Overview & Reviews

For decades, the affordable roadster segment consisted solely of cars hailing from England or Japan. General Motors changed that overnight with the Pontiac Solstice (and its Saturn Sky twin), which was built right here in America. The Solstice brought some genuine excitement to the Pontiac brand with its gorgeous styling and available turbocharged power. It was briefly available as a targa-topped coupe, too.

The Pontiac Solstice began its life as a concept vehicle at the 2002 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. After it received rave reviews and plenty of public interest, Pontiac decided to fast-track the creation of a production model. When the Solstice debuted for the 2006 model year, the concept's styling was nearly intact, with big alloy wheels, fluid lines and a smooth, retro-style front end that gave the car a very distinctive look.

But GM's financial woes in 2009 required the elimination of Pontiac, and with that the Solstice was relegated to the past. That's a shame, because with another generation of refinement, the Solstice could have really been something. A used Solstice is a mixed bag, equal parts seductive sheet metal, hit-or-miss driving dynamics and disappointing reliability and quality.

Most Recent Pontiac Solstice

Produced from 2006-'09, the Pontiac Solstice convertible stuck with the classic roadster formula, featuring a front-mounted four-cylinder engine, rear-wheel drive, a four-wheel independent suspension, a near 50/50 front/rear weight balance and a manually operated convertible soft top. The coupe, which was produced for 2009 only, was identical save for its targa roof -- think T-tops without the bar in the middle.

Underneath the hood of base models was a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. Although the engine featured an aluminum block, dual overhead camshafts and variable valve timing, it didn't feel much like a sports car engine. Tall transmission gearing and a lack of responsiveness resulted in a slow-to-rev nature, and the soundtrack near redline was far from the glorious wail roadster aficionados expect.

A better choice, resources permitting, was the Pontiac Solstice GXP (sold from 2007-'09). This version provided dramatically improved acceleration thanks to a powerful turbocharged direct-injection 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The GXP also had a sport-tuned suspension, stronger brakes and high-performance tires.

In reviews, we found that while both versions were entertaining in terms of handling, they couldn't match the precision of the benchmark Mazda Miata (or, for the GXP, the Honda S2000). Inside, Pontiac chose to go with markedly cheap materials, and the ownership experience was further dampened by three other unfortunate qualities: a fussy multistep top operation process for convertibles (complemented by awful rearward visibility for coupes), a dearth of interior storage space for things like cell phones and wallets, and a small trunk that was unusable in either model.

The Pontiac Solstice received some notable tweaks during its run. For 2008, OnStar, an acoustic headliner for the soft top and a trip computer became standard equipment for both the base and GXP versions. Also for '08, a Club Sport package with firmer suspension tuning and silver-painted wheels became available. In addition to the arrival of the coupe, 2009 marked the advent of the soft-top Solstice Street Edition, which included upgraded standard features and a sport suspension. Also in '09, ABS, stability control and a limited-slip rear differential were made standard across the board, and Bluetooth connectivity was newly available.

User Reviews:

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  Lack of Storage Space? Bunk! - 2008 Pontiac Solstice
  By John Bruning - June 22 - 4:53 pm

  Weve got 3,800 miles on our 08 GXP. It has gone through deserts, an Idaho sand storm, crossed mountains in flash- flood conditions and has shined in every situation. Two rebuttals on criticism: 1.) Some critics say the manual tranny is rough and hard to shift. When broken in at about 3K, it becomes butter-smooth. 2.) No storage space. Bull. You just need to know how to pack. I just took our GXP on a road trip to support a SWAT teams training operation. In the GXP, I had a large camera bag, tripod, large duffel with a weeks change of clothes, gun bag, laptop bag, and ten blank-firing pistols, rifles and a shotgun. Plenty of room for all! Treat yourself: buy a GXP!

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  More than a navy blue toy - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By Ben Painter - June 7 - 11:40 am

  We purchased car new with the notion it would a toy for us retired folk. We live mid-way between the Carolina coast and Blue Ridge and soon learned that, despite small size, it is a competent and comfortable. The GXP is equally at home going up steep, curvy grades or cruising flat interstates. It is short on luggage space but, carrying only essentials is a worth- while trade for the fun. First gear is a bit short and abrupt for stop-go traffic. Third is wonderfully long which makes city driving easy. Fourth is good to 65 MPH. The car communicates. Dont look at the tach; listen to engine, feel with the seat of your pants and feet. It will tell you what it likes.

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  Fun & Great Toy - 2008 Pontiac Solstice
  By newragtopowner - May 3 - 5:46 pm

  What a fun car to drive! I dont understand how the "expert" reviewers can rate the Sky higher than the Solstice. They are virtually the same car. This is a roadster & therefore should not be considered a roomy car. It would be great if the top were powered instead of manual but its not difficult to put up & down. I would stop the car to put up & down anyway.

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  Garync 2007 Solstice GXP - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By garync - April 29 - 8:20 pm

  I drove my GXP very conservatively for the first 500 miles, but after that I opened her up. I am amazed at the power and handling for a car in this price range. I have owned several Corvettes and a big-block SS Camaro. Obviously the GXP is a different type of can, but it is a blast to drive.

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  It was worth the wait..... - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Wright - April 19 - 5:00 am

  I saw this car when it was introduced in 2002 at the Detroit Auto Show. I knew I had to have one! It is everything I imagined and more!

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  Greatncar - 2008 Pontiac Solstice
  By ehc - April 2 - 9:36 am

  Ive had no problems with my Solstice. The transmission is the only drawback -- stiff to shift and poor choices in gear ratios.

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  Another Toy for my colection - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Ron - March 17 - 12:43 am

  Took from April to Dec but was worth it. fun to drive and the ladies love it. I drive it more than my Harleys.

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  2007 Solstice GXP - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By tr6jag - March 16 - 5:16 pm

  After 900 miles on the Solstice, it is a fantastic driver. The handling is awesome, the performance is fantastic, and the build quality is beyond my expectations. I purchased it not as a daily driver but to replace a 69 Triumph TR6 I should have never sold. Regardless, the Solstice is heads above any 2 seater I have researched and driven. Its great to have no oil spots on the garage floor! Too bad the weather hasnt been better here in VA to enjoy the Solstice more. There have been no mechanical or negative issues with this Pontiac since I have owned it.

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  Perfectly Impractical - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By Atlantiswaites - March 12 - 2:00 am

  This car is great for someone who just plain likes to drive. This is not for someone who wants a super smooth Cadillac ride, but wants to have a little bitty car, with a lot of performance. Even though the editors review of the car talked about lack of performance with the base Solstice, I like it. I know I would have a lot of issues with grip on the road if I had that GXP (thanks to my lead foot) so I actually like this one. GREAT to drive.

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  Lots of fun - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By J - March 5 - 8:10 am

  The car is outstanding and lots of fun to drive. This is definitely a roadster true to its sportscar heart. It feels like and drives like the experience you are looking for. If you want something to turn heads and zip around town, this is the best bet for your money. Dont be looking for a daily driver or a traveling vehichle. You can squeeze golfclubs in if you buy a small bag, but dont expect to be carrying luggage or moving large items from home.