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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2007 Toyota Solara

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2008 Toyota Solara

Overview

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2007 Toyota Solara Review

By KBB.com Editors

Big coupes with long, heavy doors seem to go in and out of style like yesterday's fashion. For a time it appeared as though the SUV would spell the end of the coupe, but the desire for smaller, more maneuverable vehicles, coupled with gasoline at three bucks a gallon, has given new life to the genre, and the Toyota Camry Solara is poised to capitalize. Big enough to comfortably fit four adults and delivering a level of fit and finish befitting a Lexus, the Solara is well suited to do battle with its primary rivals, the Honda Accord Coupe and Ford Mustang V6. The Chevrolet Monte Carlo also plays in this league, but is no match for the Solara's overall sophistication and high resale values.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you like big, two-door coupes, your options are limited. The Solara has all the personal style coupe drivers want, with the added bonus of a huge backseat area and strong resale value.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you like to operate a clutch, the Solara's V6 models do not offer a manual transmission. The Solara's futuristic styling stands in sharp contrast to the uniform lines found on the Ford Mustang and Honda Accord Coupe.

What's Significant About This Car?

The Solara receives a major makeover with new styling elements both front and rear. Interior enhancements include a new instrument cluster, a six-disc CD changer with MP3 playback capability and the addition of side-impact and side-curtain airbags.

Driving the Solara

Driving Impressions The Solara is a superb road car; its smooth ride is neither mushy nor devoid of road feel. You may find the steering to be a bit heavy in the...

turns, but the overall feeling it transmits is one of precision and control with no notable play. Power for the Solara is provided by a robust 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine; rated at 155 horsepower, it's surprisingly quick for its size and actually quite responsive when teamed with the standard five-speed manual transmission. The really big news for the Solara is its excellent 3.3-liter V6 engine, which boasts an impressive 210 horsepower. V6-powered Solara's have a five-speed sequential automatic transmission that allows you the option of manually selecting gears.

Favorite Features

GPS Navigation
The optional GPS navigation system fits neatly into the dash and is both easy to operate and view.

Supportive Sport Seats
The Sport model's seats provide an extra measure of support.

2007 Toyota Solara Details

Interior

You won't find a roomier rear seat in any of the Solara's rivals, nor will you find such a large and accommodating trunk. The front seats provide excellent support for the legs, thighs and lower back and are covered in your choice of handsome woven cloth or real leather. The Solara's instrument panel is also logically arranged, with clearly marked gauges and intuitive functions for the audio and ventilation controls. Sport models feature metered gauges in hooded binnacles atop the center stack.

Exterior

Toyota designed the Solara with an arc-shape theme that runs from the front bumper, up over the hood and down to the rear bumper. Massive jeweled headlamp lenses flank a new V-shaped grille, and integrated fog lights are set into an aggressive front air dam. The Solara's side windows are narrow, set off by a wavy beltline flowing from the tip of the front fender all the way to the trunk.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The Camry Solara SE features a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, five-speed manual transmission, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), air conditioning, overhead console, rear defroster, illuminated remote keyless entry, fog lights, dual power mirrors, AM/FM stereo with six-disc CD changer, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags, cruise control, tire pressure monitor, alloy wheels, power windows and trip computer. The Sport trim adds xenon headlamps, 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear spoilers, a rear deck spoiler, rocker moldings and a sport-tuned suspension.

Optional Equipment

Options vary by trim and include a four-speed automatic transmission, heated leather seats, power seats, power glass moonroof, auto-dimming rearview mirror, navigation and a JBL audio system.

Under the Hood

Less-aggressive drivers will find the Camry Solara's four-cylinder engine both quiet and fuel-efficient. Though not whiplash inducing, the acceleration provided by this engine is more than adequate for everyday driving, and the choice of a manual transmission may even bring out the enthusiast in you. The V6 turns the Solara into a real performer without sacrificing too much in the way of fuel economy.

2.4-liter in-line 4
155 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
158 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/34 (manual), 25/34 (automatic)

3.3-liter V6
210 horsepower @ 5600 rpm
220 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/29

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Toyota Solara vehicles for sale near you.

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2007 Toyota Solara Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.3

Out of 10

Based on 452 Ratings for the 2004 - 2008 models.

