Drooling over the Solstice on the show room floor is not unheard of. The Pontiac Solstice combines raw power, a raft of amenities, and knock-em-over styling causing double takes. One needs to go back to the 1959 Bonneville to find a split screen to find another worthy Pontiac contender. This car rivals the BMW Z4 and Audi TT, yet carries only half of the price tag.
As far as options go, the Solstice is available in two different trim packages, the basic and the GXP. The basic package includes a 173 horse power, 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine that pleasantly conserves the gas. The souped-up GXP package takes 260 hour power turbocharged engine into a 2.0 liter, four cylinder engine. No matter the engine pick, either engine is mated to a five speed auto 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.
The Solstice certainly provides much to smile at, compromised by some minor issues. The steering is not crisp. The Solstice is still a weighty car, at over 3000 pounds, so this car will never feel nimble on its feet. Also, when zipping out from corners, the Solstice is prone to hang on. Coming off the line, the acceleration can be a bit lethargic. This car wouldn’t make a passing grade in ergonomics, with components illogically positioned and plastic components littering the interior. Trunk space is very tight.
Despite the minor draw backs, the clear asset of the Solstice is its exterior style. Pontiac certainly isn’t known as a style leader, which the Solstice corrects. The Solstice has awesome styling, something from both yesterday and tomorrow. People walking by will turn their heads and check your car out. On the balance, the positives outweigh the negatives. New car buyers who want to put a little excitement into their ordinary drive will not regret picking this car.
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When the author isn’t driving her Pontiac Solstice, she’s a fan of best psychics, the Seattle HCG Diet, and the Pontiac Solstice windscreen windblocker wind deflector.