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2007 Pontiac Solstice Full Review
Date Published: 4/09/08
Also in the 2007 Pontiac Solstice Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
2007 Pontiac Solstice Review
Pontiac's 4-cyl, two-seat convertible adds a high-performance model for 2007. Solstice shares its rear-wheel-drive architecture with the Saturn Sky, but has different styling. Both have a manual-folding soft top with a heated glass rear window. The top folds into the trunk. The base Solstice has 177 hp. New for '07 is the high-performance Solstice GXP with a 260-hp turbocharged 4-cyl. Solstices come with a 5-speed manual transmission. A 5-speed automatic is optional. Four-wheel disc brakes and 18-inch wheels are standard. Air conditioning is optional. ABS, power windows and door locks, leather upholstery, and cruise control are standard on GXP, optional on the base. An antiskid system is standard on GXP, unavailable otherwise. The GXP also has specific suspension tuning. Side airbags are unavailable on Solstice.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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 the Mazda MX-5 and Scion tC. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Mustang, Mini Cooper, and Nissan 350Z.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Mini Cooper, Nissan 350Z, and Saturn Sky.
Our Best Buys include the Mazda MX-5 and Scion tC. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Mustang, Mini Cooper, and Nissan 350Z.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Mini Cooper, Nissan 350Z, and Saturn Sky.
News
Solstice originated with a pair of concept designs. The convertible made it to showrooms first. The companion coupe belatedly bows for 2008. Like the roadster, it will almost surely be offered in base and high-power GXP versions, but each could cost a bit less. Sources say a V6 is not in the cards for Pontiac's sports car, but predict a revamp of some sort for model-year 2011.
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2007 Pontiac Solstice Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Steering/handling | Instruments/controls |
| Acceleration | Cargo room |
| Seat comfort | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Solstice or Sky, nonturbo engine slow to rev. Still, plenty of pep for most needs, though highway passing power is modest. Overall, feels quick enough to support General Motors' claim of about 7.2 sec 0-60 mph with either transmission. Turbo versions have strong power after initial wait for turbo lag. GM pegs turbocharged Solstice GXP/Sky Red Line at under 5.5 sec 0-60, which also seems credible. Automatic transmission no real penalty vs. manual, which some testers say has notchy shift action.
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | GXP, man. | GXP, auto. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 6.4 |
Solstice or Sky, nonturbo engine slow to rev. Still, plenty of pep for most needs, though highway passing power is modest. Overall, feels quick enough to support General Motors' claim of about 7.2 sec 0-60 mph with either transmission. Turbo versions have strong power after initial wait for turbo lag. GM pegs turbocharged Solstice GXP/Sky Red Line at under 5.5 sec 0-60, which also seems credible. Automatic transmission no real penalty vs. manual, which some testers say has notchy shift action.
Fuel Economy
Nonturbo test models with manual transmission averaged 20.8 mpg in city/highway driving, 23.0-25.2 in mostly highway driving. Test automatic Solstice averaged 18.1 mpg in mostly city driving. Turbocharged test models with manual transmission averaged 20.8-23.5 mpg in city/highway driving. Pontiac and Saturn recommend premium-grade fuel for both engines.
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | GXP, man. | GXP, auto. | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
Nonturbo test models with manual transmission averaged 20.8 mpg in city/highway driving, 23.0-25.2 in mostly highway driving. Test automatic Solstice averaged 18.1 mpg in mostly city driving. Turbocharged test models with manual transmission averaged 20.8-23.5 mpg in city/highway driving. Pontiac and Saturn recommend premium-grade fuel for both engines.
Ride Quality
Base models remarkably compliant and composed over most bumps--for sports cars with 18-inch tires. No float or wallow on high-speed dips and swells, but ride can be jiggly on wrinkled pavement at highway speed. Sky suspension tuned slightly softer than Solstice's, but difference hard to detect. GXP/Red Line versions more taut, transmit more impact harshness even over small bumps.
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | GXP, man. | GXP, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
Base models remarkably compliant and composed over most bumps--for sports cars with 18-inch tires. No float or wallow on high-speed dips and swells, but ride can be jiggly on wrinkled pavement at highway speed. Sky suspension tuned slightly softer than Solstice's, but difference hard to detect. GXP/Red Line versions more taut, transmit more impact harshness even over small bumps.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Hits the mark for sporty fun, especially GXP/Red Line models. Quick, well-balanced through turns. Grip generally good, but large midcorner bumps can upset GXP/Red Line. Confidently stable on the highway and in strong crosswinds. Responsive steering has just-right road feel.
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | GXP, man. | GXP, auto. | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 |
Hits the mark for sporty fun, especially GXP/Red Line models. Quick, well-balanced through turns. Grip generally good, but large midcorner bumps can upset GXP/Red Line. Confidently stable on the highway and in strong crosswinds. Responsive steering has just-right road feel.
Quietness
Engines buzzy or boomy depending on rpm, loud enough to mask most tire rumble. Turbocharged engine particularly noisy, with test models suffering from annoying ticking sounds at idle and while accelerating. Test cars had panel squeaks. Some testers noted annoying top-up wind rush around side windows due to poor sealing.
