Impressions of the Gen 2.5...
by 07DropTop » Sat Jul 08, 2006 7:04 pm
...From a Happy Owner!
Picked up my new ride on Thursday. You can see pictures here
http://www.solaraguy.org/viewtopic.php?t=26688
After 2 days, I can tell you that I am very happy with her. The Blizzard Pearl is an awesome color and the paint, as well as the fit, are flawless.
She is equipped with the NAV which is intuitive and very easy to use. The unit recognizes the voice commands well. The audio is far superior to my 06 (which was JBL equipped also). They have obviously made some improvements to the subwoofer as the bass is much clearer and crisper in comparison to previous models. Mid-range is still a little muddy and the highs are better but still not excellent. The aux input for my iPod worked well, but engine noise is audible as long as the unit is plugged in to charge. When it's not the audio is great. All in all a very serviceable system for a factory unit.
The Bluetooth works well....no disappointment here. I use a Treo650 and setup was very easy and the sound quality, both outgoing and incoming are great. Doesn't work exceptionally well with the top down, but quality at 60 is still acceptable as long as the windows are rolled up. I knew that would be the case
. I am still researching how to sync the phone book from my phone to the unit and with capacity for 1000 contacts, the unit is more than up to the challenge of my contact list. There are still alot of feature "Easter eggs" with the Audio/NAV/Bluetooth that I am still playing with so expect more after I've had a few days to play with her.
I also ordered her with HID. An interesting feature came with this option. On the left side of the lower dash, near the convertible top switch, is a dial that allows you to adjust the height of the headlights. It's designed for moving the headlights up and down based on the weight distribution in the car. While I haven't had the opportunity to test it out yet, its an interesting addition.
The LED tail lights look very cool. They look to be the same shape as the 2006's, so those of you looking to retrofit your 2006 with them might be pleasantly surprised. Of course the only issue being the placement of the backup lights (the backup lights for 07 have been moved to the lower bumper. Unfortunately with the way the LED's are laid out, I'm not sure how you are going to be able to fit a back up bulb in there.
Performance of the V6 is very similar, if not identical, to the 06. Smooth and quiet, the V6 won't pin you back in your seat, but it has no problem getting you up to cruising altitude on the on-ramp.
The interior is comfortable and well-appointed for a car of this class. The Ivory leather interior is very comfortable and the heated seats will feel good on those chilly nights with the top down and will definitely help with the stress on long drives.
One thing to note is that the 17" wheels are fitted with sensors on the valve stem to alert the driver to low tire pressure. And here is the problem. They only fit the stock wheels. To change out the wheels requires that you buy a different set of sensors. The dealer told me that a new set would run about $540!!!!! Thank Ford and Firestone for that one. Seems the Explorer rollovers that were all the news a while back were cause by under-inflated Firestones. The sidewalls would break and the Explorer was off on a ride. Thankfully, they are not mandatory and should the owner decide to change out the wheels, the sensors can be omitted. You simply will not have automatic low pressure notification on the dash.
Some have complained about the new front end and the new rear bumper. I'm quite pleased with it. It makes the front end look more substantial and gives the car a more agressive look in front. Too bad there's no MikeT grills for the 07. The lower opening is in dire need of one. Help a brother out here Mike and please make a grill set for the 07!!!!
The Solara logo on the rear has gone from script to block lettering. It's OK...and something different, but I think I prefer the script logo better.
So far I am very pleased...and very happy to have gotten rid of that damn Mercedes. It's safe to say that if Lexus had made the Solara I would have happily paid another $10K for it. HMMM.....I wonder how Lexus badges would look on the Solara come to think of it? Or maybe a couple of the Griffon emblems?
More to come as she and I get more acquainted. Let me know if you have any specific questions or have any specific requests for pics. I'll do my best to help you out.
Best, D!
Picked up my new ride on Thursday. You can see pictures here
http://www.solaraguy.org/viewtopic.php?t=26688
After 2 days, I can tell you that I am very happy with her. The Blizzard Pearl is an awesome color and the paint, as well as the fit, are flawless.
