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2006 Pontiac Solstice Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2006 Pontiac Solstice Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
2006 Pontiac Solstice Review
Pontiac introduces its first true sports car for 2006, a 4-cyl two-seater with a manual-folding soft top. Solstice shares its new rear-wheel-drive architecture with the 2007 Saturn Sky. The sole engine is a 177-hp 2.4-liter shared with several General Motors compact cars. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard, a 5-speed automatic is optional. Four-wheel disc brakes and 18-inch wheels are standard. So is a heated glass rear window. ABS, power windows and door locks, cruise control, and air conditioning are optional. Other options include limited-slip differential and leather upholstery. Side airbags and an antiskid system are unavailable. Due later in 2006 is a turbocharged GXP model with 260 hp.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. The Sporty/Performance Car class consists of two-seat roadsters, 4-cyl hatchbacks, and V8 muscle cars. Regardless of configuration, all have an emphasis on affordable performance.
Our Best Buys include Ford Mustang Mazda Miata, and Scion tC. Our Recommended picks are Acura RSX, Honda S2000, Mini Cooper, Nissan 350Z, and Pontiac GTO.
New or significantly redesigned models include Mitsubishi Eclipse and Pontiac Solstice.
Our Best Buys include Ford Mustang Mazda Miata, and Scion tC. Our Recommended picks are Acura RSX, Honda S2000, Mini Cooper, Nissan 350Z, and Pontiac GTO.
New or significantly redesigned models include Mitsubishi Eclipse and Pontiac Solstice.
News
The upcoming Solstice GXP uses a new turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cyl engine with direct fuel injection, a first for a North American General Motors car. With a rated 260 hp, it's the most powerful engine by size in GM history. Pontiac estimates 0-60 mph at around 5 sec with standard 5-speed manual transmission. A 5-speed automatic will be optional. The GXP includes features that are optional for the base Solstice, including 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, limited-slip differential, remote keyless entry, and power windows/locks. GXP also boasts slightly different styling, specific trim details, and standard GM StabiliTrak stability/traction control. Pricing will be announced just before sales begin this fall. Otherwise, few changes loom for Pontiac's freshman sports car.
2006 Pontiac Solstice Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Steering/handling | Instruments/controls |
| Cargo room | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Slow-to-rev, somewhat coarse 4-cyl is no high-performance engine, but Solstice quick enough off the line to lend credence to Pontiac's 7.0 sec 0-60-mph claim with manual transmission. Plenty of pep for most needs, though highway passing power is modest. No opportunity to test Solstice with automatic transmission, but similar Sky with automatic showed virtually no drop-off in acceleration or throttle response. Manual generally unrewarding to shift, has less-than-fluid engagement.
| Base, man. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6.4 |
Slow-to-rev, somewhat coarse 4-cyl is no high-performance engine, but Solstice quick enough off the line to lend credence to Pontiac's 7.0 sec 0-60-mph claim with manual transmission. Plenty of pep for most needs, though highway passing power is modest. No opportunity to test Solstice with automatic transmission, but similar Sky with automatic showed virtually no drop-off in acceleration or throttle response. Manual generally unrewarding to shift, has less-than-fluid engagement.
Fuel Economy
Test manual-transmission Solstices averaged 20.8 mpg in mixed city/highway use, 23.0-25.2 mpg in mostly highway driving. Pontiac recommends premium-grade fuel.
| Base, man. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5.5 |
Test manual-transmission Solstices averaged 20.8 mpg in mixed city/highway use, 23.0-25.2 mpg in mostly highway driving. Pontiac recommends premium-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
For a sports car with 18-inch tires, impressively compliant and composed over most bumps. No float or wallow on high-speed dips and swells, though ride gets busy on rippled freeways.
| Base, man. | Class Average |
| 4 | 3.9 |
For a sports car with 18-inch tires, impressively compliant and composed over most bumps. No float or wallow on high-speed dips and swells, though ride gets busy on rippled freeways.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Hits the mark for sporty fun. Responsive steering with just the right degree of road feel. Quick, well-balanced through turns. Maintains good grip, even in bumpy corners. Confidently stable at highway speeds and in strong crosswinds.
| Base, man. | Class Average |
| 9 | 8 |
Hits the mark for sporty fun. Responsive steering with just the right degree of road feel. Quick, well-balanced through turns. Maintains good grip, even in bumpy corners. Confidently stable at highway speeds and in strong crosswinds.
Quietness
No hi-tech engine sounds here, and buzzy exhaust note a constant companion, prominent enough to drown most tire noise. Top-down wind rush challenges conversation. Test cars had some panel squeaks, annoying top-up wind whistle from side windows due to poor sealing.
| Base, man. | Class Average |
| 2 | 3.2 |
No hi-tech engine sounds here, and buzzy exhaust note a constant companion, prominent enough to drown most tire noise. Top-down wind rush challenges conversation. Test cars had some panel squeaks, annoying top-up wind whistle from side windows due to poor sealing.
