Toyota Solara

suvshopper4 · May 2003

Congrats on your purchase of a 2002.

I drove my gf's '02 4-cylinder today. We had a dicey merge onto busy I-95, and without flooring it, I found the power to be impressive for a 4-banger. Not a problem.
Lots of back seat/leg room for her dear Mom (Mother's Day, after all) and Dad.
Nice car all around.
Enjoy.

nrl76 · May 2003

Check the seat belt against the side of interior. It is plastic on plastic and I have heard that before. If you pull the seat belt out a little, it should sit away from the side. Obviously, after people use the belt it will go back to the original position against the side.

Hopefully, that is causing of the rattle.

Neil
'99 SLE
Red/Gray
47K

coolguyky7 · May 2003

Some features that I don't think have been mentioned yet for the new 2004 Solara are:

Seamless passenger side airbag (so you don't see where it comes out)

Tilt/telescopic wheel

belt operated sunroof

adjustable pedals

There are some more features that I can't think of off the top of my head. The colors for the new Solara will be white, black, lunar mist metallic, sand color, light blue and dark blue, as well as red. The interior of the SLE looks great with the navigation. It's exquisitive, very ES300-like.

coolguyky7 · May 2003

17 inch wheels will also be available. The two blue colors are Blue Metallic (similar to Camry's Catalina Blue) and Oceanus Blue (similar to Camry's Stratosphere Blue). All auto transmissions will be gated on the 4 cylinder model with a 5 speed sequential shift on the V6. Expect a convertible six months after the initial production of the Solara begins in July.

coolguyky7 · May 2003

Expect a much better initial quality from the new Solara compared to recent new vehicle launches by Toyota (ie Camry and Corolla). The word is that the boss of TMMNA is extremely uphappy about Toyota's dip in quality and has met with the Toyota's North American company presidents/leaders.

webguyster · May 2003

"TMMNA is extremely uphappy about Toyota's dip in quality "

I am glad you said it, and not me!

loucopits · May 2003

no effect on the rattle. Seems to come from under the car, passenger side, rear. I guess I'll have the dealer look for it at the 15,000 mile service next month.
.
Thanks for the effort.

webguyster · May 2003

Have your heat shield and exhaust pipe been ruled out. I started getting rattling when accelerating under my car. My catalytic converter started spitting chunks into the exhaust pipe, and got stuck in the pipe under the car, the part that hangs low, like a trap under a sink, when looking at the car from behind. Simple fix, they just replace the pipe and/or exhaust.

i_luv_toyota · May 2003

"The word is that the boss of TMMNA is extremely uphappy about Toyota's dip in quality and has met with the Toyota's North American company presidents/leaders."

What took them so long?

IMHO, Kentucky built Toyotas are far below Japanese built Toyotas (and even OH built Hondas) in terms of quality, and seems to have been this way for quite a while (since early-mid 1990's).

alpha01 · May 2003

TMMK was still winning JD Powers quality awards up through 2001, then it dropped off. Notice how each time a redesigned Camry was introduced (92,97,02) TMMK either didnt make the list, or barely did.

This is what it says on Toyota's website:

Eight J.D. Power and Associates Plant Quality Awards: four Gold (1990, 1993, 1994, 2000), two Silver (1991, 2001); and two Bronze (1992, 1997)

~alpha

alpha01 · May 2003

Can you provide a link to interior pics of the Solara with NAV? I've only see pics of the 04 Solara that traveled the autoshow circuit (which I believe was an SE.. not sure if it was the SE Sport model)

Also, I think its good that Toyota is making ABS and side airbags std, with curtains optional.

~alpha

coolguyky7 · May 2003

Sorry, I don't have a link. I saw the picture in a newsletter.

gpolt · May 2003

Does $16,000 sound correct for a 2002 4 cyl auto, certified with pwr seat, alloys, spoiler, ABS and 10K miles? Anyone like to take a stab at what the same car in a 2004 will run?

alpha01 · May 2003

JUST A GUESS: probably 21K-22K- (side airbags, ABS standard, pwr. seat too, i believe).

