2006 Pontiac Solstice review from North America

Nothing - New Car.

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.