Acceleration

Base, manual	Base, automatic	GXP, manual	GXP, automatic	Class Average
6	6	8	8	6.6

Solstice or Sky, the 2.4-liter engine is slow to rev. Still, there's plenty of pep for most needs, though highway passing power is modest. Overall, these convertibles feel quick enough to support General Motors' claim of about 7.2 seconds 0-60 mph with either transmission. Turbo versions have strong power after the initial wait for turbo lag. GM pegs the turbocharged Solstice GXP and Sky Red Line at less than 5.5 seconds 0-60, which also seems credible. The automatic transmission has no tangible acceleration penalty vs. the manual, which some testers say has notchy, imprecise shift action.

Fuel Economy

Base, manual	Base, automatic	GXP, manual	GXP, automatic	Class Average
5	5	6	6	5.3

In Consumer Guide testing of the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky, we averaged 20.8 mpg in manual-transmission 2.4-liter versions. With more highway use, we averaged 23.0-25.2 mpg. With the automatic transmission, a test Solstice averaged 18.1 mpg in mostly city driving. In tests of turbocharged Solstice GXP and Sky Red Line, we averaged 20.9-23.5 mpg. Pontiac and Saturn recommend premium-grade gas for both engines.

Ride Quality

Base, manual	Base, automatic	GXP, manual	GXP, automatic	Class Average
5	5	4	4	4.1

Base models are remarkably compliant and composed over most bumps--for sports cars with 18-inch tires. Sky's suspension is tuned slightly softer than Solstice's, but the difference is hard to detect in everyday driving. The sport suspension of the GXP and Red Line versions is noticeably more taut, almost to the point of being overly harsh on broken pavement.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base, manual	Base, automatic	GXP, manual	GXP, automatic	Class Average
9	9	9	9	8

Hits the mark for sporty fun, especially the GXP and Red Line models. All are quick and well balanced through turns. Grip is generally good, but large midcorner bumps can upset stability slightly in the GXP and Red Line. Responsive steering has a just-right road feel at any speed.

Quietness

Base, manual	Base, automatic	GXP, manual	GXP, automatic	Class Average
2	2	2	2	3.2

The engines are buzzy or boomy depending on rpm. New "premium acoustic headliner" does little to mask engine drone. Some testers noted annoying top-up wind rush around the side windows due to poor sealing.

Controls

Base, manual	Base, automatic	GXP, manual	GXP, automatic	Class Average
3	3	3	3	5.6

Controls are simple to operate, but some are awkward to reach in these tight confines. The gauges are set in deep tunnels and have overstyled graphics. As such, they're hard to read even by day, and are obscured by the steering wheel rim for some of our testers.

Details

Base, manual	Base, automatic	GXP, manual	GXP, automatic	Class Average
1	1	1	1	4.8

The cabins in both these convertibles are awash is hard plastic that looks extremely cheap. Sky compensates slightly by offering a few glossy, piano black panels. Several Sky and Solstice test cars suffered from a variety of squeaks and rattles.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base, manual	Base, automatic	GXP, manual	GXP, automatic	Class Average
5	5	5	5	5.3

Overall space is tighter for six-footers than the Mazda MX-5, but leg space is adequate, and headroom is good with the top up. Low seats won't suit some shorter drivers and aggravate entry and exit. Seats have good lateral and lower-back support, but lack lumbar adjustment. Visibility to the rear is partially blocked by a pair of decklid humps directly behind the seat headrests. The convertible top cannot be lowered or raised without getting in and out of the car to manipulate the folding mechanism, rear-roof pegs, and trunklid.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base, manual	Base, automatic	GXP, manual	GXP, automatic	Class Average
0	0	0	0	1.4

(No rear seating.)

Cargo Room

Base, manual	Base, automatic	GXP, manual	GXP, automatic	Class Average
1	1	1	1	2.9

Very poor. The top collapses into the trunk after raising its rear-hinged lid. GM claims these convertibles have 5.4 cu ft of trunk space with the top up, but that figure seems overly generous, as its design limits items that can be stored there to small grocery bags or pieces of soft luggage. Cabin storage is virtually non-existent, even for a sports car.

Value within Class

Base, manual	Base, automatic	GXP, manual	GXP, automatic	Class Average
5	5	5	5	6

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 for refinement, decor, or design detail.

Total Score

Base, manual	Base, automatic	GXP, manual	GXP, automatic	Class Average
42	42	44	44	53.2

Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score		42
Average Score		53
High Score		70