A practical convertible: that's what Toyota set out to create when it introduced Solara to the marketplace for the 1999 model year. Basically a convertible version of the popular Camry sedan, the Solara got a few cosmetic enhancements mid-2004 to distinguish it from its sibling. Other additions include a tighter suspension and a more powerful V-6 engine.

The Solara is available for 2005 both coupe and convertible editions. The coupe comes in three trim levels: the base SE ($19,220), the SE Sport Coupe ($20,715) and the SLE coupe ($23,095); the convertible is available as SE ($26,380) or SLE ($29,650). SE coupes come standard with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission. Both an automatic transmission and a V-6 engine are optional, but all V-6 Solaras come equipped with five-speed automatic transmission. Either engine is available on the SLE, but manual transmission is not. The distinguishing features between trim levels lie mostly in the fit and finish and options departments.

My tester was the SE convertible, with the standard 225-horsepower V-6 and five-speed automatic transmission. No other engine or transmission choices are available on the convertible.

True to Toyota's reputation, the Solara is well equipped, nicely appointed and well built. With its facelift, the convertible's exterior remains attractive, if uninspiring. The cabin is roomy, comfortable and attractive, particularly in the wood-trimmed and chrome-accented SLE models. Safety features abound, including standard front- and side-impact airbags, four wheel anti-lock brakes and tire-pressure monitor on all models, and stability and traction control optional on the top-of-the-line SLEs.

On the road, I had few complaints about the Solara. While the cabin isn't impressively quiet on the freeway, it's about as good as can be expected in a soft-top convertible. A retuned suspension gives the sport models a stiffer ride, but by no means has Toyota taken the "sedan" out of the Solara's sports sedan designation.

Overall, there's not much to dislike about the Solara. Toyota has succeeded in making a comfortable, well-built, attractive and practical convertible. For those looking for a singular, distinctive driving experience Solara's only problem may be that it's too ordinary. It's just what you'd expect from a reliable car maker like Toyota, but nothing more.

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