 I bought this vehicle for the Toyota name and because I didn't want a small convertible. It was recommended by Consumer Reports as well. The other mid size convertibles were either too "old' looking to me or too pricey. This vehicle allows us to bring two or three friends along. The 2006 Solara has a very smooth ride, stability and traction control, the seating is great, it's very comfortable getting in and out, and it's a pleasure on the open road, top down. There is almost no detectable engine noise. In fact the only flaw is at low speeds, 15 to 30 mph, when the gas and the transmission seem to resist acceleration enough to make it feel like its dragging before it kicks in and leaps forward. 