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2008 Pontiac Solstice Full Review
Date Published: 5/06/08
Also in the 2008 Pontiac Solstice Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Pontiac Solstice Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Pontiac Solstice Review
The 2008 Pontiac Solstice adds some 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.
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.
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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2008 Pontiac Solstice Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Steering/handling | Instruments/controls |
| Acceleration | Cargo room |
| Seat comfort | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| Base, manual | Base, automatic | GXP, manual | GXP, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
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)
(No rear seating.)
| Base, manual | Base, automatic | GXP, manual | GXP, automatic | Class Average |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.4 |
(No rear seating.)
Cargo Room
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 | 53.3 |
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 42 | |
| Average Score | 53 | |
| High Score | 70 |
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2008 Pontiac Solstice Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/05/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| Base 2-door convertible | $22,165 | $20,946 | $620 |
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| GXP 2-door convertible | $27,845 | $26,314 | $620 |
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| SCCA SSB Champion Edition 2-door convertible | $28,400 | $26,838 | $620 |
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| SCCA T2 Champion Edition 2-door convertible | $31,750 | $30,004 | $620 |
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, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, bucket seats, power driver-seat height adjustment, center console, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, satellite radio, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, 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, traction control.
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.
SCCA SSB Champion Edition adds to GXP:
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, leather upholstery, Monsoon AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, sport suspension.
245/45R18 tires, chrome alloy wheels.
SCCA T2 Champion Edition adds to SCCA SSB Champion Edition:
Powertrain
2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler, sport suspension, 245/45WR18 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Preferred Pkg.
|
||
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Base
|
$625
|
$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
|
$395
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$352
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Cruise control, fog lights.
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Premium Pkg.
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Base
|
$690
|
$614
|
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GXP
|
$525
|
$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
|
$1,095
|
$975
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|
Limited-slip differential, antilock brakes, sport suspension. Deletes OnStar assistance system. Replaces CD/MP3 player w/CD player. NA w/5-speed automatic transmission or other options.
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Powertrain |
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5-speed automatic transmission
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Base, GXP, SCCA SSB Champion Edition, SCCA T2 Champion Edition
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$925
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$823
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Limited-slip differential
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Base
|
$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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$895
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$797
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Includes traction control, antiskid system. Requires Preferred Pkg., limited-slip differential.
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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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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
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Base, GXP
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$295
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$262
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Requires Monsoon sound system.
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Monsoon sound system
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Base, GXP
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$395
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$352
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Requires AM/FM/CD/MP3 player or AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer.
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Satellite radio delete
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Base, GXP (credit)
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$-200
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$-178
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Floormats
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Base
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$80
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$71
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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 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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Premium paint
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Base, GXP
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$295
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$263
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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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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 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. | 5.4 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 13.6 |
| Seating Capacity | 2 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.5 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.8 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | -- |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | -- |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | Turbocharged dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.4 /145 | 2.0 /122 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 173 @ 5800 | 260 @ 5300 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 167 @ 4500 | 260 @ 2500 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 19/25 | 19/28 |
| 5-speed automatic | 19/24 | 19/26 |
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 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 5 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 4 |
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
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Pontiac Solstice Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Pontiac Solstice Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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