The Toyota Camry Solara II 2.4 16V, produced between 2003 and 2006, represented a coupe variant within the fourth generation (XV40) Camry lineup. Positioned as a more stylish and sporty alternative to the traditional Camry sedan, the Solara aimed to attract buyers seeking a personal luxury coupe. This particular 2.4-liter, 157-horsepower configuration served as the primary engine option for the Solara in the North American market, offering a balance between performance and fuel efficiency. It occupied the mid-range position in the Solara lineup, with the SE trim offering a slightly sportier suspension and appearance package. The Solara II designation denotes a mid-cycle refresh introduced in 2004, featuring minor cosmetic updates and refinements.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Camry |
| Generation | Camry Solara II |
| Type (Engine) | 2.4 16V (157 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2003 |
| End of production | 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.8 l/100 km (24 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.1 l/100 km (33.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.3 kg/Nm |
| Power | 157 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 66.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 220 Nm @ 4000 rpm (162.26 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 2AZ-FE |
| Engine displacement | 2362 cm3 (144.14 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 88.5 mm (3.48 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 96 mm (3.78 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.6:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.8 l (4.02 US qt | 3.34 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 6.2 l (6.55 US qt | 5.46 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1395 kg (3075.45 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space | 391 l (13.81 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Length | 4890 mm (192.52 in.) |
| Width | 1816 mm (71.5 in.) |
| Height | 1425 mm (56.1 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2720 mm (107.09 in.) |
| Front track | 1547 mm (60.91 in.) |
| Rear track | 1534 mm (60.39 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 140 mm (5.51 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.29 |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.6 m (38.06 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic |
| Tires size | 215/55 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Camry Solara II 2.4 was the 2AZ-FE engine, a 2.4-liter inline-four cylinder powerplant. This engine was a member of Toyota’s ‘AZ’ family, known for its reliability and relatively smooth operation. The 2AZ-FE featured a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its respectable power output. Fuel delivery was handled by a multi-port fuel injection system, optimizing fuel atomization for efficient combustion. The engine produced 157 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 220 Nm (162 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine’s 9.6:1 compression ratio was a compromise between performance and the ability to run on regular unleaded gasoline. The standard transmission for this variant was a five-speed manual, although a four-speed automatic transmission was also available, and quite popular among buyers seeking ease of use.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.4-liter engine, paired with the five-speed manual transmission, provided adequate performance for everyday driving. Acceleration was respectable, though not particularly sporty, with a 0-60 mph time estimated around 8.5-9.0 seconds. The manual transmission offered a more engaging driving experience compared to the automatic, allowing drivers to better utilize the engine’s powerband. The automatic transmission, while smooth, resulted in slightly slower acceleration due to its less direct power transfer. Gear ratios were tuned for fuel efficiency and comfortable cruising, rather than outright performance. Compared to the optional 3.3-liter V6 engine available in the Solara, the 2.4-liter offered significantly less power but superior fuel economy. The handling was generally considered safe and predictable, but not particularly exciting, reflecting the Camry’s focus on comfort and reliability.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Camry Solara II 2.4 typically came standard with features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, a CD player, and cloth upholstery. Higher trim levels, like the SE, added features like alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, and upgraded interior trim. Optional extras included a sunroof, leather upholstery, a premium sound system, and traction control. The interior design was generally considered comfortable and functional, with a focus on ergonomics. The dashboard layout was straightforward and easy to use, with clearly labeled controls. The Solara’s coupe body style offered a more driver-focused cockpit compared to the sedan.
Chassis & Braking
The Solara II 2.4 utilized an independent suspension system at all four wheels. The front suspension employed a McPherson strut design with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, while the rear suspension featured an independent multi-link setup with a stabilizer bar. This suspension configuration provided a comfortable ride quality while maintaining reasonable handling characteristics. Braking duties were handled by ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid disc brakes at the rear. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) was standard, enhancing braking performance and stability, particularly in adverse conditions. The steering system was a rack-and-pinion setup with hydraulic power assist, providing precise and responsive steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Camry Solara II 2.4 was generally well-received by automotive critics as a stylish and comfortable coupe. However, some reviewers noted that its performance was not as engaging as some of its competitors, such as the Honda Accord Coupe or the Mazda RX-8. Fuel economy was a strong point, with the 2.4-liter engine achieving around 24 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. Reliability was also a key strength, as the 2AZ-FE engine was known for its durability. Compared to the V6-powered Solara, the 2.4-liter offered a more affordable entry point and lower running costs, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
Legacy
The Toyota Camry Solara II 2.4 has proven to be a reliable and durable vehicle, with many examples still on the road today. The 2AZ-FE engine is known for its longevity, and with proper maintenance, it can easily exceed 200,000 miles. In the used car market, the Solara II 2.4 represents a relatively affordable and practical coupe option. While it may not offer the same level of performance or prestige as some of its competitors, its reputation for reliability and fuel efficiency makes it a popular choice among buyers seeking a dependable and economical vehicle. Parts availability remains good, and maintenance costs are generally reasonable, contributing to its continued appeal.