Controls
Spartan layout, easily accessed controls. Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge have indistinct markings, are obscured for some test drivers by steering wheel rim. Frequently touched cabin surfaces are padded, but decor otherwise dominated by hard plastic, thin-feeling panels. Impractical cupholder placement requires awkward reach behind driver
| Base, man. | Class Average |
| 4 | 5.5 |
Spartan layout, easily accessed controls. Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge have indistinct markings, are obscured for some test drivers by steering wheel rim. Frequently touched cabin surfaces are padded, but decor otherwise dominated by hard plastic, thin-feeling panels. Impractical cupholder placement requires awkward reach behind driver
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Adequate leg room, but larger occupants may want more shoulder room. Shorter drivers will find seating position quite low, but there's good lateral and lower-back support, despite absence of lumbar adjustment. Double-hump rear bulkhead obstructs vision over the shoulders, and top-up view to sides isn't great. Top cannot be lowered or raised without getting in and out of car to manipulate folding mechanism, rear roof pegs, trunklid.
| Base, man. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5.2 |
Adequate leg room, but larger occupants may want more shoulder room. Shorter drivers will find seating position quite low, but there's good lateral and lower-back support, despite absence of lumbar adjustment. Double-hump rear bulkhead obstructs vision over the shoulders, and top-up view to sides isn't great. Top cannot be lowered or raised without getting in and out of car to manipulate folding mechanism, rear roof pegs, trunklid.
Room/Comfort (rear)
(No rear seating.)
| Base, man. | Class Average |
| 0 | 1.4 |
(No rear seating.)
Cargo Room
Top lowers into trunk, which has a lid hinged at the rear. Top-up, enough space for one large golf bag or two small ones. Top-down, most usable volume sacrificed. Precious little interior small-item storage, even by sports car standards.
| Base, man. | Class Average |
| 1 | 3.2 |
Top lowers into trunk, which has a lid hinged at the rear. Top-up, enough space for one large golf bag or two small ones. Top-down, most usable volume sacrificed. Precious little interior small-item storage, even by sports car standards.
Value within Class
Dynamically capable and emotionally evocative, Solstice is let down by uninspired engine performance and budget-grade interior materials. These shortfalls won't matter much to buyers excited by the idea of an affordable American sports car.
| Base, man. | Class Average |
| 4 | 6.6 |
Dynamically capable and emotionally evocative, Solstice is let down by uninspired engine performance and budget-grade interior materials. These shortfalls won't matter much to buyers excited by the idea of an affordable American sports car.
Total Score
| Base, man. | Class Average |
| 40 | 48.9 |
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 40 | |
| Average Score | 48 | |
| High Score | 58 |
2006 Pontiac Solstice Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 07/11/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| Base 2-door convertible | $19,915 | $18,820 | $575 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, bucket seats, center console, cupholders, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, driver-side visor mirror, map lights, rear defogger, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 245/45R18 tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Power Pkg.
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Base
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$625
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$556
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Power mirrors and windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry.
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Convenience Pkg.
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Base
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$465
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$414
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Cruise control, driver information center, fog lights.
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Premium Pkg.
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Base
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$690
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$614
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Leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls. Requires Convenience Pkg.
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Club Sport Pkg.
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Base
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$1,095
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$975
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Limited-slip differential, antilock brakes, sport suspension. NA w/5-speed automatic transmission.
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Powertrain |
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5-speed automatic transmission
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Base
|
$850
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$757
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Limited-slip differential
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Base
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$195
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$174
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Safety |
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Antilock brakes
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Base
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$400
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$356
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Air conditioning
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Base
|
$960
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$854
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OnStar assistance system
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Base
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$695
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$619
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Includes one year service.
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AM/FM/CD/MP3 player
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Base
|
$195
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$174
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
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Base
|
$495
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$441
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Requires Monsoon sound system.
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Monsoon sound system
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Base
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$395
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$352
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Requires AM/FM/CD/MP3 player or AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer.
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Satellite radio
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Base
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$325
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$289
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Requires monthly fee after 3rd month. Requires AM/FM/CD/MP3 player or AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer.
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Premium headliner
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Base
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$150
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$134
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Requires OnStar assistance system.
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Smoker's Pkg.
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Base
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$40
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$36
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Ashtray, lighter.
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Floormats
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Base
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$60
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$53
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Polished alloy wheels
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Base
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$545
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$485
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Chrome alloy wheels
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Base
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$795
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$708
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2006 Pontiac Solstice Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Pontiac Solstice 2-door convertible |
| Wheelbase, in. | 95.1 |
| Overall Length, in. | 157.2 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.3 |
| Overall Height, in. | 50.1 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2860 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 3.8 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 13.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 2 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.5 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.7 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | -- |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | -- |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.4 /145 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 177 @ 6600 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 166 @ 4800 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
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|
| 5-speed manual | 20/28 |
| 5-speed automatic | 22/26 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Pontiac Solstice 2-door convertible |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
rear-wheel drive
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Tester's Comments
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Major Options: Premium Package (Leather Seating Surfaces, Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel, Redundant Radio Controls), Convenience Package (Cruise Control, Driver Information Center, Steering Wheel-Mounted Cruise and Driver Info. Center Controls, Integrated Front Fog Lamps), Power Package (Power Door Locks, Power Windows, Outside Rearview Power Mirrors), Air Conditioning, 5-Speed Automatic Transmission, OnStar, 18-inch polished aluminum wheels, AM/FM radio w/6 Disc CD Changer and MP3 Player, 4-Wheel Antilock Brakes, Monsoon Premium Audio System, XM Satellite Radio, Limited Slip Differential, Premium Acoustic Headliner, Carpeted Front Floor Mats Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 18.14 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat John Biel A fussy-to-operate top and a blah powertrain take some of the potential fun out of the expressively styled and quite affordable Solstice. Kirk Bell At $27K, our tester is over optioned. I'd forego the polished wheels ($545), automatic transmission ($850), and OnStar ($695) to get the price to $25K. The $690 premium package that includes leather and steering wheel controls is also iffy. So, at $24K or so, this is a nice little toy. With its lack of cargo room or interior small-items storage, however, using it as an everyday driver would be a pain. |
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Also in the 2006 Pontiac Solstice Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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