It’s easy to blast off in the Solstice right from the show room floor. The Pontiac Solstice adds up near superhero power, plenty of options, and looks that cause people to gap open mouthed. It’s been over five decades, since the 1959 Bonneville, to find a split screen that caused so much excitement. This car rivals the BMW Z4 and Audi TT, yet carries only half of the price tag.
For selections the Solstice has two options: the base package and the GXP. The basic package includes a 173 horse power, 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine that’s still sips the gas. The GPX manages to squish a punishing 260 horse power engine into a 2.0 liter, four cylinder engine. Both of these engines are clamped onto the five speed manual or automatic transmission. The basic model includes electronic traction and stability control, limited slip rear differential, four anti-lock disc brakes, impressive 18 inch alloy wheels, and satellite radio. The GXP upgrade augments the base package by adding a more responsive transmission, dual exhaust tips, leather steering wheel and shift know, and improved floor mats.
While there’s a lot to like about this car, it does have some deficiencies. The steering can be slow and unresponsive. The Solstice tips the scale at over 3000 pounds, so being quick-and-lite is not upon the abilities of this car. Also, when charging out from curves, the Solstice likes to hang on. Taking off, the acceleration can be less than impressive. This car is not comfortable, with components in illogical spots and substandard parts made from third-world wages. Trunk space storage is only adequate.
One can quibble over these minor problems, while the exterior style more than makes up for these deficiencies. Pontiac doesn’t have an impressive record for styling; in the Solstice, they break their bad luck streak. The Solstice has awesome styling, something from both yesterday and tomorrow. People walking by will turn their heads and check your car out. The good personality of the car certainly exceeds the minor nits. Those looking for top-down driving excitement will certainly be pleased with this choice.
————————————
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.
