Road Test: 2005 Toyota Camry Solara

We tested the Toyota Camry Solara for 2004 and had mixed feelings about it. We still stand by them with regard to the updated 2005 Camry Solara range, which consists, as before, of a coupe and a convertible available in three trim levels: SE, highlighted by sporty metallic-finish interior trim, SE Sport with an aggressive body panel treatment, specially tuned suspension and a unique interior, and the luxury SLE with greater content and woodgrain-style interior trim.

The SE grade includes standard 16-inch alloy wheels. The SE Sport grade further sharpens handling response with a distinct suspension calibration and 17-inch alloy wheels. All Convertibles and the SLE V6 Coupe also feature standard 17-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes and an anti-lock brake system (ABS). The SLE V6 can be equipped with optional Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control. VSC helps maintain directional stability during cornering by manipulating engine torque and individual wheel-braking influence when it detects tire slippage.

The Solara SE Sport stands apart with a six-piece body kit and 17-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the SE Sport features a dark-charcoal interior with black graphite-style trim, all black sport-fabric seats, sport gauge design and a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob with aluminum-trimmed pedals.

The SE Sport also adds a performance-tuned suspension that includes stiffer front and rear springs, specific front and rear shock absorbers and 215/55R17 summer tires on 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels (all-season tires available). Like the SE Sport, the SE convertible receives the same interior treatment and 17-inch alloy wheels and offers the six-piece body kit is available as an option.

The Solara SE offers an expansive standard equipment list that includes a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, power windows with driver-side auto up/down, power door locks, remote keyless entry, engine immobilizer, an AM/FM/CD stereo system with steering wheel audio controls and dual 12-volt power outlets.

The SLE adds more luxury features, including automatic climate control, a power adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar, power moonroof, heated exterior mirrors, auto-dimming inside and driver's side mirrors, JBL premium 3-in-1 audio system with 6-disc in-dash CD changer and eight speakers in six locations, HomeLink transceiver/garage door opener, and security system with engine immobilizer. SLE Coupe V6 models also add a leather-trimmed interior with heated front seats (optional on the SLE four-cylinder coupe).

Options for the Solara models include Satellite XM radio and the latest generation in Toyota's DVD-based navigation systems.

The Solara was among the first Toyota models designed primarily in the United States. The Solara's product planning, technical and styling development was managed by Toyota Technical Center (TTC) in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, California, and Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

All Solara Coupe and Convertible models are assembled exclusively at Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Georgetown, Kentucky. R&D

"The new Solara will really deliver on all counts — more fun to drive, more room, more safety features, and more value, all wrapped in a striking, expressive new design," said Don Esmond,

senior vice president and general manager, Toyota Division.

At least that was what the release said. Don't believe everything you read. OK, the bit about more room and value may well be true in a purely statistical sense. But we weren't impressed by the Solara's "expressive new design." The new Solara is huge. Our test car looked a beached whale. All the grace and sportiness of the old Solara is lost, replaced by ponderous bulk. Pity.

Of course, it's still a Toyota and that means that — objectively speaking — it still a pretty good car by objective standards.

As before, the Solara offers both four-cylinder and V6 engines. However, the 2004 model gets a significant performance boost thanks to a new 3.3-liter VVT-i V6 engine that is available in all models. The all-aluminum V6 produces 225 horsepower at 5,600 RPM and 240 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,600 RPM, compared to 198 horsepower and 212 lb.-ft. of torque from the previous 3.0-liter V6. The V6 is teamed exclusively to a new five-speed sequential automatic transmission. Compared to the four-speed automatic transmission used previously, the new unit offers a wider gear-ratio spread for quicker acceleration. Electronic controls ensure smoother shift quality.

All Solara grades come equipped as standard with a double overhead cam (DOHC) 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 157 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. In both the four-cylinder and new V6 engines, Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) ensures an even spread of power for sporty response across the engine speed range.

The 2004 Solara offers more than twice the interior storage space of the previous model by providing a new front console box, cupholders that double as additional storage, and a center

console that offers dual storage compartments.

And, of course, it also comes as a convertible. We tested one of each: one coupe, one convertible. The comments here apply equally to either version — with one exception.

The shoulder belt placement on the convertible was easily the worst we have seen in years. This is always difficult with a ragtop because of the absence of a B-pillar from which to hang the shoulder belt. The result is a too often a belt that binds uncomfortably, as was the case with our Solara. When you add to that ridiculously high tension on the belt, you have a painful driving experience. We were forced to, literally, swing the shoulder belt behind us and sit on it. It is impossible to say if this defect was unique to our test car, but it is something Toyota should look into.

The Solara is now available in three distinctive model grades: SE, highlighted by sporty metallic-finish interior trim, SE Sport with an aggressive body kit and a unique interior, and the SLE with greater content and a woodgrain-style interior trim.

Standard equipment on the SE grade includes 16-inch alloy wheels on all models, air conditioning, Anti-Lock Brakes, cruise control, Deluxe AM/FM/CD Audio with 6 speakers, power windows with driver-side auto-up/down and retained power, 60/40 split/fold-down rear seat with adjustable headrests, power auto door locks with anti-lockout feature, eight-way adjustable driver's seat, keyless entry with trunk release, panic function and remote illuminated entry, dual color keyed power outside mirrors, three-spoke tilt/telescopic steering wheel with mounted audio and multi information display controls, fog lamps, daytime running lights, intermittent wipers, and two 12-volt outlets.

All of this standard equipment adds up to excellent value with a base MSRP of $19,120 for the four-cylinder with a manual transmission, $245 less than last year's model. With an automatic transmission, the SE four-cylinder will carry an MSRP of $19,950, or $215 below the 2003 model. The 2004 SE V6 has been positioned $1,035 below last year's model with a base MSRP of $21,450.

The Solara will be built exclusively at Toyota's plant in Georgetown, Kentucky, which makes it about as American as apple pie — even if it does speak with a Japanese accent. The bad news is that the graceful young ballerina has matured in to a dumpy middle-aged matron. The good new is that it's still a Toyota. R&D