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Summary
The success or failure of coupes probably depends less on fads or trends in the auto market and more on how well a particular car is executed.The Camry Solara is well executed. It's solid, roomy and reasonably fun to drive. Anyone seeking the mix of looks, performance and practicality that defines a good coupe should have Solara on the shopping list. Of course, this ticket can be expensive. Though Toyota has held the line on prices for the second model year, the Solara SLE we tested cleared $27,000, including preferred options like an in-dash CD changer, traction control and a power moonroof. There are dozens of alternatives for that money, from pure sports cars to fine sedans to sport-utility vehicles. Even among coupes, Solara competitors such as the Sebring offer as much visual impact for a few thousand dollars less. It's up to the buyer whether Toyota's reputation for quality and rock-solid reliability, plus some panache, is worth the price premium.
(Source: New Cars Test Drive)
Model Line Overview
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Model Lineup:
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SE 4-cylinder ($18,938); SE V6 ($21,648); SLE V6 ($25,838) |
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Engines:
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3.0-liter dohc 24v V6 |
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Transmissions:
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4-speed automatic |
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Saftey Equipment (standard):
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Dual airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters standard; front side-impact airbags, traction control optional; anti-lock brake system optional on four-cylinder, standard with V6 |
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Saftey Equipment (optional):
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Basic Warranty:
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3 years/36,000 miles |
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Assembled In:
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Cambridge, Ontario |
Specifications As Tested
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Model Tested (MSRP):
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Solara SLE ($25,838) |
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Standard Equipment:
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(SLE) Eight-way power-adjustable driver seat, leather upholstery, 16-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler, remote keyless entry, ABS, integrated fog lamps, power windows and locks, power heated side-view mirrors, air conditioning, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, JBL Premium AM/FM/cassette/CD |
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Options As Tested (MSRP):
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Traction control ($300); in-dash CD changer ($200); front side-impact airbags ($250); power moonroof ($900) |
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Destination Charge:
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455 |
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Gas Guzzler Tax:
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Price As Tested (MSRP):
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27943 |
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Layout:
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front-wheel drive |
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Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
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200 @ 5200 |
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Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
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214 @ 4400 |
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Transmission:
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4-speed automatic |
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EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
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20/28 |
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Wheelbase:
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105.1 |
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Length/width/height:
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190/71.1/55.1 |
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Track, f/r:
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60.8/59.8 |
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Turning circle:
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38.1 |
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Seating capacity:
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5 |
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Head/hip/leg room, f:
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38.3/53.6/43.3 |
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Head/hip/leg room, m:
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Head/hip/leg room, r:
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36.3/49.3/35.2 |
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Cargo volume:
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13.8 |
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Payload:
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Towing capacity:
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2000 |
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Suspension, f:
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Independent |
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Suspension, r:
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Independent |
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Ground clearance:
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5.3 |
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Curb weight:
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3265 |
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Tires:
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P205/60R-16 |
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Brakes, f/r:
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disc/disc with ABS |
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Fuel capacity:
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18.5 |
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