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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  Great new car - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By CG - October 7 - 5:06 pm

  Had the car for a month, average 24 mpg driving in mix conditions. Very happy with it. Handles great. Seating is very comfortable especially compared to other 2 seater convertibles. Monsoon sound rocks. Power is plenty for my type of driving. Raising/lowering the top is easy and takes about 30 seconds. I have been able to carry groceries, just not Costco shopping.

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  The Quiet Storm - 2008 Pontiac Solstice
  By hypno1dr - September 30 - 5:43 pm

  With cat-like agility and blistering acceleration, I just love my solstice gxp. While driving from San Diego to Las Vegas and staying fairly close to the speed limit (which is difficult) I actually got 33.1 mpg. As far as the manual top, I can pop it down faster than most automatic tops. As far a putting it back up, it takes a little more time, but still, its not that hard and I dont mind. Yes it does have animalistic head turning looks, and yes it gets a lot of attention from the ladies who want to ride with me. Guys if you want a babe-magnet car, with blistering acceleration, and hurricane force winds with top down, this is the beast (i mean car) to have.

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  My First Roadster - 2008 Pontiac Solstice
  By New Roadster Owner - August 12 - 8:06 am

  The GPX is amazing! This is the first roadster that I have owned and I am very happy with my choice. The Solstice is the only car that I have been able to drive comfortably. I am a large person (6 ft 325 lbs) with a very long torso. Other cars I have looked at did not have the hip room and head room that I needed. The Solstice has both. One other car I looked at had so little room, I looked OVER the windshield when seated in the car and I could not close the door because it hit my leg. Other than being very comfortable in the Solstice, it is really fun to drive. Other reviews complain about the meager trunk space, all I can to say is this car was only meant for hauling - well you know!!

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  Iraqi reward - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By CavalryScott - July 28 - 3:06 am

  I saw the reviews before the car was produced. I knew I had to have one. I waited 8 months and it was worth it. It screams at me to drive it. The most fun car Ive ever owned or driven. Car sat for a year in the garage while I went back to Iraq. Now Im making up for lost time. The perfect weekend toy.

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  GXP - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By dangerdarrell - July 19 - 7:00 am

  I have 1600 on my GXP now. Having problems with the clutch. 1st gear is too low (5 speed). I advise 6 speed for town. Clutch will be repaired under warranty. Love the car. I have owned many sports cars but none have gotten the so many compliments. Would buy another even after having the 1st gear and clutch problems.

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  best car out of 160 - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By jonna - July 15 - 6:16 am

  My husband and I have owned 160 cars in the 30 yrs that we have been married. The Solstice is BY FAR our favorite. We still have a Mercedes 560SL and and Infinite QX4, but I will NEVER let go of my little Solstice. Best fun for your bucks, well built and so far 10k miles worth of reliablilty. Good move Pontiac!!!! Nice to buy American again!!

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  Beautiful but poorly designed - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By CB - July 11 - 5:33 pm

  I loved this car the first second I laid eyes on it. My first problem began at 3500 miles and the latest just started at 22,000 miles. The list of items that have required service on the car: radio, leaky trunk, frayed convertible top, noisy top after replacement, a/c (3x), rear differential (still makes a LOT of noise), stuck accelerator. This car is beautiful but the engine, transmission and basic build are EXTREMELY problematic. Pontiac will NOT stand behind their product and have given me nothing but grief. Please think twice before buying!

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  Orphan Car - 2009 Pontiac Solstice
  By first timer - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I was not going to buy a car for 2 more years but looked at the Solstice and knew that this vehicle was different than all the others, so I bought it after driving it. I have never purchased a car as quickly as this one. I am 6 ft tall and 230 pounds but I fit into it nicely. It handles good, fast and really catches the eye. I have always liked orphaned cars as I have owned many Studebaker. You either love this car or you hate it. That is what I like about it. It brings out an emotion from people. Cars have always had emotion attached to them. They only made about 1266 total 2009 coupes so they are rare from the start.

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  Great Sports Car - 2008 Pontiac Solstice
  By pilot601 - July 8 - 4:23 am

  After selling my convertible Corvette two years ago I started looking for something to take its place. I found a 2008 Solstice that is white with a black top just like the Corvette was. The Solstice is actually more fun to own and drive. Its sporty, quick and just a fun little car to own. The Solstice has awesome lines and performs like sports cars three times its price.

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  Happy ending - 2009 Pontiac Solstice
  By Elnathan - June 17 - 10:13 am

  I have admired the Solstice since it first appeared. I realized recently that, to buy a new one, it was now or never. Couldnt be happier. Impossible to find comparable beauty in a new roadster for under 150K. Sure, there are a few shortcomings (cup holders, etc.), but every time I am about to get irritated I just get out of the car and look at it a while. It is supremely beautiful. Even if such transcendent looks could ever become a visual cliche, it will never happen because so few Solstices are going to be around. My wife and I have had seperate cars for some time, but she just announced that she considered the Solstice to be OUR car. It does that to people.