2008 Toyota Camry Solara is a 2-door coupe and convertible version of Toyota's popular Camry. It is typical for coupe and convertible models of a lineup to be look sportier and be more fun to drive, which is true of the Solara. However, when up against similar cars in its class, for example, the Chrysler Sebring, it has been outdone by similar cars in its class, for quite a few years. It is, however, still a reliable and affordable coupe that combines first rate materials, fit and finish with superbly engineered powertrains.

The body style has less flash and the performance is meager compared to most others cars in this category. Instead, the high belt line of the Solara hints at a more sleek and upscale design and the gently sloping hood and modest rear are attractive but don't convey excitement. The simply elegant cabin is roomy enough to comfortably seat 5 adults in the coupe and 4 adults in the convertible-which is very unusual for a convertible, and one of the Solara's most popular and noteworthy selling features. The trunk is also extraordinarily large for a coupe or convertible, boasting a maximum of 13.8 cubic feet. The majority of competing manufacturer's similar vehicles has little to no room at all in the back of their cabrioles, making the Solara one of the roomiest and largest convertible and coupe style vehicles on the market. Though not a high performance vehicle by any means, the Solara can hold its own and delivers a smooth, comfortable sedan like driving experience. The convertibles' power cloth top can be lowered in a quick ten seconds, however, attaching the vinyl boot cover is a manual and somewhat tedious process.

The standard engine in the front wheel drive Solara coupe is a smooth and refined 2.4 liter 4 cylinder that produces a 157 horsepower and mated to either a 5 speed manual or 5 speed automatic transmission. An equally well-bred 3.3 liter V6 delivering 210 horsepower paired with a 5 speed automatic transmission powers the convertible and is available as an option for the coupe.

Both the coupe and the convertible are available in your choice of 3 trims-the SE, Sport or SLE. All models in the coupe category are available with either the 4 cylinder or V6, while all the convertibles V6 only. The SE comes well equipped with 16" alloy wheels, fold flat rear seats to increase trunk space, air conditioning with cabin air filtration, cruise control, power windows, door locks and mirrors, keyless remote entry, and a 6 speaker AM/FM/CD stereo system. 17" wheels distinguish the Sport model as does its firmer suspension, exterior accents, HID headlights, and sportier interior that blend charcoal hues with metallic trim, a specially designed instrument panel and a leather wrapped gear shift knob and steering wheel. The SLE reverts to the more demure exterior style and suspension found in the SE and adds more creature features such as a moon roof for the coupe, wood interior accent trim, a premium JBL audio system, automatic climate control and Bluetooth. The V6 version of the SLE also includes heated leather seats. A navigation system is optional for the SLE trims only, though most of the options on the upscale trims can be purchased as options for the lower end models.

The 2008 Toyota Camry Solara might not have the athletically designed and finely tuned sport powerhouse that is so common in the coupe/convertible marketplace, but it is an all around excellent value-especially for those who appreciate a large, truly adult size useable back seat in their convertible. An attractively designed interior and exterior crafted of quality, a steady and smooth ride and Toyota's excellent reputation for safety and reliability make the Solara a class act worthy of consideration.