in the trunk." An Edmunds editor has a few comments on the cup holders, however: "The two in the console are nicely designed so that they can accommodate beverages of all sizes, though they're not so good at securing king-size 1.5-liter bottles of water, which have a tendency to flop forward and push the gear selector to neutral."