A solenoid valve (10) for use in an electronic shift control system of an automotive automatic transmission. The solenoid valve includes a body (12) having a cylindrical chamber (34) in which a movable armature (34) is slidably received and which is in communication with an inlet (96) for the automatic transmission fluid and an outlet (104). The body defines a cylindrical valve seat (88) in which a cylindrical valve member (90) coupled to the armature is slidably fitted. The valve member has a control port (92) opening onto the circumferential outer surface thereof and an inner passage (94) communicating the control port with the inlet (96). The solenoid valve is operable to control the fluid pressure substantially proportionally to the axial movement of the armature even in a condition in which a large amount of air bubbles are contained in the automatic transmission fluid.