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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  Small Dreams - 2008 Pontiac Solstice
  By Jim - August 3 - 4:00 am

  This small car always puts a smile on my face. It is a nice addition to my Harley! Fun for two!

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  graet car - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By wingate - July 15 - 1:50 am

  needs a better cup holders, softer arm rest. this car is fun to drive and i am glad it is mostly u s a made

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  4 wheel motorcycle - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By Virgil Wallace - July 7 - 11:31 pm

  Im 68 and was looking for a fun, great looking car like a Cadillac xlr or Plymouth Prowler or maybe a Can-Am motorcycle. I didnt think I could fit into a Solstice but found that I could. The gxp is a hot rod and an event to drive. It rides and drives better than the xlr and the prowler at much less cost. I just cant help punching the turbo... what a blast. I could easily get myself in trouble with the law. Many people complain about the power window swithes being hard to reach... if you reach across your belly with your right hand they work well.

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  Amazed - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By Celeste1 - May 27 - 1:10 am

  I bought my Solstice on March 17, 2007. I traded a Vette for my Sol and dont regret it for one second. I love driving this car! She corners better than any other car Ive owned and Ive owned about 30 cars in as many years. We took a 3500 mile trip this past July and averaged 32 mpg at 70 mph. Loved the stares and the comments. This is the best car Ive ever owned.

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  Jims 55 Birthday! - 2008 Pontiac Solstice
  By Jim Menefee - May 13 - 8:50 am

  My wife gave it to me for my 55th Birthday. I have owned 5 - 240, 260 and 280 Z-cars. When you reach my age you either get a Harley a Sports Car or an exercise bike. I chose the Solstice... Nothing can touch it ... its fast, feels like a million dollars and really gets the looks. Could not be more pleased! My other choice was $20K extra on a BMW. This beats the BMW hands down!

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  Cool Ride! - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Wild Bill - April 20 - 6:23 pm

  Ive had my Solstice one month today and I have over 2100 miles on the odometer. The best 2100 miles Ive ever driven. I love my car, all my friends love my car and my wife likes my car. Im also meeting a lot of new people because of my car. This car does not drive like you would expect a small car to drive. The stability is great and it sure does hold those curves. There is not much trunk storage space but who cares! I just love to drive those back roads and stay off the freeways. I thought that it would bother me to have to drive my new car so much but Im having trouble staying out of it! I look forward to those warm, sunny winter days so that I can put the top down and cruise!

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  It turns heads.. - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By M Stubbs - April 14 - 1:16 am

  Having been in the car business for over 25 years, I cant remember a car that draws a crowd like the Solstice. Best styling in its class, good performance, great economy, and just plain fun to drive. You hate to have to park it. A few subtle mechanical improvements over the 2006 model make this car even better.

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  Too Hot - 2008 Pontiac Solstice
  By Brotzy - March 27 - 7:16 am

  This car is a blast to drive. Everyone stares at you like you are driving a spaceship. Never get tired of driving this car. Stereo is awesome. Speaker behind passenger seat will rock you for sure. Im 57 and feel 16 when I get behind the wheel. The car is my wifes so I only get to drive on weekends. Should by another for me.

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  Lemon - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By Lemon Solstice - March 20 - 8:06 am

  Maybe I am the only one, but I have had MANY issues with this vehicle. Paint rubbed off under the hood, misaligned body panels, paint chips on door due to body panel alignment. A LOT of top leaks, interior squeaks, passenger seat rubbing against door, top making a lot of noise (not wind noise), gas gauge not functioning properly. Knocking sounds from motor, anti freeze leaks, and last but not least power steering leaks. some of the issues have been fixed, others are still pending, and some I am told are "normal". Other then all the problems I love the car

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  great sports car - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By r.rudiger - March 5 - 1:16 pm

  This car is fun to drive!! I had a 60 vet. when I was younger.This car reminds me of those great times.Only had it about 2 weeks,so not sure of the fuel economy, but who cares. Highly recommended.