Pontiac Solstice

   The Pontiac Solstice is produced since 2006. It is available as a roadster.

   The Solstice is powered by a 2.4-liter engine, while the sporty GXP model comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged unit. It seems that even the base model with a 2.4-liter unit, delivering 177 hp is a tarmac rippler. Unfortunately it's not. The main power comes at high revs, while it lacks low- and mid-range pull. Furthermore engine hates revving and Pontiac's claimed acceleration time seems to be very optimistic. The GXP is much better, but more expensive choice. It is the first turbocharged engine with direct injection sold in the USA. The Solstice comes with a 5-speed manual or automatic transmission.

   The Pontiac Solstice shares it's platform with the Opel GT and Saturn Sky. Ride feels robust going over coarse surface. The steering is too light and unresponsive. It do not weights up with the speed. It has an even weight distribution between axles, but on the tight corners car becomes nervous and lacks grip. In generally ride of the Solstice is uninspiring and for those who want driver engagement the best choice would be the new Mazda MX-5.

   The 2.4-liter engine sounds coarse and too loud, pervading the whole cabin. With the roof up things get better though. Some unwelcome vibrations are present.

   The Pontiac Solstice comes at a bargain price. Some of it's features are unappealing, however you can't argue with the price. At the moment there is a huge demand on this car, however it's resale value is likely to be poor. Most of it's mechanics is already proven, so reliability shouldn't be the main concern.

   The Pontiac Solstice has a cracking-looking exterior, but interior of the car is where the cost was cut. Dash design is not appealing, while there are hard and shiny plastics all over the place. On the good side there is a roof, that is a simple affair to unclip and to stow.

   There is nothing wrong with the driving position. There is plenty of room for driver and passenger, unfortunately the boot is tiny with the roof down and there is no room to store luggage behind the seats. There is also not enough oddment space, so the passenger seat usually becomes a storage area itself.

   The Pontiac Solstice comes with only minimum of passive safety equipment. Anti-lock brakes are optional on the base model, but ate fitted on the GXP, as well as the anti-skid and slip differential systems.

   Base trim of the Solstice comes with hand-cranked windows and manually-adjusted mirrors. It has a standard CD-player and 6 speakers. Electric windows are optional and for a small price you can get a cruise control. It is worth mentioning that the base model hasn't even got and ash tray and a cigarette lighter, as both are optional. The GXP trim comes with electric windows and cruise control. Air conditioning and leather upholstery are optional on both trim levels.

   Production of the Pontiac Solstice still continues.

   Advantages: The Pontiac Solstice is a cracking looking roadster, which comes at a very affordable price.

   Disadvantages: Driving the Solstice is a huge disappointment, as the car is totally uninspiring to drive.

   Verdict: At a bargain price most, if not all, of it's faults can be forgiven.

   Also consider: Honda S2000, Mazda MX-5.