2001 Toyota Solara SE review from North America

On delivery:

Clutch chattered, transmission syncros clashed shifting into 3rd gear, brakes were spongy, The 16" alloy wheels had been swapped out for 15" steel wheels w/hubcaps. The steering pulled to the left. I had to hold steering wheel in the 2 o'clock position to keep the car going straight.

The dealer put the correct wheels on the car and fixed the spongy brakes by bleeding them. Nothing else has been fixed after 9 attempts by 2 different dealers.

Eventually, one dealer realigned the steering wheel, but they are unable to prevent the car from pulling to the left. A quick search of the Web reveals that this is a pervasive problem with late model Camrys & Solaras. Officially, Toyota denies that there is a problem. Privately, their mechanics admit that this is the single biggest complaint with these cars.

Alignment Caster & Camber is unadjustable on these cars. Toyota's caster spec is insufficient to keep the cars running straight without considerable driver correction and constant effort.

I drive an assortment of cars. Only the Solara constantly wanders toward the left.

Calls and letters to Customer Support and company executives are a waste of time. They will not acknowledge that the problem even exists.