~alpha

maui2k3 · May 2003

Any guesses for a 2004 Solara SLE with all the bells and whistles including Navigation? Under 30k?

By the way, are there any pics floating around of the dash with the Navigation System?

webguyster · May 2003

What Edmunds.com Says: Toyota didn't exactly turn up the excitement meter much, but the Solara should continue to offer coupe buyers a well-built and luxurious ride for a good price.

What We Know: Toyota is especially proud of the fact that the new second-generation Solara was conceived, designed and will be built in the United States at its plant in Georgetown, Kentucky. This cut the development time to 19 months, a company record. The new coupe is more refined, more powerful, larger and sportier. The featured power plant is an all-new 3.3-liter V6 that generates 225 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque at 3,600 rpm -- that's 27 more ponies and 28 more lb-ft than the current model. There will also be a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 157 hp and 162 lb-ft available.

The extra power of the new V6 will be handled by the new performance-tuned suspension -- Toyota repositioned and recalibrated every mounting and pivot point on the suspension, added specially tuned struts and new front and rear springs. It claims the result is better ride quality, less body roll and pitch, better feel and increased response. "

Was there really any room for improvement? Aparently TMMK doesn't look at Consumer Reports, or J.D Power if they feel that the American built cars from Kentucky are not being built as well as they could be.

alpha01 · May 2003

"Aparently TMMK doesn't look at Consumer Reports, or J.D Power if they feel that the American built cars from Kentucky are not being built as well as they could be."

What?

~alpha

suvshopper4 · May 2003

I second that.

It almost reads like a compliment!

webguyster · May 2003

Seems like TMMK does not listen to the praises of Consumer Reports, or JD power, or they would not be expecting Japan quality form Kentucky! Theses magazines LOVE Toyota, and sing praises, regardless of what people say! Why does Toyota expect more!?!

alpha01 · May 2003

CR's review of the Tacoma? Not a good word since 1995. I personally like to believe, even if I am incorrect, that magazines choose vehicles based on their ratings systems. Car and Driver has an affinity to BMWs and Hondas, CR to Hondas and Toyotas, based on their preferences and ratings systems. As long as I feel the ratings systems are sound, and that the magazines adhere to them time and again, I think bias is a bunch of BS.

I will tell you though, that I think Edmunds.com ratings system for comparisons is absolutely horrid, and I dont put any credence in their reviews whatsoever, regardless of who they put on top. Example of why- in the Economy car comparison test, they have a ratings area called "Ride". But no where in that section do they actually rate a vehicle's ride quality?! Why call the heading "Ride" if you dont evaluate that! Additionally, 30% of the final score is based SOLELY on price- LAME- it doesnt factor in value, quality or performance, its just a simple caluclation based on MSRP. Also, the glowing review of the new Sienna- how can they assess Acceleration and Handling, and call it a "Full Test" if they have no instrumented numbers?

I'd gladly pay a subscription fee to Edmunds.com if they stopped posting henious reviews.

~alpha

coolguyky7 · May 2003

Don't get them any ideas! haha

ezshift5 · May 2003

...2000 SE V-6 5-speed manual: 4620 miles over the Rockies into Kansas and Nebraska thense south and west to Colorado, New Mex, Arizona, SoCal and home to California's capital (I'll not comment on politics now).

A. 150 gallons of fuel @ 1.55/gal average. That's just under 31 miles per gallon.
B. Didn't miss a beat. Oversize tires (215's) worked fine. Wheel squeal at cornering time much reduced. Still get chirp during rearward weight transfer seen under hard accel.

