Toyota Camrys don’t necessarily have a reputation for performance—especially older models. But the Toyota Camry Solara SE bucks that trend nicely when equipped with a V6 engine, and the car can deliver a respectable 210 horsepower alongside its other features.
Affordable and performance aren’t often used in the same sentence when it comes to cars, but in certain cases, a vehicle can deliver on both. The Toyota Solara, which was on the market until 2008, was meant to add an upscale, sporty feel to everything you already love about Toyotas.
2008 Toyota Camry Solara SE V6
Starting price at release: $23,000
Average used price: $8,000
Engine: 3.3L DOHC V6 engine with 24-valve
Horsepower: 210 @ 5600 RPM
The 2008 Toyota Camry Solara SE took a lot of what the practical drivers love about the Toyota
line and upgraded it. While the car can still get you where you need to go with passable fuel efficiency and at a decent price, drivers can opt for a V6 engine for a sportier feel during their drive. Although they might not be as impressive as the features on new, modern cars, here’s what the Toyota Camry Solara SE has to offer:
The option to choose between a coupe or convertible
High-end and comfortable interior with a more spacious backseat than most two-door sedans offer
Standard safety features such as antilock disc brakes and a full suite of airbags
The 2008 Toyota Camry Solara SE comes with a standard five-speed automatic transmission.
How’s the fuel economy?
Thanks in part to its V6 engine, the Toyota Camry Solara SE isn’t all that impressive when it comes to mileage. With a newer Camry Solara, you can expect to get 18 mpg on local roads and 27 mpg on highways. The non-V6 Solara does much better in this department, getting 21 mpg and 31 mpg, respectively.
Here is a look at how the Sedona compares to other 2008 sedans with V6 engines:
As you can see, the Sedona stacks up well when compared to other popular V6 sedans. As you might expect, most do much better without the V6 engine when it comes to fuel efficiency.
Which Toyota Camry Solara models have the V6?
Both the coupe and convertible models of the Camry Solara allow you to opt for a V6 engine, as do the SE, SLE, and Sport trims.
You may not be able to choose your trim, considering the car hasn’t been on the market since 2008. Still, it’s nice to know that no matter which version of the Solara you’re looking for, you might be able to find it with the V6 engine.
How fast is the Toyota Camry Solara SE V6?
Although the Toyota Camry Solara SE V6 has a pretty powerful engine, it is still an old car. As such, you should expect a 0 to 60 time of around 7.2 seconds. This is quite respectable for the price you’ll pay, but not overly impressive compared to modern cars.
Key Takeaway All Toyota Camry Solara trims are equipped with a V6 engine, although it does hurt the car’s fuel efficiency.
Which is better: Solara SE, Solara SLE, or Solara Sport?
Since the Toyota Camry Solara is an older car, you’ll be lucky to find a model of any trim in good condition. But if you have your pick between the three original trims, you’ll have to think carefully before making your purchase.
The Toyota Camry Solara SE is the base version of the car and should be the cheapest on the market.
The Sports version of the car is the next step up and comes with an enhanced interior and better suspension. The Sports version also has different headlights.
The SLE is a huge step up and comes with lots of extra goodies, including a moonroof (assuming you aren’t buying a convertible), automatic climate control in the cabin, and the ability to connect your device via Bluetooth.
Since the performance is the same for all three trims, there is nothing wrong with sticking to the Toyota Camry Solara SE. But if you want some modern features and a nicer interior, the SLE is the way to go.
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