Technical

With the new SAE norms in place, Toyota has found it necessary to revise most of their engine output ratings. The base SE is the only one delivered with the DOHC 2.4L inline 4-cylinder also found in the Camry and RAV4. It now develops 154 hp at 5 700 rpm and 160 lb/ft of torque at 4 000 rpm, down from 157 and 163 respectively. The other motor available in all other models is the DOHC 3.3L V6 and its output has been reviewed to

2006 Toyota Solara Convertible (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

210 hp at 5 600 rpm and 220 lb/ft of torque at 3 600 rpm. This represents a decrease of 15 hp and 20 lbs of torque. All Solaras are equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes, a fully independent suspension and progressive rate power steering.

On the road

Many convertibles suffer from a weakened chassis and consequently, there are rattles and body shakes. The Solara Convertible is impressively solid feeling and panel creaks and cracks are non-existent. The Solara is heavy and tank-like and only the most beaten road surfaces will cause some cowl shake. In general, the ride is uneventful as body movements are well controlled and maintain total comfort.

Even though the 3.3L has lost 15 hp, it is still very torquey and thanks to an alert, smooth shifting transmission, the Solara moves quite leisurely through traffic. The Toyota V6 will not mess up your hair like a convertible Nissan Altima might although it has little to envy when compared to comparably sized American V6s. My average fuel consumption hovered in the mid 10L per 100 km range. A long unhurried highway cruise will easily see that number drop to below 9L.

2006 Toyota Solara Convertible (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Once again and as always, the Toyota's brake pedal quickly becomes soft and unpleasant. Feedback is very limited, however the end result is satisfying brake performance. Steering is heavily assisted but response to driver input is well met. Conversations at highway speeds are possible however lifting all four windows does little to reduce wind buffeting.



Safety

The car has standard dual front and side air bags (SLE Coupe gets standard side curtain bags), ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution, traction and stability control with SLE models only and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the 2004 Solara (same body design) 5 out of 5 stars (a perfect result) in a frontal impact for both frontal passengers. It also awarded the 2006 Coupe 5 out of 5 stars for the front and rear occupants in lateral impacts. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has not yet rated the Solara.