2001 Toyota Camry Solara Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

Chi-city driver on March 1, 2022

Great starter car. Very functional, surprising amount of cargo space. Extremely reliable, runs well after two previous owners. Steering is not very sharp, the vehicle is a bit long, and can feel like a boat for a 2dr coupe. Most important factors for me: It does the job - and it was great value for the money.

Pastre on October 29, 2019

I purchased my 2001 Solara Camry in 2011 with 47,000 miles on it. I now have 198,000 miles on it and it is still going strong. The body has taken some wear as it is not garaged and the clearcoat is starting to peel. I hate that I am thinking about getting a new car because this one has been such a great car. The age of this vehicle is keeping me from putting money into it to get it looking like a newer car. I would recommend this car to anyone who wants a great looking car with awesome reliability and gas milage!

wockerjabi on August 11, 2019

I bought my Solara in 2015, when it was fourteen years old and had 236,000 miles on it. It had had only one previous owner, and had been well maintained. I initially only had to replace the spark plugs and battery. Since then, it's had tires and brake work, but not much else done to it. I was hoping it would live to see 300,000 miles, but the radiator has just dramatically died at ~283,000 miles. By my estimation, the purchase cost combined with the maintenance and insurance on this car came out to about $2100 on average per year. I wish any manufacturer were currently making a vehicle that combined the reliability, safety, engine power, and visual appeal of the Solara SLE V6.

mlforreal on August 12, 2018

I purchased a used 2001 Toyota Solara Coupe SLE with 140k miles. I loved this car as it is very spacious, reliable and in a very good condition.

Steve D. on February 12, 2018

Are you a retired Boomer/empty nester who wants a ride w/flair ,comfort and reliability? Then get a Solara with as low miles as you can find. Take good care of it and in a few years you'll be able to get more for it than you paid. Just bought a 2001 w/120K on it. Adult owned and well maintained. Put two tires on it and an oil change Then took two trips to Fla. (Tampa and Key West and back) Flawless performance .Excellent AC . Tough getting out of the back seat if you're not limber only complaint.Big trunk for lot of luggage or golf clubs. Full size spare too!.. They stopped makin' 'em so like the Mazda Miata NA/NB models they will hang on to their value as time goes by.. A good one to give to the grand kids for a college car.

Simon on September 1, 2017

Great car to drive,, i love it,, low mantainance and very liable car,, really powerfull car,, i cant go wrong

"TD"-Top down on September 1, 2017

The vehicle drives great. The top goes down and has a smaller-but large enough trunk. I have a 100,000 miles on my car and most 2007's have up to 140,000 miles-shows me that this is one strong engine. The Solara Convertible SLE is a nice, luxurious car. It's a 6 cylinder-so gas mileage is not great....16City-25 hwy. I drive only 300 miles a month-so gas isn't an issue for me-and it uses 87 octane.

Tyler P on August 27, 2017

I have taken this car on long journeys, city trips, back road runs, and even a couple off road trips, and it has given me a lasting impression. I've had it for a couple months and have realized this car had quite a few quirks for a toyota. Most notable is an abnormally high ground clearance, very high gear ratios (manual), and hilariously skinny tires. My v6 5spd is hard to find, but worth it, the manual is surprisingly good and buttery smooth. It really adds a nice bit to the personality of this otherwise relaxed coupe. The handling is not impressive, its not loose, but it provides little feedback and fails to be as precise as I had wished. The suspension setup is soft, and although it is comfortable and composed on the highway, the high ground clearance and soft springs make body roll a serious issue when pushing it. But the extra ride height means clearing obstacles is much less nerve-wracking. The engine is great, its torque-rich, smooth, and has a nice sound for a v6. My brother and I have recorded 8 second 0-60 runs, .4 seconds faster than consumer reports test of the brand new 2001 automatic model. The p205 tires can barely handle the 200 hp and i'd recommend wider wheels if it at all possible. Summary and reliability: honestly not the most reliable vehicle, my pressure plate is bad resulting in a stiff and squeaky clutch (a somewhat common toyota problem), a broken blower motor-resistor, a slight oil leak from the head gasket, and my rear speakers have been problematic. Nothing has left me stranded, and the leak is so slight it gets burned off before it actually drips to the pavement, but it isn't all that good since i've had it for only 2 months. Except if given the opportunity to buy it again, I'd do it in a heartbeat. It's comfortable, quick (enough), seats 4 very easily, and the transmission/engine sound combo give it some emotion. A good job by Toyota for sure.

Freemind on July 12, 2017

Well where do i begin? Me and my solora have alot of memories. Lets say i like to runnaway alot and go MIA. Its just my way of copping with stress. On my (our) latest endeavor, I drove from Tampa Fl to Canada and Back. The car had 209k miles when i left . No cell service didnt, tell my mom i was leaving.not any money except for food and gas no spare tire. . This was it..and Not even a hiccup the whole way. VERY PLEASANT road car. The car was one of very few even able to start in the freezing sometimes -0. She idled for 12 hours in snow to give me heat and the same in florida for cool. I slid off the road in the ive so she has a boo boo.its a memory though. I now can afford a brand new car and REFUSE to leave her.... Thats my baby!! 217k hoping for another 100k

Optimus on May 9, 2017

this was and is a good car. too bad had been taken out of the market. good fuel economy. no mechanical or engine issues throughout the years. just regular maintenance performed.