2006 Toyota Camry Solara New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2006 Toyota Camry Solara?
Minor upgrades accompany the Toyota Camry Solara into the 2006 model year. Four-cylinder models increase highway fuel economy by 1 mpg to 33 mpg, thanks in part to a new five-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift mode. All Camry Solaras have power lumbar support for the driver this year, and convertibles get new "donut-style" rear headrests that improve visibility whether the top is raised or lowered. Solara SLE models receive new wood trim for the interior that replaces the reddish tint of the previous decor with a lighter-colored brown hue.

Advantages of the 2006 Toyota Camry Solara:

• Lexus levels of style and sophistication at a Toyota price
• Strong and smooth V6
• More athletic than expected
• Comprehensive safety features list
• Large and comfortable interior

Objections to the 2006 Toyota Camry Solara:

• Tall trunk liftover
• Teensy control buttons when navigation system is ordered
• A touch too much suspension noise gets into the cabin

Editor's Advice:
We don't think it's a weakness to admit fidelity to the Toyota Camry; but sometimes you want something a little zippier and more stylish, without sacrificing the quality and comfort that the ubiquitous family sedan has to offer. Enter the Toyota Camry Solara. Conceived, designed, engineered and built in America, the second-generation Solara is bigger, faster, more fun and more stylish than its predecessor. Rather than the Fast and the Furious, think of it as the Prompt and the Mildly Peeved.