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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  The Black Bandit - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By 85th PS - October 25 - 9:46 am

  Have had my solstice for one year as of yesterday. A blast to drive and a very fun car. A great hit with girls. Seems to be a chick magnet. Get stopped wherever I am at and ask about the car. It is unit 000085 and love it. Would never sell it.

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  Awesome Car!!! Unmatched deal! - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Dan - September 22 - 12:30 pm

  I got one by checking all the dealerships. Mine was pretty much fully loaded with options. What a car!! Forget all the other brands, youd have to pay twice as much to get this anywhere else - way to go GM!!! It drives and feels like a sports car, yet comfortable for tall drivers (Im 61). People stop in awe, others drive closely to check out the brand and even a police officer stopped to ask me about that car. Take all options if possible, its definitely worth it.

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  Awesome Surprise - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By Mar - September 20 - 5:23 pm

  This was a surprise birthday gift from my husband. Its a beauty and draws lots of attention. Ride is almost as great as our Harley. Our three year old grandson calls it Lightning McQueen.

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  I love this car!!!!! It is awesome!!!!!! - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By iluvmysolstice - August 29 - 4:30 am

  Just received my vehicle a few days ago. i pre-ordered the solstice having only seen and heard about it. now having driven it, i am definitely not disappointed. the solstice handles like a dream. Having been an owner of a few miatas, the solstice has converted me to the Pontiac name brand. Comparing the two, the solstice outperforms the miata in acceleration and handling while having much more interior shoulder and hip room. I am planning on purchasing another for my wife when they become more available.

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  Nothing more fun or gorgeous than this! - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By Gabriel1 - August 2 - 3:16 am

  I absolutely LOVE this car! Since the moment I brought her home I have been crazy about the way it looks, the way it drives/handles, and the way it attracts positive attention every where I go. This is strictly a "fair weather machine" for me. (I do baby my toys!) Nothing more fun than to take this car on a trip to the Napa vineyards or the Pacific Coast on a sunny day or for tackling the mountain turns on a trip up the Sierra Mts to Lake Tahoe!

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  Great car!!! - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By c - July 5 - 2:56 am

  I have had this car for 9 months and enjoyed every minute of it. The car drives as well as it looks, the power is adequate, responsiveness is excellent, and the feel of the car to the road is as a sports car should be. I have driven German cars for decades, and am extremely pleased with this automobile, much more so than I expected. I thought it would be a very attractive car that looked good, but drove like any other car. Quite the contary....it is spirited and exciting to own and drive.

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  2008 Pontiac Solstice - 2008 Pontiac Solstice
  By Guitargal - June 29 - 6:36 am

  Honestly - I love this little car! I drove a 4-runner for 10 yrs - loved it! Traded for a 08 Cadillac CTS - felt like a grandma. didnt handle like I thought a $40+K car should. My little Solstice is perfect for downtown driving/parking. It handles well - I dont have a turbo - so have to wind the gears - but Im cool w/that - and it doesnt seem to mind either. I scratch the tires - every time I get a chance! LOL

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  My new toy - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Dan - June 22 - 6:33 am

  I debated whether to go with the Solstice or new MX5. Now that I have received the Solstice Im so glad I decided on it. The car is exceptional in every aspect.

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  Not real impressed! - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By G.R - June 2 - 3:43 pm

  Everyone has been in a daze about the Solstice. Its not nearly as good as the 2006 MX-5, but my daughter wanted one. I will probably be getting myself a MX-5 when they get the one in i want. Anyway, the only things the Solstice has is great looks. Its a little softer in suspension than the MX- 5, but it is comfortable. The worst thing about the Solstice, in my opinion, is the wind with the top down. Oh, trying to take the top down and then putting it back up is just to technical. Solstice 6 - MX-5 10. I wish i would have bought a MX-5.

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  Balck Solstice - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Tom - May 30 - 9:10 am

  This is one fun car and it is a definite attention getter. It takes the boredom out of driving. This car takes you back to the grass roots of driving, unlike some of those big "boats". You actually drive this car.