1999 Toyota Solara SE V6

Summary:

Good, but not perfect. Good value for the money, however

Faults:

The only problem has been front end noise with the strut mounts. Had the struts and strut mounts replaced ($1500) at 105k due to sloppy ride and some minor rattling. Ever since, rides like new, but struts bang and rattle terribly.

Repairs are difficult to get firm solutions to and are costly. Other than that - plus numerous squeaks and rattles - has been a pretty good car.

Oh, there was also $800 bill for 2 new oxygen sensors. But my old '96 Civic commuter with 142k on it now rattles far less on bumpy roads than the Solara does.

General Comments:

It's a very lovely car and the V6 engine and A/T are very smooth. Ride is not that hot and much noisier than when it was new.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 6th August, 2007

1999 Toyota Solara SE 2.2 I-4

Summary:

Near perfect

Faults:

Absolutely Nothing! One set of tires and front brake pads/rotors at 90,000 miles.

General Comments:

The best car of the 20 or so I've owned. Very quiet and smooth with reasonable handling. Routinely gets 30-32 mpg on the highway. Even the standard sound system is very good. Single women ages 19-50 consider it a "fly ride", yes that's a quote and yes I've conducted a statistically significant sample. Huge trunk, though the opening is a bit small. 3 models fit comfortably in the back seat. Only improvements could be a better mount for the throttle and improved rear cup holders.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th November, 2005

1999 Toyota Solara SE V6 3.0 V6

Summary:

The car is very enjoyable to drive, but I would not buy another due to the maintenance problems

Faults:

1) The vanity mirrors fell off (25,000 miles).

2) The fresh/air recirculation switch broke (15,000 miles).

3) The gas pedal and steering column develop squeaks that need regular lubrication (about every 30,000 miles).

4) It has a poor quality paint job resulting excessive paint chips and rust (30,000 miles).

5) The cover panel under the dash on passenger side fell down due too broken brackets (35,000 miles.

6) It had defective brake rotors/pad. The rotors developed grooves even though the pads still had good life on them (50,000 miles).

5) The oxygen sensor needs replacement (100,000).

General Comments:

The car has excellent handling and acceleration.

It is very comfortable and enjoyable to drive.

The drive train is very smooth and quiet.

Scheduled maintenance is quite expensive.

The car which was obtained in the first model year has had several problems (above). It has spent more time in the shop than my 1989 Chevrolet Cavalier that had over 200,000 miles on it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 10th November, 2004

6th Jan 2005, 13:52

This was very helpful. One of my vanity mirrors fell off too (the driver's side) while I was driving. The struts have always been noisy. My brakes have 50% still on them and are making a terrible grinding noise. I finally gave up and had new pads installed. I'm glad to know it's probably nothing I have done to my vehicle. I do love my car.

Thanks for the support out there.

Sue in Portland, Or.

1999 Toyota Solara SE 4-cylinder

Summary:

Highly recommended

Faults:

Several failed oxygen sensors. Replaced under warranty.

Several CD players replaced for scratching CDs. Replaced under warranty.

General Comments:

An outstanding step-up from the Corolla GT-S I drove previously.

4-cylinder manual more than peppy enough to satisfy my "assertive" driving style.

Drives as well or better above 100K miles than it did below.

Extremely quiet interior.

I would not hesitate to recommend this car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th April, 2004

1999 Toyota Solara LE 3.0

Summary:

Great Car by Toyta

Faults:

Struts were to be replaced at 70,000 miles.

Strut cups were noisy at 70,000 so I replaced them together with struts: cost around $700.

I noticed strange noise coming from the sunroof at 80,000 miles.

General Comments:

Solara has been the best car I have owned. It is a good looking sports coupe with a lot of space inside. The stock suspension isn't the perfect, but with high performance struts and new strut cups this car handles much better. The interior of Solara is one of the highest quality one in its class. The 3.0 liters engine and 5 speed gearbox gives enough power as well as torque to have fun. This car is a perfect car for someone who enjoys comfort, but would rather prefer 2-door car. My car has over 83,000 miles and except suspension nothing goes wrong.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th February, 2004