The Good
The 2003 Camry Solara boasts Toyota's legendary reliability, offering peace of mind. It's comfortable for daily driving and long trips. The design is more appealing than the standard Camry, providing a touch of style. Its fuel efficiency is decent, and it offers good value as a used car. The convertible option provides fun and open-air enjoyment.
The Bad
The 2003 Camry Solara, while reliable, can suffer from typical age-related issues. Potential problems include clear coat failure, particularly in warmer climates, and potential oil leaks from the engine. Check for rust, especially underneath the vehicle. The convertible top mechanism (if applicable) should also be thoroughly inspected for smooth operation and leaks.
2003 Toyota Camry Solara: Quick Overview
Here's a breakdown of the 2003 Toyota Camry Solara's key specs:
- Engine Options:
- 2.4L 4-cylinder: 157 hp
- 3.0L V6: 225 hp
- Horsepower:
- 2.4L I4: 157 horsepower @ 5600 rpm
- 3.0L V6: 225 horsepower @ 5800 rpm
- Fuel Economy: (Estimated)
- 2.4L I4: 23 mpg city / 32 mpg highway
- 3.0L V6: 20 mpg city / 28 mpg highway
- 0-60 Times: (Estimated)
- 2.4L I4: 9.0-9.5 seconds
- 3.0L V6: 7.0-7.5 seconds
- Towing Capacity: Not recommended for towing.
- Trim-Level Features:
- Base:
- Air conditioning
- Power windows and locks
- Cruise control
- AM/FM/CD stereo
- SLE: (Adds to or replaces Base features)
- Leather upholstery
- Power driver's seat
- Automatic climate control
- Upgraded sound system (optional JBL)
- Alloy wheels
- Available sunroof (coupe) / power convertible top
- Base:
- Transmission: 5-speed manual (4-cylinder), 4-speed automatic (both engines)
2003 Toyota Camry Solara Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2003 |
| Make | Toyota |
| Model | Camry Solara |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Convertible |
| Category | Compact Car |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Canada |
| Manufacturing City | TOYOTA CITY |
Dimensions
| Doors | 2-Door |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 2AZ-FE |
| Engine Size | 3L |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Transmission | - |
| Transmission Type | - |
| Transmission Speeds | - |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
History Check
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2003 Toyota Camry Solara Have?
How long will the 2003 Toyota Camry Solara last?
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Entertainment was limited to the radio and CD player. Power windows, locks, and mirrors were standard. Automatic climate control was available on the SLE trim.
Crash-test ratings from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) were generally good for frontal impact protection. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) also conducted tests, and results should be consulted for a comprehensive assessment. The Solara offered decent protection for its era, but it lacks the modern safety features found in newer vehicles such as electronic stability control or advanced airbag systems.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2003 Toyota Camry Solara Prices and Market Value
2003 Toyota Camry Solara Cost of Ownership
2003 Toyota Camry Solara Fuel Efficiency
2003 Toyota Camry Solara Safety Rating
NHTSA
2003 Toyota Camry Solara Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2003 Toyota Camry Solara Compare to Other Convertible?
Alternatives to consider include the Acura CL (more luxurious but potentially more expensive to maintain), the Honda Accord Coupe (excellent reliability), or the Nissan Altima Coupe (sportier styling). If reliability is paramount, the Honda Accord Coupe is a strong alternative. If sporty handling is desired, the Mazda 6 or Nissan Altima Coupe might be preferable. The Solara offers a good balance of reliability, comfort, and style at an affordable price.
Ranks #159 Sedan
| 1 | 2023 Toyota Camry | (5.0★) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda Accord | (0.0★) |
| 3 | 2023 Lexus ES | (0.0★) |
| 4 | 2024 Subaru Legacy | (5.0★) |
| 5 | 2022 Mazda MX-30 | (5.0★) |
| 6 | 2024 BMW M3 | (0.0★) |
| 7 | 2023 Ford Mustang | (5.0★) |
| 8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT | (0.0★) |
| 9 | 2023 Audi A3 | (0.0★) |
| 10 | 2023 Chevrolet Camaro | (5.0★) |
| 11 | 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid | (0.0★) |
| 12 | 2023 Nissan Altima | (4.0★) |
| 159 | 2003 Toyota Camry Solara | (4.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2003 Toyota Camry Solara a Good Convertible?