Review this car

Value

9.4/10

Quality

9.4/10
Reliability

9.6/10

Performance

9.3/10
Comfort

9.3/10

Styling

9.4/10

Roomy & Reliable

By JoshC (AZ) on Sunday, May 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 103,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 5/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"+It's basically a sporty Toyota Camry: one of the most ridiculously reliable cars on the road. +It has more trunk space than any other convertible I've ever seen +It also has the most back seat space of any convertible I've researched. At over 6", I can sit in the front or backseat comfortably +the SLE version has a tilting/slide down nave screen which just feels fun. -it has an extremely small rear window (which is part of why it has a large trunk) -it never feels like much power under you, even in the V6"

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Well worth the price for a fun, dependable car.

By cathy (CA) on Sunday, April 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 82,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great price, fun to drive, economical, spacious."

Cons: "None"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"My Solara convertible is perfect. The price was well worth it because It is dependable and extremely fun to drive. The seat heaters are handy for cold weather, and the A/C works well when the top's down on a hotter day. The leather interior is easy to clean. The car accelerates quickly and stops on a dime, even though I've had it almost seven years. The navigation feature is intuitive to use and stores all previous addresses, and the phone feature is extremely handy and easy to use. The trunk is incredibly spacious; it is as large as my sister's Mercedes sedan. The MPG is about 18, which is great considering the power. The back seat is spacious enough for two adults, which cannot be said for three other 2006 cars I rented for comparison. Also, my engine is quiet while driving, and the sound system is phenomenal. Two additions I'd make are seat heaters and a third seat belt in the back. There is an air conditioning / heater vent back there already, and two cup holders in the front and two in back. There's also plenty of storage compartments in the front, and the glove compartment is huge. I don't know why the Solara convertible was discontinued, because it rocks."

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I LOVE LOVE LOVE this car.

By Wendy (SC) on Monday, April 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 105,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "fun to drive, low maintenance, good gas mileage"

Cons: "solid headrest on back seats blocks rear view"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I am devistated that they do not make it anymore. I have not had any major issues just regular maintenance. The stereo from time to time will just fade out and back in. Maybe a loose wire? The headliner in the back is starting to come loose but it is 7 years old. Hard to see out the rear view mirror d/t the solid headrest in the back but you get used to it and use side mirrors. Otherwise, one of the best cars/convertibles EVER!"

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Excellent mieleage, handling, fun drive

By Quickbeam on Sunday, April 21, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 165,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 5/10

Pros: "mileage, handling, styling"

Cons: "rear seat access"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"the Solara is a "sleeper". The five speed manual tranny with 4cylinder engine yielded 32 avg mpg (per the dashboard computer.) Interior is comfortable for driver and front passenger, but rear seat access is not easy. The fit and finish of the exterior is very good, no visible issues. Trunk space is huge. Interior ergonomics are good. Handling is excellent and many BMW's and similar vehicles were surprised by my ability to keep up with them in the mountains. Just wish Toyota had offered the 6 cylinder with manual transmission. I'd buy another if can find one with low miles."

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I love my Solara Convertible!

By LittleRed (OR) on Monday, April 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 124,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "fun convertible, good mpg"

Cons: "hood has lots of paint chips"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have always wanted a convertible and set out several years ago to find just the right one. When I researched and test drove the Solara I knew it was perfect for me. It's sporty and has good acceleration power with the V6 engine, yet it's big enough that I can take passengers and pack a lot of gear in the roomy trunk. The seats are comfortable, and the leather is easy to keep clean. I purchased the car brand new, and have now had it 7 years. I still love it and have been impressed with the reliability. I hope to keep it another 7 years!"

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Have had 4 of these --LOVE them.

By lilydaun (WI) on Thursday, April 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 99,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Sporty, reliable, sharp. Never get tired of it."

Cons: "Nothing --except not being made anymore."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Have had 4 Solaras -- 2 coupes and 2 convertibles. Was sooooo angry when told they weren't making them anymore. Right now I drive my convertible in summer and the coupe in winter (obviously). Always get complements on them. They are just special little cars that are extremely reliable. When my 2004 conv gets old will have to try to find a 2008 (last year made) with low miles. This one has 130,000 and still runs perfectly."

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See all 452 reviews