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | GXP, man. | GXP, auto. | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
Engines buzzy or boomy depending on rpm, loud enough to mask most tire rumble. Turbocharged engine particularly noisy, with test models suffering from annoying ticking sounds at idle and while accelerating. Test cars had panel squeaks. Some testers noted annoying top-up wind rush around side windows due to poor sealing.
Controls
Simple controls, but some awkward to reach in these tight confines. Gauges set in deep tunnels, have overstyled graphics, so are hard to read even by day; they're obscured for some drivers by steering wheel rim. Sky's interior brightwork, piano-black finishes look upscale vs. Solstice cockpit, but both cars awash in hard, unappealing plastics. Impractical cupholders require awkward reach behind.
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | GXP, man. | GXP, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.5 |
Simple controls, but some awkward to reach in these tight confines. Gauges set in deep tunnels, have overstyled graphics, so are hard to read even by day; they're obscured for some drivers by steering wheel rim. Sky's interior brightwork, piano-black finishes look upscale vs. Solstice cockpit, but both cars awash in hard, unappealing plastics. Impractical cupholders require awkward reach behind.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Tighter for six-footers than Mazda MX-5, but OK leg space, good top-up head room. Low seats won't suit some shorter drivers--and aggravate entry/exit--but GM promises a power driver-seat height adjuster. Seats have good lateral and lower-back support, but lack lumbar adjustment. Double-hump rear bulkhead hinders vision astern for shorter drivers. Top cannot be lowered or raised without getting in and out of car to manipulate folding mechanism, rear-roof pegs, trunklid.
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | GXP, man. | GXP, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.1 |
Tighter for six-footers than Mazda MX-5, but OK leg space, good top-up head room. Low seats won't suit some shorter drivers--and aggravate entry/exit--but GM promises a power driver-seat height adjuster. Seats have good lateral and lower-back support, but lack lumbar adjustment. Double-hump rear bulkhead hinders vision astern for shorter drivers. 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. | Base, auto. | GXP, man. | GXP, auto. | Class Average |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.1 |
(No rear seating.)
Cargo Room
Top collapses into trunk after raising rear-hinged lid, leaves room enough for only a couple pieces of soft luggage. Precious little cockpit storage, even for a sports car.
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | GXP, man. | GXP, auto. | Class Average |
| 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2.5 |
Top collapses into trunk after raising rear-hinged lid, leaves room enough for only a couple pieces of soft luggage. Precious little cockpit storage, even for a sports car.
Value within Class
The base Solstice and its Saturn Sky sibling match Mazda's MX-5 for performance, handling, and style, but not for practicality or powertrain polish. The turbocharged Solstice GXP and Sky Red Line are notably faster, but suffer the same drawbacks as the base versions. Still, Solstice and Sky are affordable, fun-to-drive American sports cars, even if they don't always impress of refinement, decor, or design detail.
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | GXP, man. | GXP, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.2 |
The base Solstice and its Saturn Sky sibling match Mazda's MX-5 for performance, handling, and style, but not for practicality or powertrain polish. The turbocharged Solstice GXP and Sky Red Line are notably faster, but suffer the same drawbacks as the base versions. Still, Solstice and Sky are affordable, fun-to-drive American sports cars, even if they don't always impress of refinement, decor, or design detail.
Total Score
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | GXP, man. | GXP, auto. | Class Average |
| 43 | 42 | 42 | 42 | 47.3 |
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 41 | |
| Average Score | 47 | |
| High Score | 57 |
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2007 Pontiac Solstice Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 12/08/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| Base 2-door convertible | $21,515 | $20,332 | $600 |
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| GXP 2-door convertible | $26,515 | $25,057 | $600 |
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.
GXP adds to Base:
Powertrain
2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, limited-slip differential.
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, sport suspension, 245/45WR18 tires, polished alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Preferred 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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GXP
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$525
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$467
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Leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls (Base). Base 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, GXP
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$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, GXP
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$960
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$854
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OnStar assistance system
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Base, GXP
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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, GXP
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$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, GXP
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$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, GXP, GXP
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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, GXP
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$199
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$177
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Requires Monsoon sound system when ordered w/OnStar assistance system.
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Premium headliner
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Base, GXP
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$150
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$134
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Smoker's Pkg.
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Base, GXP
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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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Rear spoiler
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Base, GXP
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$275
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$245
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Metallic brake pedals
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Base, GXP
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$115
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$102
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Special paint
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Base, GXP
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$195
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$174
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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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GXP
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$545
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$485
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2007 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
| Turbocharged dohc I4 | dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.0 /122 | 2.4 /145 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 260 @ 5300 | 177 @ 6600 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 260 @ 2500 | 166 @ 4800 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 22/31 | 20/28 |
| 5-speed automatic | 21/29 | 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 | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 5/100,000 | -- |
| 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 (Front Leather Bucket Seats), Air Conditioning, 1 Year OnStar Safe & Sound, Audio System w/7 Monsoon Speakers, Rear Spoiler, XM Satellite Radio, AM/FM Stereo/CD/MP3, Premium Paint, Premium Acoustic Headliner Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 23.48 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Ed Piotrowski Solstice has the looks, handling prowess, and in GXP form, power to satisfy most any sporty car enthusiast. It's let down by poor design details that are significant enough to where shoppers ought to put the Mazda MX-5 and even a used BMW Z4 higher on their lists. |
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2007 Pontiac Solstice Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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