Originally posted by fastball
Toyota is dropping the ball big time. They don't offer a manual on any trim level of the new Solara. That eliminates part of the market before they even show up at a Toyota dealership. The Accord's standard stick shift on all 4 cylinders already appeals to a more broad audience. Then to make a six speed available on the V6 just wipes the Solara out of competition. The Solara is a good car for those who just want to drive and look good. Unfortunately, it can never be a real driver's car. Come to think of it, outside of Cellica and MR2, does Toyota make a reasonable performance coupe anymore?
the accord coupe is now the replacement for the Prelude. The solara was never desgined to be of such vehicle. So it really doesn't kick people away by not offering the 6 spd. Most buyers would be just fine with a 4spd auto. A 5spd sequential is more than expected IMO. Toyota offering a 6spd tranny on the solara would just bring more of a variety of vehicle buyers... and not too many people are looking for a 6spd in a toyota.
thats the best way i can put it.