2006 Toyota Solara Review

Specifications

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. 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 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 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 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.

Helping produce the Solaras wealth of energy is Toyotas VVT-i, variable valve timing technology. The resultant polished punch is capable of moving the 3,583 pound, U.S.-made Toyota with significant zeal. Off-the-line acceleration can easily overwhelm the front 17-inch all-season rubber, but fortunately torque-steer is suitably managed in these circumstances. Once the 5-speed autobox has kicked-down to the most suitable cog, highway passing power is spry enough to instill confidence when pulling past an 18-wheeler. Unfortunately drivers with a penchant for manually mixing gears will have to settle for Toyotas Sequential Multi-Mode feature, which is a manual-mode typical of the sort so often accompanying automatic transmissions these days. Toyotas version works as intended but is at best a placebo compared to the exhilaration of shifting an authentic manual gearbox while devouring a country back-road under a cloudless sky. Too bad the Solara is stuck in the automatic world.

Despite the absence of a slick-shifting 6-speed manual gearbox, the Solara wins a special spot in my ranking of cruising convertibles. In addition to the smooth operation of its refined drivetrain, this Toyota delivers a remarkably smooth ride, albeit with noticeable cowl shudder when passing over abrupt surface deviations. Such symptoms are often difficult, if not impossible to eliminate in a vehicle not designed from the “ground up” as a convertible (the Solara loses its roof at ASCs new production facility about 15 km from Toyotas plant in Cambridge, Ontario). A fixed roof connected to four stout pillars enhances a vehicles structural rigidity significantly. Lopping it off without unduly compromising the vehicles overall resistance to twisting and bending minute amounts requires a dose of creative engineering. In the Solaras case, a little more creativity would have perfected a near perfect ride that prioritizes comfort over handling.

Toyota achieves the smooth ride by underpinning the front of the Solara with coil springs, MacPherson struts and a stabilizer bar. At the rear, an independent dual-link coil spring setup aided by a stabilizer bar keeps the car tracking true. Throwing the Solara aggressively into a corner isnt a white-knuckle experience by any stretch of the imagination. The midsize soft-top feels composed and predictable, but not to the point of earning a “sports car” label. And that clearly wasnt Toyotas aim. The Solara is more oriented to the driver wanting an open air experience, but without sacrificing the pleasure of a smooth ride and quiet operation - hey, I think thats me nowadays.

And Toyota hasnt sacrificed in the realm of “safety” either. As standard equipment the Solara is fitted with 4-wheel, antilock disc brakes bolstered by electronic brake-force distribution. When the top-of-the-line SLE model is ordered, both traction control and vehicle stability control programs are inserted as standard fare as well. Front seat occupants are well protected by standard equipment airbags, which include dual-stage frontal airbags and front seat, side-mounted airbags. A tire-pressure monitoring system is also found on-board to ensure safe inflation levels are maintained.

For 2006, buyers of convertible Solaras can opt for the slightly more basic SE model without stripping the car of its many pleasures and amenities. “The Solara convertible is now even more affordable with the SE V6 trim level, but it retains the generous content level that makes Solara luxurious yet distinctive,” says Tony Wearing, Managing Director of Toyota Canada. Without the need to select stand-alone options or option packages, a 2006 Solara SE convertible will treat occupants to a power-adjustable drivers seat, air conditioning with rear seat heat ducts, premium JBL audio with 6-disc in-dash CD and steering wheel controls, tilt/telescopic leather wrapped steering wheel, electrochromic rearview mirror, compass and outside temperature readouts, plus a trip computer, power windows and remote entry. The base Solara SE convertible is also outfitted with halogen headlights, fog lamps and heated power-adjustable side mirrors.

Moving into SLE territory adds chrome or simulated wood interior accents, climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, integrated garage door opener, cargo net and an anti-theft system. In the U.S. a GPS-based navigation system is also up for grabs. Regardless of whether an “SE” or “SLE” badge graces the rear trunk lid, the Solara is an exceptionally pleasing open-air car to spend hour upon hour motoring in. As I mentioned to the Toyota rep upon its return, “this is a relaxing car to drive, it doesnt keep you on edge the way a high performance convertible can.” Adding to the Solaras sense of repose is its ability to slip smoothly through the atmosphere, generating very little wind rush or unpleasant buffeting, even at highway speeds.

My final comment pertains to practicality - something few convertibles can brag about. The Solara comfortably seats four adults, and thanks to a decent sized trunk, can accommodate their overnight bags as well. Retracting the Solaras roof doesnt eradicate its trunk space - in fact at 11.7 cubic feet the trunk of the convertible Solara is only 2.1 cubic feet smaller than that of the coupe. I often use my road bike as a litmus test for measuring the real world usability of cargo space. After removing both wheels, the bike slid neatly into the Solaras trunk along with the wheels; and voila, the trunk lid closed without coming into contact with any part of the 2-wheel machine within. Try that with a Chrysler Crossfire!

The Solara Convertible possesses all of the innate goodness of a Toyota, except a steel roof. And thanks to this shortage it has the ability to loosen the screws that the stresses of daily life can tighten so relentlessly.