Between 1998 and 2009 Toyota had two types of its best selling car the Camry. There was the standard Toyota Camry and the Toyota Camry Solara, also known as the Toyota Solara.

While these two cars discuss similar features, there were likewise several notable differences. This post will cover the history of the Solara and how it is different from the Toyota Camry. Here is what you should know.

Toyota Solara Beginnings

Toyota began manufacturing the Toyota Solara in 1998 as a 2 doors, sportier version of the Camry. The Toyota Solara was obviously a replacement for the Toyota Camry Coupe. Toyota created the Toyota Camry Coupe four years earlier, to provide a sportier strategy to people considering buying a Camry. Its main competition was your Honda Accord Coupe, a mid-sized car with nice looking overall features.

As a replacement for the Camry Coupe the Solara featured a four canister engine with slightly more electric power than a standard Camry engine. The model also presented an upgraded stereo as well as sport options. A few years after intro, Toyota added a Solara convertible to its selection of mid-sized cars.

Toyota Solara Performance

As mentioned earlier the Toyota Solara had slightly more power compared to the Camry. Toyota also provided a V-6 option in 2002 for better performance. When it comes to gas mileage a typical Solara received between 19-23 miles per gallon intended for city driving and 26-33 miles per gallon for highway traveling.

By comparison, the latest Toyota Camry gets similar gas mileage. This gets 22 miles per gallon to get city driving and thirty-three miles per gallon for highway driving a car.

Toyota Solara Exterior

The most known difference between the Solara as well as the Camry was the exterior. The Solara was a two door car whereas the Camry was a four door car. The Solara also highlighted more sportier trim choices. The Solara also a new more streamlined look to the exterior.

As mentioned before the Solara also had a convertible choice. The convertibles typically experienced V-6 engines in all of them.

Additional Features

With the Toyota Solara you could also get some additional features. Choices included sport suspension and gratification tires, leather upholstery in addition to a six-disc CD changer. You might get 16-inch aluminum tires.

Later models of the Solara, featured Bluetooth connectivity, satellite television radio, navigation systems and MP3 FORMAT support.

Toyota Solara Stopped

Despite its unique style, Toyota decided to discontinue the Solara from its Camry lineup last year. This was due to dropping product sales over the years. There was not much with regard to sportier mid-sized cars with convertible options.