June 4th, 2009

Seeing the Solstice on the show room floor, you’ll want to jump right in and take off. 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 is a worthy challenger to the BMW Z4 and Audi TT, with only half of the price tag.

For selections the Solstice has two options: the base package and the GXP. The base package packs a 173 horse power, 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine that pleasantly conserves the gas. The GPX manages to squish a punishing 260 horse power engine into a 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine. Both power engines are attaches onto a five speeder manual or auto 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. After the GXP package, the most popular Solstice add-ons are fog lights, grill enhancements, and a critical Pontiac Solstice windscreen windblocker wind deflector.

There’s certainly a lot to enjoy about the Solstice, it’s certainly not a perfect car. The steering can be slow and unresponsive. The Solstice weighs in at over 3000 pounds, so this car will never be light upon its feet. Also, coming out of corners, the Solstice tends to hang on. Starting from zero, the take-off is certainly not overwhelming. This car is not comfortable, with components in illogical spots and substandard parts made from third-world wages. Trunk space storage is only adequate. Unless your wife is practically bald, you will need a Pontiac Solstice windscreen windblocker wind deflector (also check out other convertible windscreen reviews) to prevent the wind backwash.

One can quibble over these minor problems, while the exterior style more than makes up for these deficiencies. Pontiac isn’t known for head-turning styling; with the Solstice, they finally turn the tide. The Solstice has awesome styling, something from both yesterday and tomorrow. Folks will not be bashful; they will approach you and ask about your sleek car. On the balance, the positives outweigh the negatives. Those looking for top-down driving excitement will certainly be pleased with this choice.

 

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