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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SOLSTICE - FUN, FUN, FUN!!! - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
By HSFX31A - December 11 - 2:50 amThe only other sports car (if one can call it that) Ive had was a Lexus SC430. The Solstice is much more fun to drive, much better looking design and gives you the pleasure of driving a vehicle that is one with the road ... a GREAT feel!
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Shop Around - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
By marksviper - December 9 - 7:03 amI own a 350 z roadster and love it. But if you do the research most of the new so called hot rods only have a 4 cyclinders in them with only 5 gears no 6th gear. On the highway this is taxing on a engine. I, in a heartbeat, would have bought a Honda S2000 if it go to a 6c. Honda has won the last two indys!!! Drive them all before you buy. On the highway in last gear listen to that engine work Markviper
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Great car for price - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
By John Swanson - November 23 - 9:16 amI could not be more pleased with my Solstice. Now, I am not a car nut, knowing all the tech jargon, but I can tell you this is a fun car to drive, and the style, design and grace are over the top. I have people straining their necks to see what I am driving. I have perfect strangers stop me and ask about the car. I parked next to a Boxster, and someone came up to me and said he would take the solstice over the Box any day. The handling is great, you are the road. OK, It doesnt have the zip of those costing $15,000- $20,000 more, and the cup holders set behind you are stupid. But the non auto top is easy to put down and back up. Best car for the money I have ever bought.
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No comparison to 2006 or Mazda Miata - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
By Rick Dawson - November 9 - 9:53 pmI had a 1990 Mazda Miata; I had a 2006 Solstice. Comparing the GXP to either of these cars is a mistake. Do not be misled - this is a car built for fun and high performance. I took the 2006 on a long road trip and could not even put a duffel bag in the trunk; I had to put my clothes, sans suitcase, where I could, shoving them into nooks and crannies everywhere. 5 cubic feet of storage space aint much, especially when divided into small segments here and there. The 2006 reminded me a lot of my Miata, but I got a lot more compliments, questions and stares. The 2007, however, is a muscle car and a roadster. It is FAST! If only they could find a way to put a suitcase in it, it would rate a 10
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So Much Fun! - 2008 Pontiac Solstice
By D Gearbox - October 30 - 11:03 amI drive a lake road to and from work every day, its like a road course, this car is the most fun you can have with your clothes on.
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fun for everyone - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
By primecutmeats - October 25 - 3:00 pmthis car drives out well except for one thing,when shifting it klunks with a rattle noise,when took back to dealership they said that is normal for this car & the saturn.
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My First Sports Car - 2008 Pontiac Solstice
By My First Pontiac - October 11 - 6:36 pmWow, Pontiac has excited me with this car! Its fun to drive and turns heads, all my lady friends want to drive it. As well as it handles and is magnetized to the road its hard to let anyone but me drive it. I purchased the car knowing there wasnt much storage space in it. Didnt buy it for storage anyway, as far as the cup holders, wouldnt care if they were there or not. Glad theres not an ashtray, gives me a reason not to let friends smoke in my car!
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We love our solstice! Fun and awesome!!! - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
By ROBERT BOUCK - October 8 - 7:53 pmWe received our Solstice 12/21/06,1st day of winter Solstice! We love this car.It is bright red and beautiful, handles like a dream, takes curves,etc. with great stability.The radio is great with 6 speakers and XM radio.Everywhere we go, kids from 4 to 80 yrs. old yell "Nice car" or "I like your car" as we are driving down the road. People ask us if we like our car because they are thinking of getting one. Of course, we tell them we love it,and they add "Then we are getting one, too!" These cars sell themselves.The only disadvantage is the small trunk space, but who cares! We have managed just fine! Thanks, Pontiac for a WONDERFUL ride! It makes us smile just getting into it! YAHOO!!
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Fun in the sun! - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
By Randy - September 9 - 6:20 pmThe Solstice draws stares and starts conversations everywhere I drive. The motor is loud on acceleration with the top up, but with the top down you just hear a nice rumble. The cockpit is small with low access. Comfort is very good. People over six feet tall will have trouble stretching their legs. I find myself looking for reasons to take the Solstice for a spin. The onboard computer rated 20MPG over 4200 mostly city miles. I just took an 800 mile trip through the mountains of New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York. The Solstice handled the twisty mountain roads with ease. The Solstice averaged 30 MPG on this mostly highway trip with the top down the whole way.
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A blast! - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
By Bob - September 7 - 1:50 pmThe new face of Pontiac is awesome! People are attracted to it from across parking lots. Fun car that really is a great value. The "Excitement" division is BACK!