Webguy, sorry to have missed you. Holler prior your next sked Freeport excusion....ez

99solara · May 2003

ezshift5 do you run 215/60/16 or 215/55/16? What brand?

earlgrey_44 · May 2003

Ez, how does this good mileage number compare to what you saw before the tire upgrade?

sazaman1 · May 2003

Any news about the upcoming convertible or it is going to be discontinued? please help....

coolguyky7 · May 2003

Expect the 2004/5 convertible to come 6 months to a year after the coupe. I'd say it's closer to six months though, just in time for spring and summer weather.

maui2k3 · May 2003

Any word on pricing for the new 2004 Solara? Top out for the SLE with Navigation around $30k? Seems like the only pics floating around are of the red which is not the best color for this car.

ezshift5 · May 2003

....following a quick check in the garage:General Exclaim 215/55R16 91H. Got 34 and change with the old 205's Sac'to-Burbank a few years ago. Best to date is 31.2. Tirerack sez they are essentially the same size. I'm lusting after the RX8, but this Solara lives my grandfather's creed: never sell a car what's running good.....ez

coolguyky7 · May 2003

I believe Toyota said pricing would be able the same as the current model. It may, in fact, be less as Toyota's recent cars have been priced lower than their predecessors. From what I understand, only the SLE will have a V6 and that will be optional. I'm almost certain that it's optional on the SLE, but not sure if it is also available on the SE.

alpha01 · May 2003

NO! Dont say that.

I think the V6 will be optional on the SE grade. Neither the 4 or V6 will be available with a manual transmission, however.

~alpha

coolguyky7 · May 2003

I thought that the manual was standard on the SE, but not available on the SLE?

Apparently, Toyota has some Solara pictures it hasn't released yet. I found another picture on paper, but this time of a close up of the navigation and AC in the 2004 Solara. It was very small, but I could tell what it was.

webguyster · May 2003

Anyone know what company is providing tires for the 2004 Solara, what sizes they will be, and what good replacement tires will be???

draymond2 · May 2003

Looking for ideas on purchasing a used Solara. I want something reliable, looks good with a manual transmission. I'm think that fits the bill..
Is there any years better than others? I was thinking about the v6 over the 4cylinder, any opinions on engine choice. Any other things I need to look for or avoid?
Any info would be appreciated from current owners.

blane · May 2003

webguyster:

Come on, they won't even be building the first production vehicle until a couple of months from now... and you are asking what brand of tires it will have?

ezshift5 · May 2003

..your attention to (1) my post #2791 (2) CU's take on Solara - see all the big, full bright red dots? (3) I think you're wise to opt for manual/clutch. It's not a bad box. Get the V-6 (note the tremendous milegage I've logged.

Best of luck on your endeavors.......ez

draymond2 · May 2003

Thanks for the heads up. thats great gas mileage for a 6cylinder. Is there any concerns or any thing to look for when I start looking at a particular car other than the obvious items??

silversolara · May 2003

Edmunds has a lot of good advice regarding the car-buying process. Regarding used Solaras, I would recommend reading as many of the old posts as you can. I can say my 2000 SE-V-6 w/manual tranny has been wonderful and near flawless for 58K miles.

Any reason you're not looking at the previous gen Integras?

I can't recommend very many other 6 cylinder coupes in this price range that have a manual tranny, although I would say avoid VW (made in Mexico and JD Powers initial quality reviews) and the Monte Carlo (GM = General Maintenance - just how many interior shakes & rattles does GM find to be acceptable?)

draymond2 · May 2003

No way I would even look at a GM product, all of the ones I have had or been in have been cheap rattle buckets.I've heard horror stories about VW's. I even thought about a older BMW 3series or Audi A4 but I think about reliability issues.
I have had a lot of different makes of cars and I have always thought the Toyotas I have owned have been the best. I hadn't really considered the Integra, I thought they were 4 cylinders.
I'm just basically looking for a high quality car that is a little different, somewhat sporty with a manual transmission.

ezshift5 · May 2003

- - altho' from opposite coasts, do drive the same vehicle. From his 58k+ perspective, you can add my 41k+ similarly flawless miles. My only other suggestion would be service records. Ask for service records on the Solara of your choice. And trouble free miles - big time - will be yours.

