Test-drove an '06 SLE yesterday.

[87Camry5Speed]

Below is the write-up on the car that I posted on my Facebook (I know, too much free time...). Check it out, what I'd like is feedback as to how accurate my take on the car was. Bear in mind that my next car is going to be a Gen5 Camry or a Gen2 Solara.

I suppose the backstory is needed before I dive into my analysis of the car.


For the first time in almost 6 years, I'm going back to Toyotas. You can blame my Focus for this sudden change of heart; it's needed near-constant repair since I purchased it a year ago, and for me, that's just not cutting it anymore. There was a time when I didn't mind working on my car every weekend (looking at you, Goldmember), but my life has gone in a different direction. That doesn't mean I'm done with Mustangs entirely, but the next one I buy will be a weekend/project car.


As for the Solara...


The Solara is built on a slightly modified Camry chassis, which means a solid structure, proven powertrains, and a cavernous cabin. My particular test car was the top-of-the line SLE, which featured just about every option Toyota offered: nav, leather/heated seats, electronic climate control, etc. In essence, every bit the 5/8 scale Lexus SC430 it imitates from all angles.


Curvy is the best way to describe the Solara's looks, with a sharp character line down the side to visually lower the car, in addition to steeply raked front and rear windows. Foglights and a deep air dam characterize the front fascia, and a sloping trunk is featured out back. Minus the Continental hump, it reminded me slightly of my old Lincoln Mark VIII.


Performance is another area that reminded me slightly of the Mark VIII. Featuring the 3MZ-FE V6 with variable valve timing (essentially a poked-n-stroked 1MZ-FE, which has been in production since 1994), this powertrain is good for 225 HP and 240 lb/ft of torque. Mated to Toyota's five-speed automatic with the "slapstick" feature that allows for manual gear selection, I expected sprightly performance, and I got it. 0-60 arrives in 7 seconds, give or take; just about a match for the aforementioned Mark VIII. What disappointed me was the Jekyll and Hyde nature of the motor, which isn't helped by the lazy drive-by-wire throttle. Below 3000 RPM, there simply wasn't much pep; above that mark, the 3MZ winds out hard, and feels like it's capable of pulling well beyond the tach-indicated 5900 RPM redline. Compounding the petulant motor was the transmission itself, which acted very un-Toyotalike in shift quality and timing. To be fair, I want it to be clear that this was an 84K mile car that seemed like it wasn't too well cared-for by its prior owner; a different test car might have behaved differently. I've sampled the base powertrain in several Camrys, the 157-hp 2.4 liter 2AZ-FE inline-four, and it felt peppier around town than did the six; also, the four-speed automatic that sits alongside the big four is a much smoother operator. Believe it or not, my preference is for the four; it doesn't need 91-octane gas (recommended for the V6) and it also has a mantenance-free timing chain- not a belt. One less big repair...


Ride and handling on this well-worn example were still quite acceptable. Helped by a front strut tower brace, and suspension tuning a hair sharper than a Camry, the Solara took on Newburgh's plow-beaten third-world streets with aplomb. A stiff chassis is a wonderful thing on which to build a car, allowing engineers to create just the right balance of isolation from poor roads, and still accommodate the needs of those who like to tackle a turn every now and again; here, the big coupe truly shines. Handling was drama-free with little body lean; the Solara's 3400 lbs kept well in check, augmented by a smooth ride and no cowl shake over the worst of the bumps.


Build quality was solid overall. In spite of the age and the mileage, the driver's side door opened with no fuss. On older two-doors, the weight of the door wears on the hinges, which results in the door "dropping" slightly when opened. No such foibles here. Comfortable leather chairs coddle all four occupants; in the front, the seats are fully powered and heated. Gauges were easily read, with a large, eye-friendly typeface. A neat feature of the dash was the "tri-pod" of "gauges" across the center stack; it provides information such as instant fuel-economy readout, outside temperature, and a clock. The nav system was user-friendly, and JBL sound kept the tunes coming. Watching the screen tilt down and out to gain access to the CD player was neat. All other controls were easy-to-decipher and to use, in true Toyota fashion. Remember, at heart, the Solara is a two-door Camry, so the virtues on which the Camry's reputation are built are very much present here.


I'm considering both the Camry and the Solara; all it will take is the right car at the right time. That said, powertrain aside, the Solara definitely made its case heard during today's lengthy test drive.

[09CamrySE3R3]

Well written...and I'm not just saying that cuz I work with your dad!!!

[dug320]

I have three cars with the V6 and all run on regular gas. I tried a comparison with premium vs regular and there was no significant difference.

[YADDADAIMSAYIN]

good writeup. I agree with a lot of things you wrote about. Definitely lags in the lower RPMs. One noticeable issue of concern is when stepping on the gas pedal, there is a brief moment of hesitance (for lack of a better word) before the car takes off. This might be a potential safety issue if you're cutting into high speed traffic from a stop.

Other than that, I feel like the Solara is a great car (minus the lack of aftermarket support). 6-CD JBL Premium sound, climate control, auto-tinting mirrors, seat warmers... but the best part of it all is the spacious cabin both for the driver and the passengers. Plenty of leg room.

I'm actually quite surprised by your compliments on the suspension. Most of us gen2'ers felt like the Solara drove like a boat. A TRD rear sway bar would quickly rectify the problem. Also keep in mind that the solara is a heavy car. A v6 might be your best bet for dragging that thing around. Good luck with your decision!

[87Camry5Speed]

Originally Posted by YADDADAIMSAYIN

good writeup. I agree with a lot of things you wrote about. Definitely lags in the lower RPMs. One noticeable issue of concern is when stepping on the gas pedal, there is a brief moment of hesitance (for lack of a better word) before the car takes off. This might be a potential safety issue if you're cutting into high speed traffic from a stop.

Other than that, I feel like the Solara is a great car (minus the lack of aftermarket support). 6-CD JBL Premium sound, climate control, auto-tinting mirrors, seat warmers... but the best part of it all is the spacious cabin both for the driver and the passengers. Plenty of leg room.

I'm actually quite surprised by your compliments on the suspension. Most of us gen2'ers felt like the Solara drove like a boat. A TRD rear sway bar would quickly rectify the problem. Also keep in mind that the solara is a heavy car. A v6 might be your best bet for dragging that thing around. Good luck with your decision!

I honestly liked the Solara's confidence on the road. My list of previous cars includes an '85 Cutlass Supreme, a '97 Bonneville, and two Grand Marquis (1995 and 1997). I'm used to that big, heavy "American" feel so this was a welcome change. I'm familiar with what the TRD bar will do, it transformed my dad (DOHCammer on here)'s old 2002 Camry SE into a slot car. He was also one of the first to put Gen6 SE wheels on a Gen5, that thing was sharp. My current Focus handles pretty well once the thing stops leaning over. Not enough spring or sway bar.

I'm going to drive an I4 Solara to see if it fits the bill. My guess is it will feel a lot like my brother's '03 SE, if it does, that's fine for my needs. Solara and Camry are within 100-150 lbs of each other so I'm thinking it'll be close.