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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  Drop Top Dream - 2009 Pontiac Solstice
  By Tari - March 19 - 2:50 pm

  Although I have only owned a month and put about 700 miles on it, it hasnt disappointed me yet. I had the power up package added. Now 290 HP and 340 ft lbs torque according to article in Hot Rod. I still get goosebumps when I step it down and look at speedometer, I wont admit what it read! Admittedly going to be a summer ride for me but it will be a GREAT summer!

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  Late MidLife Crisis - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Duke - March 16 - 4:00 pm

  Solstice has the looks! The looks of other current roadsters - only better.

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  This is my favorite toy. - 2008 Pontiac Solstice
  By ccaffrey - March 11 - 1:54 am

  Ever since I first seen this car in a magazine, I thought that it was the most beautiful car that I had ever seen. Having to always have some kind of muscle car, I didnt buy a Solstice until they put the turbo in it. Then, I installed a K&N filter and finally, I had the GM turbo upgrade kit installed. Now my 2008 GXP will scream. Imagine 300 hp in a go cart. I love everything about it except, no spare, not console, no trunk space and the location of the electric windows. My Solstice is Blazen Oranage and I had tinted windows installed and that little touch really added to the beauty of this little screamer. Garage kept in winter. My every day car is a Toyota 2012 full loaded FJ.

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  Solstice in Michigan - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By 9966 - March 4 - 3:20 am

  I debated between the Solstice, Mazda, and Sky. I had a car on lease, and let the lease buyout sway my decision. I now have a 2006 Solstice, it had 3,300 miles when I bought it. I now have 8,000 miles and am totally happy. My only regret is it has very little space for anything except me a passenger and a couple cups of coffee. I had the opportunity to drive it on a 500 mile trip, and love it. Top is easy to raise and lower, and tight as a drum. I wanted a fun, sporty, stickshift, good handling, quick sports car like the old MGs and Austin Healy and that is what I feel I have. I kid Vette owners it is a halfavette - cylinders, size, and price! But a lot of fun.

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  Good driver/short trips - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By RGD - January 14 - 2:23 pm

  Bought car 02/06.Good driver but very uncomfortable after 2 hrs.Headrest too forward.No leg room. Computer controls on steering wheel very awkward to use. Must take eyes off road to check instruments. LEDs hard to see in sun. No storage for cellphone, garage opener, sunglasses, etc. cup holders useless! Very hard to fall into and out of. Not having cushioned arm rest, my elbow gets sore pretty quick. Great looking car. Handles very good and good performing but needs more power. I dislike mine enough to have only 3370 miles on it.

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  Solstice making tracks. - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By houstonSol - January 3 - 8:40 pm

  For those thinking that this car isnt practical havent used it as a car to go to/from work. It fits the bill perfectly. And those that are looking for the door lock button, go to the Solstice site and look up a cat named Tweety-he has figured it out. Good guess that GM will be doing this in later machines.