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- Distinctive styling
- Affordable base price
- Excellent dynamics
- GXP's 260-hp turbo engine
- Base engine is generally unimpressive
- Noisy cabin
- Extremely limited interior storage space
- Tiny, odd-shaped trunk
- Manual soft-top requires driver to get out of the car
Since its introduction in 2006, automotive media have praised GM for bringing enthusiasts an attractive, fun-to-drive pure roadster in the Pontiac Solstice. A stiff chassis, wide track and near 50/50 front/rear weight distribution combine to deliver engaging vehicle dynamics. Reviews note the ride is firm, but not harsh or uncomfortable for most drivers. With a base price of just over $22,000, the stylish Pontiac Solstice is a bargain, reviews say, because most two-seat convertible competitors such as the BMW Z4 (*est. $36,400 to $42,400) and Audi TT (*est. $34,800 to $45,900) are priced much higher. However, the price is fore a truly "base" car, with crank windows, manual seats and no air conditioning. While that may be fine for the purist, most buyers will want to pay extra for more amenities.
The 260-hp GXP performance version of the Pontiac Solstice gets strong praise for its turbocharged engine's blazing acceleration, along with better fuel mileage than the base engine. Most reviewers find the GXP much more satisfying than the base model, but note that it adds at least $5,700 to the price. Anti-lock brakes are standard in the GXP, but only available in an option package for the base Solstice. Side airbags are not available. Critics still acknowledge the more practical and refined Mazda MX-5 Miata (*est. $20,635 to $28,060) as the class leader, but for an edgier car that makes a stronger styling statement, the Pontiac Solstice is a good -- but somewhat flawed -- alternative, according to most reviews.
Comprehensive, well-organized road-test reviews of the 2008 Pontiac Solstice at Cars.com, Edmunds.com, ConsumerGuide.com, ForbesAutos.com and Kelley Blue Book, although none of these involve head-to-head comparisons. Some older reviews and comparisons of past model years are still valid, as there have been no substantial changes to the Solstice since its introduction.
Our Sources
1. Edmunds.com
Edmunds.com editors rate specific points of the car, giving high scores to the Solstice's exterior design, track performance and ride, and low scores for function, interior design and "seat-of-the-pants satisfaction."
Review: 2008 Pontiac Solstice Review, Editors of Edmunds.com
ConsumerGuide.com rates each detail of the Pontiac Solstice, describing its pros and cons and listing its specifications and equipment. In a total of the numerical ratings, the Solstice comes up on the low end of the scale compared to all other sporty/performance cars.
Review: 2008 Pontiac Solstice Review, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, May 6, 2008
3. Cars.com
Editor Joe Wiesenfelder likes the Pontiac Solstice GXP's power, gas mileage, ride and affordability. He criticizes the small trunk, driveline noise and the base model's lack of low-end torque.
Review: 2008 Pontiac Solstice Review, Joe Wiesenfelder, Aug. 1, 2007
Each aspect of the "Recommended" Pontiac Solstice is described with good detail at KBB. The report includes specifications, photos, safety features, predicted resale value and more. Editors call the Solstice "four-wheeled automotive art," but the trunk is tiny.
Review: 2008 Pontiac Solstice Review, Editors of Kelley Blue Book
Forbes includes the Pontiac Solstice GXP and the Saturn Sky Red Line on its "Sports Cars We Recommend" list for "Best First Impression." Auto writer Jim Gorzelany calls the turbo Solstice "affordable and entertaining," but notes that it lacks some refinement.
Review: Summer Solstice, Jim Gorzelany, Apr. 14, 2008
6. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
Editors of Consumer Reports test a 2006 Pontiac Solstice base model, as well as its chassis-sharing twin, the 2007 Saturn Sky Red Line. One unique aspect of Consumer Reports is its data on historical reliability and owner satisfaction, as compiled in large owner surveys.
Review: 2008 Pontiac Solstice Review, Editors of Consumer Reports
7. SaferCar.gov
Results of frontal, side and rollover crash tests are displayed, showing a commendable performance by the Pontiac Solstice of four stars (out of five) for all crash positions, plus a perfect rollover rating.
Review: Pontiac Solstice crash test results, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Although this article compares cars from model year 2006, it still provides an accurate contrast between these two roadsters -- the Pontiac Solstice and the Mazda MX-5 Miata, as neither has had significant changes.
Review: Comparison Test: 2006 Pontiac Solstice vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata, Scott Oldham, Sep. 22, 2005
9. Car and DriverDetails/Subscribe
This article reviews five low-priced convertibles, but each one, including the Pontiac Solstice, gets only a brief description and evaluation. It's not a true comparison where one is chosen as the best car.
Review: Five Fun and Frugal Convertibles, Steve Siler, Aug. 2007
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