CTC Review: 2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP

[CD_Editor]

Picture Gallery:  2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP

Day 1:

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Finally, I get a convertible I can test. Oh, wait, I did have the New Beetle... anyway, a convertible! Hopefully the weather network is wrong and it doesn't rain all week, as this week's ride is the Pontiac Solstice GXP, the turbocharged performance car from GM that has been turning heads since it was revealed in Detroit a few years back. More ...

[Careener]

I think you will be surprised by it James. Apart from the zero trunk space (and I mean 0!) and sloppy shifter it's a great little car. 40k$ is getting up there a bit however.

[initial_D]

Think the MSRP of $40,000 is a good and competitive price for this car. Love the looks of it. Seen a few around here already.

[stodge]

I just couldn't imagine myself paying 40k for a Pontiac. The engine power sounds good, but please knock off 5k for the yellow!

[2hondas]

Very impressed with the power it gives out, but I don't know...the Miata has been top notch for almost 20 years.

I'd rather get the Sky over the Solstice though. Looks better, IMO.

[Zombie]

When I noticed this car in the parking lot I made sure that I walked by it to check it out. I should have know it was your new tester. It looks really nice both inside and out. I like the  Sky also. $40 K does seem a bit steep but in keeping with what car manufactures normally do is start high and work your way downs from there to hit the sales that you want.
This car isn't priced to sell and move big numbers.
P.S. This car is 28K US across the border!!

[Mitlov]

but if you were shopping for a 2 seater sport car, and it was choice between a Solstice or a Miata. I know what I rather have.

If you want a 260hp turbo engine (which the GXP has) instead of a naturally-aspirated 170hp engine, there is no contest.

[Allen]

Really like the looks there are a few in the nieghbourhood and they are real head turners with the roof down..  But an american four banger, especially with a turbo turns me off.. if it had a V6 now your talking and maybe I could get my head around $40K

[Mitlov]

Really like the looks there are a few in the nieghbourhood and they are real head turners with the roof down..  But an american four banger, especially with a turbo turns me off.. if it had a V6 now your talking and maybe I could get my head around $40K

Mallett offers a conversion for GM's 400hp LS2 V8:

http://www.mallettcars.com/solstice-conversion.htm

[Allen]

wow thats better but why not go all the way to

Turbocharged LS7 Package - $86,320.50

Everything in the Loaded Package PLUS:
900HP Turbocharged LS7 Engine
Dry Sump Oil System
6-speed Tremec Transmission
3.73 Differential
Custom Built Drive Shaft
Custom Built Half Shafts
750HP Rear Wheel

[jww]

I am intrigued by the Solstise, but find that it looks are good with the top down, but not so good when it's up.

What I can't figure out is why this car is better than a Miata (or MX-5 or whatever Mazda is calling it now-a-days). I even find that the Mazda looks good with the top up. And at least there is some boot space with the ragg top down.

[Mitlov]

I am intrigued by the Solstise, but find that it looks are good with the top down, but not so good when it's up.

What I can't figure out is why this car is better than a Miata (or MX-5 or whatever Mazda is calling it now-a-days). I even find that the Mazda looks good with the top up. And at least there is some boot space with the ragg top down.

(1)  Availability of a 260-horsepower turbocharged engine (remember that this review is a review of the turbocharged GXP, not the base-engine Solstice which competes directly with the Miata).

(2)  Aesthetics.  Maybe this doesn't matter so much with people movers, but it does matter more to people with "toys" like roadsters.  Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but for me, Sky > Solstice > Miata, looks-wise.

(3)  A more planted feel than the Miata.  The Miata is agile, but according to some reviewers, skittish-feeling.  This is the opposite.  Once again, a personal taste issue.

(4)  I've heard that the Solstice is doing great in autocross right now against the Solstice.  It's got a fantastic chassis for racing.

There's more to cars than good trunk space--especially when we're talking about performance and enthusiast cars--and I wish that not EVERY thread about the Solstice/Sky turned into a discussion of the Solstice's trunk.  The point has been made, now let's talk about the rest of the car.

[mdxtasy]

I am intrigued by the Solstise, but find that it looks are good with the top down, but not so good when it's up.

What I can't figure out is why this car is better than a Miata (or MX-5 or whatever Mazda is calling it now-a-days). I even find that the Mazda looks good with the top up. And at least there is some boot space with the ragg top down.

(1)  Availability of a 260-horsepower turbocharged engine (remember that this review is a review of the turbocharged GXP, not the base-engine Solstice which competes directly with the Miata).

(2)  Aesthetics.  Maybe this doesn't matter so much with people movers, but it does matter more to people with "toys" like roadsters.  Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but for me, Sky > Solstice > Miata, looks-wise.

(3)  A more planted feel than the Miata.  The Miata is agile, but according to some reviewers, skittish-feeling.  This is the opposite.  Once again, a personal taste issue.

(4)  I've heard that the Solstice is doing great in autocross right now against the Solstice.  It's got a fantastic chassis for racing.

There's more to cars than good trunk space--especially when we're talking about performance and enthusiast cars--and I wish that not EVERY thread about the Solstice/Sky turned into a discussion of the Solstice's trunk.  The point has been made, now let's talk about the rest of the car.

Objection.  Heresay. 

[Mitlov]

Objection.  Heresay. 

Can you imagine how quiet internet car forums would be if people only posted from personal, first-hand experience?   

[mdxtasy]

Objection.  Heresay. 

Can you imagine how quiet internet car forums would be if people only posted from personal, first-hand experience?   

I'd have 1/10 my post count.....

[rrocket]

Remind us again how you have to get out of the car to put the roof up or down...

[airbalancer]

Hey, where is the front plate?

[Snowman]

Bob and GM delivered exactly as promised and if all people can complain about is the lack of trunk space I would say mission accomplished.

[Brigitte]

(4)  I've heard that the Solstice is doing great in autocross right now against the Solstice.  It's got a fantastic chassis for racing.

So, who's winning?  The Solstice, or the Solstice?   

***

I always admire this car when I see it; it's got great proportions.  However, having driven the MX-5, and being the type of buyer for whom functionality is paramount, I would find it difficult to plunk down $40K for a very impractical toy.

[Careener]

Mission accomplished?
Sales have completely tanked of the Solstice in the US. There are 2006 models available used in Toronto with very low mileage priced in the low 20s.
Here's my theory.. People love the looks then buy it and within a year they realize it is about as useful for trips as a motorbike due to no storage space.
Don't get me wrong, I like the car as I mentioned in my first post but dismissing the roof and trunk issues is simple for anyone who doesn't have to drive one on a regular basis.