It's easy to blast off in the Solstice right from the show room floor. The Pontiac Solstice stirs up into a pot and melds together awesome power, stirring options, and out-of-this world styling. It's been over five decades, since the 1959 Bonneville, to find a split screen that caused so much excitement. This car challenges the BMW Z4 and Audi TT at half the price.
For selections the Solstice has two options: the base package and the GXP. The basic package comes with a 173 horse power, 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine that's still reasonable on the gas mileage. The power-packed GXP package places a whopping 260 hour power turbocharged engine into a 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine. With either engine, it will be pair with a five speed automatic or manual transmission. The base model does include electronic traction and stability control, limited slip rear differential, anti-lock disc brakes all the way around the car, generous 18-inch alloy wheels, and crisp satellite radio. The GXP package takes all of this and adds stunning dual exhaust tips, a tuned-up transmission, a gripping leather shift know and steering wheel, and plush carpeted floor mats. After the GXP package, the most popular Solstice add-ons are fog lights, grill enhancements, and a critical Pontiac Solstice windscreen windblocker wind deflector.
While there's a lot to like about this car, it does have some deficiencies. The steering is not crisp. The Solstice weighs in at over 3000 pounds, so this car will never be light upon its feet. Also, when zipping out from corners, the Solstice is prone to hang on. Starting from zero, the take-off is certainly not overwhelming. This car wouldn't make a passing grade in ergonomics, with components illogically positioned and plastic components littering the interior. Trunk space is sparse, hardly holding enough for a weekend trip. Finally, with the top down, without a Pontiac Solstice windscreen windblocker wind deflector (also check out convertible windscreen reviews for others), you will be drowned out by the turbulence and backwind.
Certainly the Solstice has some nits, which are made up for by its body style. Pontiac hasn't styled a great car for decades; in the Solstice, they get it right. The Solstice has awesome styling, something from both yesterday and tomorrow. Strangers will come up and strike up conversations about your Solstice. The merits of this car decidedly weigh on the plus side. Those looking for top-down driving excitement will certainly be pleased with this choice.
