2005 Toyota Camry Solara

Touted by general manager Don Esmond as "sportier, more powerful and more refined" than before, the redesigned midsize Solara initially came only as a two-door coupe. A convertible was added later. Styling of the current model is devoid of edges and curvier than the prior generation, which also included a convertible.

Solara coupes come in SE, SE Sport and SLE trim levels. Each version features a separate interior surface treatment. Convertibles come only with a 3.3-liter V-6 and a five-speed-automatic transmission, but a four-cylinder is offered in the coupe in addition to the V-6. Little has changed for the 2005 model year.

Exterior

Designers of the second-generation model mixed convex and concave surfaces that flow through the length of the car. A pronounced "V" shape starts at the grille and separates elongated headlights. Fog lamps impart a wider, more aggressive look.

Rounded rear corners blend into an integrated bumper. Styling themes include an upswept belt line below the triangular rear quarter windows. Bumper height was reduced to impart a sportier stance, and body gaps were narrowed. Riding a 107.1-inch wheelbase, the Solara stretches to 192.5 inches long overall and stands 56.1 inches tall.

All Solaras have all-disc brakes. The SE Sport includes a sport-tuned suspension with stiffer springs, a six-piece body kit, 17-inch alloy wheels and aluminum-trimmed pedals. A rear spoiler is standard on convertibles.

Interior

Up to five occupants fit inside the Solara coupe, but the convertible holds only four. The instrument panel has a center-mounted multifunction display. Trunk space totals 13.8 cubic feet in the coupe and 11.7 cubic feet in the convertible.

Each Toyota Camry Solara model has a separate interior surface treatment. The SLE features woodgrain trim, while the SE has silver-metallic trim. A unique interior with black graphite-looking trim highlights the SE Sport. XM Satellite Radio and a DVD-based navigation system with a 6.5-inch viewing screen are optional.

With its top up, the convertible offers an additional 2 inches of rear headroom compared with the coupe. Convertibles have a magnetic front seat-belt guide to ease access into the rear seat.

Under the Hood

Solara coupes can be equipped with either a 157-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder or a 3.3-liter V-6 that produces 225 hp and 240 pounds-feet of torque. A five-speed-automatic transmission teams with the V-6, while four-cylinder models get either a five-speed-manual or four-speed-automatic transmission. Convertibles come only with V-6 power.