The Pontiac Solstice is a good-looking, two-seat, drop-top sports car that starts under $23,000.
We preferred the GXP. The GXP delivers slightly better mileage according to the EPA, and the $5,700 price premium includes features most buyers would want as options on the base model, such as power windows, cruise control, ABS and electronic stability control. The net cost of the high-output engine and other performance-enhancing equipment is about $3,700, and we think it's worth every dime.
The Solstice would make a fine daily driver in many locales, though it has no place to put things.
In practice, the Solstice doesn't offer the handling precision of these other sports cars, nor does it match their refinement, interior quality and general tightness. But we love the styling.
The Pontiac Solstice is seemingly an amalgamation of classic sports-car design cues, but it doesn't look the least bit derivative.
Granted, this car looks best with the top down, but even top-up the profile shows a nice aero look.
The Pontiac Solstice has predictable handling, good reflexes, and an impressive amount of usable horsepower and torque.
The Pontiac Solstice looks great, puts wind in your hair and is fun to drive.