Drooling over the Solstice on the show room floor is not unheard of. The Pontiac Solstice adds up near superhero power, plenty of options, and looks that cause people to gap open mouthed. Not since the rememberable 1959 Bonneville, has Pontiac release such a great split-grill car. This car delivers the same thrills as the BMW Z4 and Audi TT, with only half of the cost.
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 still turns in respectable gas mileage. The GPX manages to squish a punishing 260 horse power 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 adds onto the base package, and then adds dual exhaust tips, a sport transmission, leather shift know and steering wheel, and upgraded floor mats.
While there’s a lot to like about this car, it does have some deficiencies. The steering comes off as sluggish. The Solstice weighs in at over 3000 pounds, so this car will never be light upon its feet. Also, when zipping out of curves, the Solstice is sticky. Taking off from the red light, the acceleration does leave something to be desired. This car can be an ergonomic nightmare, with components poorly located and interior parts made of third world plastics. Trunk space is sparse, hardly holding enough for a weekend trip.
While the Solstice has some minor bummers, the best feature of the Solstice is its body lines. 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. People walking by will turn their heads and check your car out. 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.
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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.