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Forty years from now, when the Pontiac brand is a distant memory and the Solstice GXP Coupe is a valuable and much-sought-after collector's item, I expect its fan base to hate me. They'll dig up this review and say that I didn't know what I was talking about, that I didn't know how to drive it right, or that I just didn't get what the car is all about. With sincere apologies to the Solstice apologists, the truth is that the Solstice Coupe, despite its good points -- all two of them -- is a thoroughly dreadful little car.
Larger photos: Front - rear - interior - all photos
- Good looks
- Strong engine
- Everything else
- New coupe version of the Solstice Coupe; available in base (173 hp) and GXP (260 hp) models
- Price range: $26,895 - $35,025
- Model tested/price: Solstice GXP, $34,030
- EPA fuel economy estimates: 19 MPG city, 24-28 MPG highway
- Observed fuel economy: 24.3 MPG
- Best rivals: Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Nissan 370Z, Mazda Miata
Let me start by saying what I like about the Solstice GXP Coupe: It's very fast and very, very beautiful.
Other than that, it's a disaster.
The engine sounds like an electric can opener gone psycho. The handling would actually be pretty good if the steering didn't have a mind of its own. The ride is a chiropractor's dream. The cabin is cramped and lined with plastic made from recycled Playskool toys. Cargo space is tiny and the hatch opening is tinier. It's overpriced. The cupholders are designed for maximum inconvenience. The seats bounce like trampolines. The windows are shaped like mail slots and the side mirrors are the size of postage stamps. You need a spotter to back out of a parking space. The removable roof panel does offer a temporary reprieve from the misery, but in typical Solstice fashion, the roof panel doesn't fit anywhere inside the car -- you have to leave it home, so if your weatherman screws up, you could be out your insurance deductible. All in all, the Solstice Coupe is not so much a mode of transportation as it is a mobile form of punishment.
There is some good news: The demise of Pontiac means that only a few thousand Solstice coupes are likely to be made. Many will be snapped up by racers -- the Solstice actually makes a pretty good track car, provided you're willing to modify pretty much everything -- and most of the rest by collectors, as there will probably never be a car like the Solstice again. (Thank heaven.)
I say, let the collectors and the racers have 'em. You'd be better off buying a Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Mazda Miata or a Nissan 370Z. The Solstice coupe will best be enjoyed a few decades from now during a leisurely stroll around a car show, when you can admire its lines and chat with its owners about the good old days of Pontiac -- and best of all, you won't have to drive it. -- Aaron Gold