ez

webguyster · May 2003

I agree with ezshift5, make sure you get the maintenance records! Have you checked out Honda Accord? I too had an old Toyota, a 1981 Corolla, that lasted for 10-11 years, same battery, and a leaky clutch cylinder. This was a quality car. My last American cars were all good except for a Ford Escort GT, and a Mercury Sable, that never broke down in 118,000 miles, but got recalled every few months, it seemed. Returning to the Toyota family I found that although Toyotas sell in quantity, quality is lacking. Their reputations are over blown, and Toyota is consistantly ranked at the bottom of JD Powers customer service. Toyota has a few quality vehicles, trucks, but again when customer service is not there, where would you like to be??? My latest problem with my paid in cash Solara, was not covered under my Toyota Financial Extra Care Warrenty, until I contacted the Better Business Bureau, with the part number, name of part, and a copy of my contract. Toyota then covered my repair. They have an unsatisfactory rating with the BBB still. Buyer beware!

loucopits · June 2003

Since I ended up with an unexpected day off, I called Walker Toyata in Dayton, Ohio and spoke to John Moss, service manager. He promptly asked me to come in and take him for a ride to diagnose the problem. It was a loose nut on the rear strut, promptly fixed, tested, and ended the problem. Pleasure to deal with that service department.

coolguyky7 · June 2003

The V6 will be available for the SE. The red Solara in all of those media pictures is a V6 SE with the sport package.

webguyster · June 2003

Great that you got your lose strut fixed. I hope it was not dangerous.

Coolguyky7, can we expect better quality from the new generation Solara, as I am ready to upgrade.

coolguyky7 · June 2003

Well we do know that interior gaps between pieces have been limited from 1.5 mm to .5 mm so that is a good sign.

suvshopper4 · June 2003

Would you seriously consider a new Solara?!

teeemack · June 2003

I bought a used 1999 Solara SE with 27,000 miles on it and the car seems to be perfect except for road noise. I thought replacing tires might get rid of noise, but it is still there. The road noise starts at 40mph and continues to get louder the faster I drive, but at times goes away, could this be wheel bearings or wheels?? Help!

webguyster · June 2003

Because the local Toyota dealer is open until midnight, 5 days a week, until 5 on Saturday, and an appointment is never required. Just because my current car was not what Toyota would consider one of their fine automobiles, I do like the ability to drive in at 11:45pm, for an oil change, or a replacement exhaust. If something breaks that they stock most of the parts, as they are a high volume dealer. All my other cars I was required to make appointments for service, and go days without my car while parts were ordered. This Toyota dealer has most parts in stock, and is an assembly line or reassembly line of broken down Toyota coming through all day. Plus, I cannot believe that ALL Solaras were built as crummy as mine, albeit many people here have had similar issues.

teemack, do you hear a humming noise at highway speeds???

alpha01 · June 2003

I thought the model they showed was the SE V6.. coolguy, you had me all kinds of nervous when you initially said that the SLE was the only one that would have the V6 available- I really like what I see so far and hope to perhaps get one... Though that will be some time from now.

Any guesses on colors available? I'm interested to see the Solara in Stratosphere Mica, specifically, with a black interior and preferably in SE Sport guise.

Note on performance: the 4300lb AWD RX and 8 pass Sienna have turned in 0-60 times of 7.8 seconds and quarters of 16.2 at 86MPH by Car and Driver's watch, very respectable for cars of that size.

I believe a few years back Car and Driver tested an SLE V6 in a comparison against the old Acura CL, and measured about 8.2 to 60.

My point: No matter what, the new V6 is bound to be a significant improvement over the older version, judging by the previous car's times, and those of Toyota's vehicles possesing 850 surplus lbs., but using the same(ish) powertrain.

~alpha

~alpha

teeemack · June 2003

The noise i hear is not a humming but more of groan, it starts at 40mph then goes away at 70mph

coolguyky7 · June 2003

The colors for the new Solara are as follows:

regular Toyota black
Lunar Mist Metallic (Camry, Avalon, Corolla)
Arctic Frost Pearl (premium white on Sienna)
Phantom Gray Pearl (Camry)
Absolutely Red (Celica)
Desert Sand Mica (Camry and Sienna)
Cosmic Blue Pearl (Matrix, although Matrix's is called Cosmic Blue Metallic, so assume same)
Oceanus Pearl*

*I would assume the Oceanus Pearl is probably a dark ocean blue, probably similar to Stratosphere Mica, a very nice color. It may be completely different as Toyota already has at least two dark blues: Stratosphere and Indigo Ink.

Toyota Solara

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