Wyatt on February 26, 2024
2003 Toyota Solara Thoughts & ReviewThe models of the Toyota Camry-Solara are some of the most reliable models on the market, with a decent look, and even better cost per performance. I picked mine up used for about $2800, it ended up costing me an extra $3500 to get it back on the road properly, but the car has been absolutely mint ever since then. I’ve put over 80,000 kilometres on the car so far with only minor issues of things on the car simply aging out such as brakes, exhaust leaks etc. nothing major to write home about as it is a 20 year old chassis, with pretty much all factory parts still on the car. Considering majority of the car comes from the Camry, it’s no wonder the Solara is just about as relible, if not the same, with that being said, sourcing parts for this car can either be impossible because the Solara decided to be different (window regulators are noteworthy), or easy as can be it’s really a 50/50. Overall I’ve enjoyed the driving experience the cars given me, it is pretty decent on gas, above average mpg, 0-60 in 7.5 business days but we bought a golorified Camry, not a Supra, but surprisingly the performance is very satisfactory! I would 100% recommend the Solara to buy, especially as a first car as you don’t get a more complete package than this.
Mistreated guy on January 27, 2021
Worst Purchase I Have DoneThe car had hidden issues, the dealer did not inform me about the problems, through his responsibility and also was so rude. Do not buy any cars from here. Save your money and buy from a private seller or a real dealership where you can be respected and helped after the purchase. ( I had 3 months warranty but was not helped)
Carolina Jack on February 26, 2019
Most reliable car I have ever ownedGreat M.P.G.. 20 city 27 hwy. Comfortable ride. Large trunk. Power convertible Top goes down in 17 seconds. Very reliable. All options work as they should.
MIKE on September 14, 2018
GREATWISH i HAD A NEW ONE. Got it cheap. Now found a newer one. Mileage seams ok. Nice shape and different shape than the new Mustangs..
2003 Toyota Solara on February 19, 2018
2003 Toyota SolaraI own a 2003 Toyota Solara and it?s the best car I ever owned it?s very comfortable it?s reliable it looks amazing it?s cheap and fast and gets great gas mileage
Azad on September 12, 2017
Very reliableMet my needs, spacious, required no maintenance, can go beyond 10 yrs w/out major breakage. TAKE and sleep well.
Solaraowner5 on August 23, 2017
Good performance for v6 engineThe car has v6 engine and comparing to other v6 its very active,stable,doesn't need extra care as most of Toyota cars. For the value I prefer solara v6 engine over any other US brands with v6 , you will spend your time for maintenance
Red Convertible on June 30, 2017
Best Car I've OwnedThis car is the best car I have ever owned. The car is fun and easy to drive & and it still looks great! I get many compliments on it! I have not had many mechanical problems driving it.
Nick on March 27, 2017
2003 solara sle v6 convertibleAwesome Car that was bought by my father back in '07 with roughly 120k on the car, now passed down to me, it just passed 178k and has never had one major problem since ownership of the car. It is a very fun car to drive and gets up when you want it to. Would recommend this car for just about anyone, especially if your in the market for a used car that's cheap to own and still fun to drive.
High school student on October 19, 2014
best first carive had the car for about 4 months and put well over 7,000 miles on the car. With 185,xxx miles it still runs and drive like a new car. i plan on owning the car till it hits 400,000. i have never had a thing wrong with it.
Jovan
Jovan specializes in interpreting vehicle records and making sense of VIN data. With over 10 years of experience in the automotive data industry, his work ensures that every report is clear, accurate, and useful for car buyers.