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2009 Pontiac Solstice Review
A cool two-seater, now with a hard top.
2009 Solstice Review Summary & Specifications
Coupe or convertible, the Pontiac Solstice looks great, puts wind in your hair and is fun to drive. The base model starts under $25,000, though air conditioning, power windows, and the coupe's convertible top insert are extra-cost options. However, Pontiac has added ABS, stability control, and a limited slip differential as standard equipment on all models for 2009. GXP models add a turbocharged engine. There's a shortage of storage and cargo space here, particularly in the convertible. But the Solstice is a hoot to drive, and it turns heads fast and often. Those may be the two most important reasons to buy a small roadster. It does this at a reasonable price, with objective performance that matches that of cars costing considerably more.NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent T. J. Cobb filed this report from Tehachapi, California; with Mitch McCullough reporting from Los Angeles.
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| Vehicle Category | Sports Cars |
| Editor | New Car Test Drive |
| Model Lineup | Pontiac Solstice roadster ($24,275); GXP roadster ($29,485); coupe ($26,225); GXP coupe ($30,375) |
| Engines (standard) | 2.0-liter dual overhead cam 16-valve turbocharged inline four cylinder |
| Transmissions (standard) | five-speed manual |
| Engines (optional) | 173-hp 2.4-liter dohc 16-valve inline-4; 260-hp 2.0-liter dohc 16-valve turbocharged inline-4 |
| Transmissions (optional) | five-speed manual; five-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | dual-stage front airbags, tire pressure monitor |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | anti-lock brakes with dynamic rear proportioning (DRP) and traction control; StabiliTrak stability control |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Wilmington, Delaware |
| Manufacturer Phone | 800-762-2737 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.pontiac.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 24275 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe ($30,375) |
| Standard Equipment | AM/FM/CD/MP3/XM with six speakers and iPod interface; power driver-seat height adjuster; tilt steering wheel; leather-wrapped shift knob; leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise and audio controls; premium acoustic headliner; cruise control; power windows and mirrors; remote keyless entry; fog lamps; glass rear window with defogger; OnStar Safe & Sound with one-year subscription; limited slip rear differential; ABS; Stabilitrak |
| Destination Charge | 620 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | Premium Package ($575) includes leather seating; air conditioning ($960); Monsoon audio ($395) |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Price as Tested | 32925 |
| Layout | rear-wheel drive |
| Horse Power | 260 @ 5300 |
| Torque | 260 @ 2500-5250 |
| Fuel Economy | 19/28 |
| Wheelbase | 95.1 |
| Length/Width/Height | 157.2/71.3/50.6 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 34.8 |
| Seating Capacity | 2 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 38.4/50.6/42.8 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Trunk Volume | 5.4 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | not recommended |
| Front Suspension | independent, upper and lower A-arms, coil springs, gas-pressurized shocks, stabilizer bar |
| Rear Suspension | independent, upper and lower A-arms, coil springs, gas-pressurized shocks, stabilizer bar |
| Ground Clearance | 5.0 |
| Curb Weight | 3080 |
| Stock Tires | 245/45WR18 Goodyear Eagle F1 high performance |
| Brakes Front/Rear | vented disc/solid disc with ABS and DRP |
| Fuel Capacity | 13.6 |
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