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:

• 

  I love it!! - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Saul Cohen - June 25 - 10:03 am

  I bought the Solstice because of its looks -- not because it is a high performance car. I needed a reward for myself -- and its surpassed my expectations. It is a lot of fun to drive -- very enjoyable. And it evokes great comments. When Im stopped at a light or getting in and out when parking, many people stop to ask me about the car or to just admire it and tell me that they like it; Ive even had several who asked if they could take pictures of the car. One guy, as a stop light light, couldnt stop raving about what it looked like, and said: "If Id seen this before I ordered my RX-7, Id never have gotten that." I do enjoy it!!

• 

  Great Style Well Built - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Mike Torres - May 30 - 1:13 am

  I love sports cars. When this vehicle was on the drawing boards I kept articles on it. When delivered it fully met my expectations. I purchased mine with a convertible acoustic roof (thick). It drives very quite, has a great stereo system, and handles very well. On turns it hugs the road. I have not had any mechnical issues at all with my car. If you need to make an emergency stop, this car stops very quick with no loss of control. This car handles very well and looks like a corvette from the rear, yet has a european sports look from the front. Depending on the color you pick it can look sporty or luxurious. Only change I would recommend is different daytime dashboard lighting on some gauges

• 

  Mezmerized - 2008 Pontiac Solstice
  By Hypnotized - May 12 - 6:56 am

  In 4 weeks I now have 2800 miles. Car is too fun. Did a weekend trip to Laughlin, NV and averaged 31.8 mpg. Noticed many people speed up to see my car, almost as if they are trying to figure out what kind of car it is. Definitely this is a chick magnet. I love all the attention the women give me just for a ride.

• 

  excellent sports car - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By Paul Burkhart - May 10 - 10:17 am

  There is very little cargo room, but the car is sweet.

• 

  Solstice GXP - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By elkhunter - May 5 - 5:20 am

  4000 miles so far and no problems to report. Average mileage is 27.4 in split city and highway miles. The car is fast and easily manueverable. Lots of stares and comments by everyone around the car. Now enlarge the trunk and add a power top and all is right with the world.

• 

  My 2nd Solstice - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By Roy Wainscott - April 25 - 2:33 pm

  Ive recently traded my 06 Solstice for the 07 GXP. I really was not that concerned about more power to begin with but then I was really turned on with the new feel driving hilly and curvy backroads. This one feels different, like a better control of the road, I love it. To all of those who complain about no storage space, dont buy this car. Go get yourself a pick-up truck.

• 

  #937 - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Drex - April 7 - 2:26 pm

  Had my car a little over a week, already have 800 miles on it. Lots of fun on back roads, very little body roll. The monsoon sound system is definitely a worth while option, gives enough kick.

• 

  Pontiac home run - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Bert - March 25 - 5:16 am

  Picked up in Wisconsin and immediately left for Georgia. Not designed for a long trip, but FUN anyway. I tried the Mazda and this one has a LOT more leg room for me personally. Also, there is a ton more head room than the Mazda. This car is a load of fun to drive. Especially with the top down. Id agree that the interior is a little cheesy and clumsy. Exterior is great. This is the first GM vehicle that Ive ever bought (Currently own 4) that met the EPA rating as listed on the window. Got about 32 on the long trip from Wisconsin. For daily cummuting in Atlanta traffic, Ive averaged just shy of 21.

• 

  Great Car! - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By glisamiguel - March 5 - 7:46 pm

  Oh my god..You will never own a better, more reliable and SEXY car like this!!

• 

  Solstice Advantage - 2008 Pontiac Solstice
  By Happy camper - March 2 - 8:13 pm

  I have always been a lover of the Old Vets but have never been able to buy one. The solstice gives me the ability to afford a fun car to drive with out costing me a fortune. I love driving this car and enjoy the looks the people give me when I drive by. There is nothing practicle about this car but that is the reason I bought it. It looks great and is a lot of fun to drive!