2007 Toyota Solara SLE V6 Road Test

2007 Toyota Solara SLE V6 (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com)

Toyota bills their Solara as a sports car, but despite having a 'Sport' trim in its model range, I don't think anyone will consider any sporty pretensions to this car. It handles and performs well, but it's more of a luxurious long-distance cruiser. Its light steering and moderate body roll don't entice you to head for the twisties.

However, after the demise of the Celica, the MR2, the Supra and, arguably, the Paseo, the Solara is now the sportiest car in Toyota's lineup. Imagine that from a car manufacturer that's on its way to become the largest in the world. Just for fun, I'd say Toyota's second-most sportiest vehicle is the RAV4 Sport V6.

This car reminds so much of GM's product offering of the eighties. Big two-door coupes sold well before people fell in love with brutish SUVs. I

2007 Toyota Solara SLE V6 (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com)

might be wrong, but searching quickly through Toyota's model range in Japan, the Solara (or the same car wearing another name) isn't there. That's not surprising, as this car looks more in its place on North-American soil.

Competitors for this luxury coupe are few and far between. The Chevrolet Monte Carlo, the Honda Accord Coupe and the Pontiac G6 Coupe are three models that offer V6 engines and similar levels of equipment. They are all less expensive than the Solara, though. At $36,975, the SLE is fully loaded.

A similarly-equipped 2007 G6 GTP goes for $35,510, a 2007 Accord EX-V6 automatic costs $34,200, and a 2007 Monte Carlo LT with similar features sells for $30,525. However, both the G6 and Accord are available with 6-speed manual gearboxes, which cannot be had in the Solara.

Clearly, this is not my kind of car, but I wouldn't question those who purchase a Solara. Its best quality is how well it relaxes its driver and passengers. It has the Camry's attributes but with two fewer doors, which might be good for those who want a mid-size Toyota but hate seeing so many Camrys on the road.

2007 Toyota Solara SLE V6 (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com)

What I like:
Smooth and silent
Cockpit and trunk space
Decent fuel economy

What I don't like:
Forgettable styling
Not as powerful as a Camry
High price