The $29,200 base Solara SE comes only as a coupe, with a 155-horsepower, 158-pound-feet-of-torque, 2.4-litre DOHC four. Next up the rung are Sport V6 and SLE V6 coupes and convertibles. Instead of the new Camry sedan's 268-hp, 3.5L V6, the Solara makes do with last year's 210-hp, 220-lb-ft-of-torque, 3.3L unit. All Solaras also preserve the five-speed automatic tranny, being denied the new V6 Camry's automatic that gains a gear.
The range-topping $39,900 SLE V6 convertible adds to the mid-range Sport V6 automatic climate control and heated leather front seats. Dynamic driving features such as vehicle stability control, traction control and brake assist are exclusive to the SLE as well, not on the so-called Sport model -- go figure.
A nip and a tuck, and a new cockpit
Looking at the pictures of the Solara SLE V6 convertible test car, you may struggle to notice any stylistic differences from the previous model. There's a new front fascia with gaping nostrils filled with fog lamps that mimic the smaller Matrix and high-intensity discharge headlamps on V6-equipped Solaras. Out back, there's a subtle trunk spoiler, and the rear lamps have a new LED arrangement. The convertible top is still cloth instead of the newer, fancier folding metal hardtops from Pontiac, Volkswagen and Volvo. There's nothing to really raise your neck hairs here. But where Toyota spent most of its Solara makeover bucks was inside the car.
With interior fit and finish that easily tops the mainstream competition, the combination of metallic and satin finishes means the Solara easily matches the upscale interior of the newer Camry sedan.
If a Lexus badge were found in here, you wouldn't bat an eye.
A convertible made for cruising
Understandably, as much of the rest of the 2007 Solara uses carryover mechanical bits, the driving experience is much the same as last year's car.
The 3.3L V6 is still supremely smooth and quintessentially quiet. The ride quality still smothers our cratered roads due to a comparably long wheelbase and soft suspension setup.
The range-topping $39,900 SLE V6 convertible adds to the mid-range Sport V6 automatic climate control and heated leather front seats. Dynamic driving features such as vehicle stability control, traction control and brake assist are exclusive to the SLE as well, not on the so-called Sport model -- go figure.
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| The interior is well assembled - as are all Toyota products. |
A nip and a tuck, and a new cockpit
Looking at the pictures of the Solara SLE V6 convertible test car, you may struggle to notice any stylistic differences from the previous model. There's a new front fascia with gaping nostrils filled with fog lamps that mimic the smaller Matrix and high-intensity discharge headlamps on V6-equipped Solaras. Out back, there's a subtle trunk spoiler, and the rear lamps have a new LED arrangement. The convertible top is still cloth instead of the newer, fancier folding metal hardtops from Pontiac, Volkswagen and Volvo. There's nothing to really raise your neck hairs here. But where Toyota spent most of its Solara makeover bucks was inside the car.
With interior fit and finish that easily tops the mainstream competition, the combination of metallic and satin finishes means the Solara easily matches the upscale interior of the newer Camry sedan.
If a Lexus badge were found in here, you wouldn't bat an eye.
A convertible made for cruising
Understandably, as much of the rest of the 2007 Solara uses carryover mechanical bits, the driving experience is much the same as last year's car.
The 3.3L V6 is still supremely smooth and quintessentially quiet. The ride quality still smothers our cratered roads due to a comparably long wheelbase and soft suspension setup.
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| The Solara road manners have not changed since last year. |