The 2003 Toyota Camry Solara is a convertible up-level
Toyota 2-door based on the Camry platform. A useful and
attractive alternative to Camry owners who wish to enhance
their driving experience, this is one car that will convey
the joy of the cruise, no matter which version you pick
out for yourself. The Solara is designed to offer performance
components, sexy styling, power and interior luxury in a
convertible car that won't break the bank. Remarkably, the
designers at Toyota have managed to produce a car with that
difficult and contradictory selection of characteristics.
Available Models
The 2003 Toyota Camry Solara comes in three models. The
base level 4-cyl SE, which comes as either Coupe or Convertible,
the sporty SE V6, which comes with more power and interior
features and finally, the top level SLE, a luxury oriented
touring car where they pull out all the stops.
Interior Features
The 2003 Toyota Camry Solara has a high standard of luxury
in all models, even the base SE 4-cyl. Many items are included
as standard equipment that many similarly priced and styled
cars offer only as an optional extra. For example, the Solara
has standard cruise control, air conditioning and a 3-in1
AM/FM/CD player. This luxury level is further enhanced by
the power convertible roof and other power features; door
locks, windows, steering and side mirrors.
The SLE trim level, oriented toward luxury fittings is
even plusher. Leather upholstery, an 8-way power driver
seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and automatic climate
control all combine to make this vehicle representative
of the high level of luxury Toyota can achieve without sacrificing
affordability. The selection of standard interior amenities
at this level is topped off by the JBL audio system but
it doesn't stop there. Many smaller items and details make
up the standards and the options make for even more consumer
choice.
Exterior Features
The exterior styling of the convertible Solara is classic
and considered as is to be expected from a car that is supposed
to be seen as well as driven. The basic Camry form lends
itself well to this incarnation. When it is tricked-out
with all the sporty details the Camry has in the closet,
that is, with a rear spoiler, fog lights, alloy wheels and
wide, low profile 205/60R16 tires, the Solara leaves the
Camry behind. Add the rakish swept-back effect of the convertible
and you have a Tourer in the classic tradition.
Performance
The two engine choices for the 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
are a 2.4-liter DOHC 4-cyl engine that produces 157 horsepower
at 5,600 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm.
Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) makes for
excellent low- and mid-range power. This equates to a manoeuvrable
ride with ample merging and passing power at highway speeds.
A 5-speed manual transmission comes as standard but a four-speed
electronic automatic transmission "with intelligence"
(4ECT-i) is available at the SE grade.
The SE V6 and the SLE (V6 also) share an overhead cam 3.0-liter
that produces 192 hp at 5,300 rpm and 209 lb.-ft. of peak
torque at 4,400 rpm. The V6 models are standard equipped
with the 4ECT-I automatic transmission. These are efficient
engines that are favoured by ULEV certification.
Safety and Security
The three models have slightly different safety portfolios.
The base SE has some good features with 4-wheel disc brakes,
dual front airbags and daytime running lights. Optional
front-side airbags and antilock brakes are available on
the SE while the ABS brakes are standard on the SE V6. The
SLE has both of the above but it adds traction control,
a safety option that isn't offered on any other grade.
2003 Toyota Camry Solara
Highlights
The
rigid unitized body incorporates engineering attributes
shared with luxury cars to help isolate occupants
from noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).
The
body's low 0.31 coefficient of drag (Cd) helps to
minimize wind noise, which is further held in check
by foam filler in the roof and pillar panels. Vibration-damping
and noise-suppressant material is used throughout
the cabin, as well as in the wheel housings, dash
panel and trunk. Green-tinted high solar energy-absorbing
(HSEA) glass significantly reduces infrared and ultraviolet
rays, helping to keep the cabin cooler and protect
the interior materials from fading.
The
available appearance package lends a sporty accent
to the SE grade. Available with the charcoal interior,
the package includes a unique three-spoke leather-wrapped
steering wheel, black interior trim, a perforated
leather-wrapped shift knob and black pearl exterior
badges.
The
Camry Solara offers one of the few convertibles in
the segment. Its power-retractable top, available
in black or camel, has a full fabric headliner and
large glass rear window with defroster. The rear quarter
windows lower automatically with the top.
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Get
a Free Price Quote on a 2003 Toyota Camry.
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Fast Stats
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Seats |
5
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MSRP
from |
$19,850
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Engine |
2.4L 4-Cylinder
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3.0L V6
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Horsepower |
157 @ 5,600
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198 @ 5,300
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Transmission |
4-speed automatic
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5-speed manual
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MPG:
City/Hwy |
2.4L auto: 24/32
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2.4L man.: 24/33
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3.0L auto: 20/28
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