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2006 Toyota Solara Convertible Road Test

Toyota Goodness, Less a Roof

The Toyota Solara is a 2-door coupe or convertible based on Toyotas much desired Camry sedan. It utilizes the same honey-smooth drivetrain and supple suspension as Toyotas midsize best seller, which is a tremendously strong departure point for the lengthier midsize soft-top. Yep, it came as a surprise to me as well but the 2-door Solara is 3.3-inch longer than the roomy 4-door Camry - go figure. The subtle elongation translates into a convertible that truly can seat two adults in the rear without requiring them to pretzelize their limbs or get to know each other intimately. However, roof-up rear seat entry requires fairly fluid mobility, which can be especially challenging for those big, tall or otherwise significantly sized.

In reality most convertible owners dont regularly fill their rear seats, so ingress, egress and rear seat comfort may be a moot point to many purchasers.

The Solara is a convertible that truly can seat two adults in the rear without requiring them to pretzelize their limbs or get to know each other intimately. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

Likely to be of greater import is the vehicles reliability, build quality and resale value. Toyota aces all three of these categories, which isnt something that can be said about all convertibles, regardless of cost. These attributes make the Solara the common-sense choice for purchasers seeking a well-behaved, well-refined 4-seat convertible. Call it the vanilla milkshake in a world of provocative flavors; you know what youre getting and its good to the last slurp.

The Solara convertible emerged in 1999, following the complete

Its curvaceous bodywork and wrap-around head and taillights remain fresh looking and appealing to the eye. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

redesign of the Camry. The second (and current) generation Solara convertible met the motoring public in 2004 and has changed very little since. Its curvaceous bodywork and wrap-around head and taillights remain fresh looking and appealing to the eye. Like most soft-top convertibles, the Solaras sleekness is marred when its roof is in place, resulting in poor rearward visibility for the driver. Otherwise the vehicles proportioning and use of rounded surfaces project a more elegant rather than aggressive image. Taking a seat in the Solara surrounds one in a stylish, user-friendly cabin. Three cutouts housing LCD information screens atop the center stack add "sportiness" to the

The Solaras living space is comprised of quality materials consistent with those found in its Camry cousin. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

dash layout reminiscent of domestic sleds from the 1960s. I particularly like this touch.

Except for an abundance of molded plastic surrounding the rear seating area, the Solaras living space is comprised of quality materials consistent with those found in its Camry cousin. Solara seating is comfortable but not BMW-like supportive, which is no surprise when you compare price tags.

Once two latches are manually released, Toyotas ragtop electrically drops its tight-fitting fabric roof in a matter of seconds. As with most lidless cars these days, the Solaras rear window is comprised of glass and electrically heated to ward-off frost and fog. Old school in the concealment of the Solaras retracted roof is the need to manually attach its ill-fitting soft tonneau

It doesnt take more than a block or two to appreciate just how refined Toyotas roofless wonder is. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

cover. To complete the Solaras gorgeous drop-top look, the bulky tonneau must be pulled from the trunk and manipulated into place, leading to the inevitable is it really worth it pondering.

But alas, the true joy of a convertible isnt found in its tonneau cover, but rather in blue skies overhead. And so it was the day I departed for home after picking up this weeks tester. Instantly my spirits lightened and the awaiting rush hour traffic melted away with the warmth of the sun on my shoulders. It doesnt take more than a block or two to appreciate just how refined Toyotas roofless wonder is - the name Lexus comes to mind. The only engine available in the Solara is a silken 225-horsepower 3.3-liter (201 cu in) DOHC V6 that twists out a healthy 240 pounds-feet of torque 3,600 rpm.

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