Toyota Solara 2003–2008 car dimensions: 4890 mm long, 1815 mm wide and 1435 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,575 kg. Boot space with the seats up is 331 litres.
The cabin seats four with ample front legroom and supportive seats that suit long drives. Power windows, locks, mirrors and a power folding soft top with glass rear window are standard. Cruise control is standard across the range. Air conditioning is standard, with automatic climate control on SLE grades. Higher SLE models add leather, heated seats, power driver seat and an optional touch-screen DVD navigation system with premium JBL audio. No parking sensors, cameras or advanced driver aids appear in the equipment lists.
Boot space measures 331 litres with the top up, enough for weekend bags or groceries. The power top folds without eliminating usable volume, though the opening is modest and rear seats do not fold.
Maker documentation states the vehicle is not designed for trailer towing and does not recommend it. Vehicle capacity weight for the convertible is 342 kg. Sport grades add a stiffened suspension, but no heavy-duty cooling package is listed.
The cabin seats four with solid front legroom and decent rear space for a convertible. Higher grades get leather-trimmed seats and an 8-way power driver seat with lumbar. Automatic climate control appears on SLE models along with a quiet lined soft top and glass rear window. The power top drops in about 10 seconds. Seats feel firm and all-day comfortable on long drives.
V6 convertible fuel economy 18 city/26 highway mpg
Fuel tank capacity 18.5 gallons
Service interval every 5,000 miles or 6 months
IIHS Good moderate overlap front, Acceptable side (convertible tested)
Standard ABS with EBD, dual-stage front airbags, front side airbags
Tire pressure monitoring system standard
The V6 convertible returns 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The fuel tank holds 18.5 gallons for solid range on longer trips.
Toyota schedules oil and filter changes plus tire rotation and brake checks every 5,000 miles or six months. Cabin and engine air filters get attention at longer intervals. The V6 timing belt is due at 90,000 miles.
Crash tests rate the convertible Good in IIHS moderate overlap front and Acceptable in side impact. Standard kit covers ABS with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, dual-stage front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters, and a tire pressure monitor. Vehicle stability control is available on higher V6 grades. Convertibles lack side curtain airbags.
The car is straightforward to keep with Toyota's usual parts availability and known durability. Power top operation is simple after releasing two latches. Regular maintenance keeps the structure and soft top in good shape for years of open-air use.
Length 4890 mm, Width 1815 mm, Height 1435 mm, Wheelbase 2720 mm (Solara 2003–2008)
Sources: manufacturer data, Toyota 2004 Solara Owner's Manual OM33640U, 2004 Toyota Solara Specs brochure, Car and Driver.