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2008 Pontiac Solstice
Date Published: 9/09/08

2008 Pontiac Solstice
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MSRP:
$22,165 - 31,750

Invoice:
$20,946 - 30,004

Class:
Sporty/performance Car
2008 Pontiac Solstice
Expert Rating Summary
Category Base, manual Rating (See All
Ratings)
Sporty performance Car Average Rating
Acceleration 6 6.6
Fuel Economy 5 5.5
Ride Quality 5 4.1
Steering/Handling/Braking 9 8
Quietness 2 3.3
Controls 3 5.6
Details 1 5
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front) 5 5.4
Room/Comfort (rear) 0 1.4
Cargo Room 1 2.9
Value within Class 5 6
Total Score: 42 53.8
Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category
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2008 Pontiac Solstice Review
The 2008 Pontiac Solstice lineup gains a pair of new sport-themed models as well as additional standard equipment. This rear-wheel drive convertible seats two and has a manual-folding soft top with heated glass rear window. It shares its basic design with the Saturn Sky. Solstice comes in base and high-performance GXP trims. Base models have a 173-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. GXPs have a turbocharged 260-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. Both are available with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, and an antiskid system. Side airbags are not offered. Newly standard on all Solstices are OnStar assistance and a "premium acoustic headliner" designed to reduce engine and road noise in the cabin. Also new for 2008 are the Solstice SCCA SSB and SCCA T2 Champion Edition models. The former has the same powertrain as the base Solstice, while the latter is based on the GXP. Both new models have standard 18-inch performance tires, sport suspension, and leather upholstery.
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-cylinder 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 and Mini Cooper. New this year is the Mini Cooper Clubman.

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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