2006 Pontiac Solstice NA 2.4 from North America

Summary:

Fun in the sun!

Faults:

Needed a new battery. The old one was 8 years old ;-)

General Comments:

Our Sol is our fun/sun car, and it does everything we want. People still look, kids point, friends wish they had one. We have installed all the aftermarket handling parts available, including coil overs and sticky tires. The 2.4 is not as fast as the Turbo GXP, but as we mostly drive windy local roads - hitting a 30 Km/h corner at 70 km/h is like riding a roller coaster.

I believe this car could have had a long, long run, like other 2 door convertibles, had the Corvette people not been so scared of it. Instead, GM made cheaper Vettes, which they are still paying for the bad rep.

Make a Solstice with an electric motor and you will see these everywhere!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th August, 2020

10th Aug 2020, 18:37

I have long been curious about these cars. Always thought they were really nice looking. If you've put 90,000 km's on it, it must be decently reliable? Maybe one day I will buy a used Solstice or Saturn Sky...

2007 Pontiac Solstice 2.4 Ecotec from North America

Summary:

Fun and style in a beautiful package

Faults:

Nothing, apart from AC sometimes fluctuating in temperature.

General Comments:

This car is an absolute joy to drive. Yes, I realize it's not a true sports car or performance vehicle with the 2.4 liter engine, but that doesn't concern me, or even come into play that often. Every time I get in it, and I'm not exaggerating, it puts a smile on my face.

Mine is dark gray with the solid black leather interior. It's loaded with all the options for 2007. I may be biased, but I think it's one of the sexiest cars on the road, and is quite unique compared to everything else that is putting around. I've gotten compliments from little kids yelling and giving thumbs up, to a group of screaming college girls (that was nice), to a 90 year old guy asking about it in a voice I could barely understand. Now on to the nitty gritty...

It could use more power. I didn't get the GXP because it was $5K more - money I didn't feel like spending at the time. That being said, it can easily be supercharged for that same amount of money. So that's always an option somewhere down the road. However, the power it has is generally sufficient, and has probably kept me from wrapping it around a tree so far. I would not describe it as "fast", but it is a quick car. With the manual, you can always downshift, blip the throttle, and accelerate with ease.

The steering feel is excellent. So excellent, that I drove my friend's Porsche Boxster and preferred the steering feel of the Solstice. It absolutely is glued to the road on rails, and you can break the tail loose at will with dabs of throttle. The stock Goodyear Eagle all weather tires are garbage, however.

The manual is a little "agricultural" feeling - somewhat stiff and a little clunky. Not terrible though. I guess that's to be expected, since it's also used in the Hummer. The clutch is nice and light with great feel.

Road noise is not excessive. With the top up, I have plenty of headroom, and I'm 6'2". I would say that this is pretty much the maximum height an owner should be though. I have the seat pushed all the way back, and it's difficult to heel-toe without my knee hitting the steering wheel. The interior is a little tight, but I don't feel cramped. Ergonomically, it's nice but not perfect. I can't reach the power window switch with my left arm without hitting my elbow, so I have to reach across my body with my right arm. I do appreciate the simplicity of the three knobs for HVAC controls.

Also, the radio is simple and intuitive. Buttons on the wheel are small, but I rarely use them, because the stereo is easily within reach. And what a stereo! I have the upgraded Monsoon system, which absolutely pumps the subwoofer behind the passenger seat. High end is crisp and clear as well (and I'm a musician, so this was paramount).

People gripe about the cupholders - sigh... I remember a time when people could get in their cars and drive for half an hour without feeling the need to simultaneously chug a Big Gulp or latte. I don't get in the Solstice to rehydrate - I get in it to DRIVE. Plus, I don't allow eating or drinking in it anyways!

People have also griped about the convertible top, and how "awkward" it is. These people are Communists. I can put the top up or down in 10 seconds. Yes, I have to get out of the car to do it - oh, the horror. We as a nation are truly getting soft. And yes, there isn't much trunk space with the top up or down, but there IS usable space. I could easily pack bags for a weekend for two with the top down.

Can't think of much else to say, other than GET ONE. I got mine with 1800 miles on the odometer for $15,500. It still had the original window sticker, which was $26,000. So that's a deal. I anticipate owning it forever - I really do.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th June, 2011

19th Nov 2011, 22:05

Sorry, IMO the Solstice's top operation is a bad design - and no, I am not a Communist.

18th Oct 2012, 08:15

I purchased a 2008 GXP automatic 17 months ago with 20,000 miles. Original sticker was in the glovebox for $38k; I paid $19,500 in June 2011. I must say that the convertible top is great. The car's rear end is 2 steps away, the top is up or down in 10 seconds, couldn't be easier! I love the body style, the opposite opening trunk and hood, this car's not going out of style, and now they don't make them any more, so I expect its value to increase in the future.

This car is outright sexy! Everybody loves it. I bought it because I like it, not for anyone else or to show off. But, I must say I quickly discovered that everywhere I go, this car not only gets looks, but thumbs up, hoots and hollers, and great comments from little kids to senior citizens. I like unique, and there aren't very many Solstice's around.

The turbo charged engine gives it plenty of power and lots of zip! Although I don't care about racing other cars, this car has everything I need. I average 28 MPG city, great stereo, easy to operate dash controls, and it even tells me my individual tire pressure.

I drive a double trailer fuel tanker semi-truck, weighing approx. 123,000 lbs. so I'm shifting gears all day. I love relaxing with the automatic, plenty of power and gusto. When I get off work, I climb into my little car, put the top down, sit back in the comfortable leather seats, turn on some good music and I have fun!! I live next to the Rocky Mountains. This car is perfect for a leisurely drive around the curves, and up and down the mountain grades. I couldn't ask for more.

There are great performance cars out there for a lot more money, and the MPGs won't be as good. For what I need, this car does the job. And what a great feeling to get off work or walk out of a store, and see my beautiful stylin' car waiting for me to have some more fun, even if it's only to drive home.