We characterize the solvable Lie groups of the form R m ⋊R, whose C * -algebras are quasidiagonal. Using this result, we determine the connected simply connected solvable Lie groups of type I whose C * -algebras are strongly quasidiagonal. As a by-product, we give also examples of amenable Lie groups with non-quasidiagonal C * -algebras. 2010 MSC: Primary 22D25; Secondary 22E27.