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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  Fun in the sun - T.J. - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By TERRY - June 26 - 4:33 pm

  i like every thing about this car the top is so simple to operate its silly i cant believe some people have trouble with it , from what i have read. the only complaint i have is the noise from the trans. when changing from 1st threw 3rd the owners man. said its normal i hope so; cant bleive no one else hasnt noticed it.

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  Love it - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By Pam - June 19 - 10:03 am

  I love my 07 Solstice it is by far the funnest and best car ever. I hear people are complaining there is no place for a cell phone. What the *&% # ??? I am in it to drive not to chat on the phone. Also that the cup holders are behind you is a complaint, there is one on the passenger side of the consol just have to look for it. Fun car and if your biggest concerns are a place for your phone and starbucks latte maybe you should stick to an SUV.

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  All fun, All the Time - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By soho - May 19 - 4:40 am

  I waited for 7 months to get my GXP. It was worth the wait. There is so much power for such a small car that I was really surprised. It truly is a sports car in every respect.

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  Lay Low - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By IronMike - May 15 - 9:43 pm

  Dont let anyone find out bout this car. Aint got any trunk space. People slide up to you at a red light and whip out their cell phone cameras to capture images of the svelt lines she shows. Its a real pain. People even get out of their cars when you gas up to take a tour of the machine. I mean leave me alone. I dont need this. My job already slaps too much attention and pressure on me. I dont need this when I drive down to the local 7/11. Other owners say the same thing. Help us. Bad mouth this car. Please... Please... I mean its an American car... Please help us.... Trash it... O.K.......Please....

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  The Car of Your Dreams - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By Nails - TX - May 9 - 7:30 pm

  I have never seen so many double-take, jaw dropping, envious stares in my life! The kind of attention I get is only matched by exotics. The car was bought for my wife to run around in. She LOVES it. I LOVE it. EVERYONE loves it. Pros: Everything.. Style, Performance, and Price. Cons: Not a Family car! Gas mileage is on the low side, 16-18 straight city/ 27 HWY. Somewhat limited trunk space (although I have stowed an entire grocery basket full of groceries).

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  Fun in the sun - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By wlmbrm - April 27 - 5:43 am

  Ive only had my Sol for about two weeks now, but what a fun two weeks it has been! This car turns head and elicits comments EVERYWHERE I go. From a pure driving standpoint all I can say is WOW, she hugs the road unbelievably well, accelerates like a bat out of you know where, and handles like a dream. Monsoon sound system totally rocks and enables you to blow a bunch of the teenagers away (or at least keeps you from having to hear their stereo blasting!)

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  Instant Smile - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By Mike - April 7 - 8:36 pm

  Having ordered this car in May, I just received it in Dec. All I can say is worth the wait. I cant wait until I can drive it top down in the summer. Did I mention the cornering ability is great.

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  1 after purchase thoughts - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Matt - April 4 - 6:40 am

  This Car is still a head turner 1 yr after purchase, great styling, although the front end of the car is cute (not aggressive). Fun car on open roads, performance is good, would like a little more zip. Comfortable for a 2 hour drive, nothing more. Interior styling is average with cheap looking dash and door materials. Overall the concern to buyers is (practical). You cannot even haul a load of groceries. The car is always fun to drive and I anticipate this to be a body style that time does not dull. The aftermarket parts are becoming more prevalent and you can easily customize engine and styling to your liking. Rear wheel drive is always fun.

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  One Awesome Ride - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By coolone - April 4 - 3:33 am

  I cant say enough about this car. When I walked into the detail bay to pick him up I almost fell to my knees when I first saw him. It is plainly one of the most beautiful cars I have seen. The fit and finish were excellent. Handling was great and response was good. Definitely a 10 in my book.

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  My Perfect Little Baby - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Kimberly Sigmon - March 26 - 9:36 pm

  My dad first introduced me to this car- he works for General Motors in Detroit, MI. I am so in love with it, and it is such a great price for what you get!!! I would tell everyone to get one!