2006 Pontiac Solstice 4 cylinder base from North America
Summary:
Is it great, or merely the Fiero of the new millennium?
Faults:
Nothing - New Car.
General Comments:
This review is based on a Solstice I drove while working at a Pontiac dealership.
The Solstice is a nicely styled 2 seater, with a base MSRP of under $20,000. A base Solstice loaded is still priced well under $30,000.
Do not expect this to be like a Porsche or a Corvette, it isn't. The base engine, suspension, interior, are all made to fit the $20,000 price point.
The ride is what can be expected in this class. The manual transmission shifted fine. Handling is fine for the class, but I certainly didn't test it to its limits.
The interior is okay. Shorter drivers will wish for a height adjuster on the driver's seat.
The dash is kind of basic, yet still a bit too "boy racer" for me.
Materials again fit a $20,000 vehicle.
My biggest criticisms lie with the complicated top operation and absolute lack of trunk space, and interior storage space.
I think Pontiac should've taken a page from Mazda, and made the Solstice's top a one step operation like on the MX-5 Miata. They also should lose the clam-shell trunk, and give it a "real" trunk.
The Solstice is definitely a head-turner, if that's what you like. It's not what I would consider an everyday vehicle, and in fact, it's not what I would choose to drive on the weekends.
That's just my opinion though. I'm sure plenty of Solstice owners will absolutely love their little cars. They're not a bad car, they're just not at the top of my list.
Actually for similar money, the G6 Convertible is probably a better vehicle, at least it is more practical for everyday use.
Only time will tell if the Solstice goes down as a "Great" American Sports Car, or as the Fiero of the new millennium.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 26th September, 2006
30th Sep 2006, 16:44
I went to Pontiac dealer to buy this car. After the negotiation I found out that the basic model had no A/C. How is this possible??? They try to charge me for everything possible: the transportation of the vehicle to the dealer, A/C, etc... At the end the price went up to $29000!! The car looks good, but in the interior it seems like a toy. The plastic cover of the doors is really cheap, with no termination at all. The joints of the cover let the rain get in the interior of the car... Two days after that I return the car to the dealer, I had to discuss for 2 hours with them to return the nightmare, I mean, the car. I'm buying a Nissan 350z which has a better review.
30th Sep 2006, 16:01
I would strongly suggest checking out the 06 MX-5 Miata. The MX-5 is a true sports car with real Japanese reliability, and it is also quicker, and handles better than the Pontiac. Kudos for Pontiac attempting to build a sports car... good effort, but keep trying.