She is equipped with the NAV which is intuitive and very easy to use. The unit recognizes the voice commands well. The audio is far superior to my 06 (which was JBL equipped also). They have obviously made some improvements to the subwoofer as the bass is much clearer and crisper in comparison to previous models. Mid-range is still a little muddy and the highs are better but still not excellent. The aux input for my iPod worked well, but engine noise is audible as long as the unit is plugged in to charge. When it's not the audio is great. All in all a very serviceable system for a factory unit.
The Bluetooth works well....no disappointment here. I use a Treo650 and setup was very easy and the sound quality, both outgoing and incoming are great. Doesn't work exceptionally well with the top down, but quality at 60 is still acceptable as long as the windows are rolled up. I knew that would be the case
. I am still researching how to sync the phone book from my phone to the unit and with capacity for 1000 contacts, the unit is more than up to the challenge of my contact list. There are still alot of feature "Easter eggs" with the Audio/NAV/Bluetooth that I am still playing with so expect more after I've had a few days to play with her.
I also ordered her with HID. An interesting feature came with this option. On the left side of the lower dash, near the convertible top switch, is a dial that allows you to adjust the height of the headlights. It's designed for moving the headlights up and down based on the weight distribution in the car. While I haven't had the opportunity to test it out yet, its an interesting addition.
The LED tail lights look very cool. They look to be the same shape as the 2006's, so those of you looking to retrofit your 2006 with them might be pleasantly surprised. Of course the only issue being the placement of the backup lights (the backup lights for 07 have been moved to the lower bumper. Unfortunately with the way the LED's are laid out, I'm not sure how you are going to be able to fit a back up bulb in there.
Performance of the V6 is very similar, if not identical, to the 06. Smooth and quiet, the V6 won't pin you back in your seat, but it has no problem getting you up to cruising altitude on the on-ramp.
The interior is comfortable and well-appointed for a car of this class. The Ivory leather interior is very comfortable and the heated seats will feel good on those chilly nights with the top down and will definitely help with the stress on long drives.
One thing to note is that the 17" wheels are fitted with sensors on the valve stem to alert the driver to low tire pressure. And here is the problem. They only fit the stock wheels. To change out the wheels requires that you buy a different set of sensors. The dealer told me that a new set would run about $540!!!!! Thank Ford and Firestone for that one. Seems the Explorer rollovers that were all the news a while back were cause by under-inflated Firestones. The sidewalls would break and the Explorer was off on a ride. Thankfully, they are not mandatory and should the owner decide to change out the wheels, the sensors can be omitted. You simply will not have automatic low pressure notification on the dash.
Some have complained about the new front end and the new rear bumper. I'm quite pleased with it. It makes the front end look more substantial and gives the car a more agressive look in front. Too bad there's no MikeT grills for the 07. The lower opening is in dire need of one. Help a brother out here Mike and please make a grill set for the 07!!!!
The Solara logo on the rear has gone from script to block lettering. It's OK...and something different, but I think I prefer the script logo better.
So far I am very pleased...and very happy to have gotten rid of that damn Mercedes. It's safe to say that if Lexus had made the Solara I would have happily paid another $10K for it. HMMM.....I wonder how Lexus badges would look on the Solara come to think of it? Or maybe a couple of the Griffon emblems?
More to come as she and I get more acquainted. Let me know if you have any specific questions or have any specific requests for pics. I'll do my best to help you out.
Best, D!
'07 SLE Convertible, Nav, HID, and more to come
"Whatza behind me...does not matter" - Franco Bertollini (Raul Julia) in "The Gumball Rally"
"Whatza behind me...does not matter" - Franco Bertollini (Raul Julia) in "The Gumball Rally"
- 07DropTop
- Just Licensed SolaraGuy
- Posts: 33
- Joined: Sun Jun 25, 2006 3:33 pm
- Location: Austin, Texas
Nice review too!
!!!
