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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  Better than I imagined - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By pmack - July 16 - 1:23 am

  Okay, maybe I was expecting to be somewhat disappointed when I bought this car, well let me tell you, I am still somewhat shocked that it has surpassed my expectations in every way. First off, after 18 months of ownership, its style and looks still turn heads just about anywhere you go. So dont expect to get lost in traffic. Secondly, its ease of handling and control, especially on winding roads, makes you want to drive instead of it being a chore. Knowing the only available engine (4 cyl.)I knew its limitations.All in all, for the price I could not have done better. Sadly, with 3 kids (17-22yrs.), and my wife who feels much younger when she drives it, I must wait my turn. I need 3 more!

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  Nice Ride - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Two Dice - July 15 - 12:03 pm

  What a fun car to drive. If youre going to use the Solstice as an every day car, think twice. If its for weekends only, go for it!! Great to hit the open road with the top down and music up. If you dont like attention, dont buy it. Turns heads everywhere you go!! Ive always wanted a two seater and this is my first. Im glad I waited!!

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  Amazing American - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By dealernut - June 27 - 7:03 pm

  Amazing american craftmanship. I love the car in every way. It is an eye catching beauty.

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  I love it! - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Jim Ottinger - May 31 - 4:30 am

  I have been wanting this car ever since it was shown as a concept in 2002. I put a deposit down 1/17/05 and took delivery 10/17/05. 9 month wait. It is everything I had hoped for and more. Its hard to put it away for the night, I want to keep on driving. 500 miles in the first 3 days of ownership and I have hardly been out of town. This is the best looking and driving automobile I have ever owned. (Ive owned over 30 in my 46 years of driving)

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  2008 Soltice Automatic - 2008 Pontiac Solstice
  By Danny - May 30 - 2:43 am

  Love the car and the way it handles. The red is a great color and the car gets a lot of heads turning. I have had so much fun driving this car with top up or down. All around fun to have. Have had no trouble out of this car.

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  06 solstice - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By 06solstice - May 14 - 7:10 am

  the car is a blast to drive i have to turn the radio very loud so i dont hear all the squeaks coming from behind the seats or in trunk area squeaks only when top is down. ive owned it since 8-06 and needs service already no trunk cheap plastic

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  One of 3 Roadsters I have owned - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Critter - May 14 - 6:16 am

  This is my 3rd roadster. Bug-eyed Healy and a Sunbeam tiger before this. Both of them beat me to death and I loved them. This car rides well, is comfortable (1100 miles in 2 days to the 1st annual convention) and I was not worn out. Have averaged 26 mpg over the 13,000 miles I have put on in a year, with a high of 30 mpg in the flatlands of the midwest. Lowest was 23 mpg running the dragons tail. This car is a blast on the twisties, and fun around time. Now if people would just quit asking what kind of car it is.

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  I love my Solstice! - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Jeff - May 12 - 12:53 am

  A lot has been said about this cars downfalls. All I know is, when I drive this car, I get excited. I havent met anyone who hasnt fallen in love with its looks. Why else would you buy a 2 seat convertible? This car is more fun than when I used to ride a motorcycle. Compare the Solstice to its competitors. For looks, youll need to compare it to a car nearly three times the price. I love my Solstice!

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  It is a number 60 in the first year of production - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Rich - April 21 - 12:21 am

  Love the style, very reliable handles great. Stero wonderful the looks of this car is priceless, and I feel like a millionaire driving the car in the Hamptons. People stop to say that I have a beautiful car. I really love it. Never a problem right now I have 8800 miles. Very low. But I intend to use it much more this summer.

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  Toy Fun Car - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Chuck - April 7 - 12:00 am

  I picked up my Sly Solstice last week. It is all that I expected. It is fun to drive and handles fantistic. It certainly gets the looks . It is a head turner. It gives the appearance of an exotic expensive sports car at a bargain price. Very happy with this product. Why is GM in trouble when you have models like this coming out.