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.
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...