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2008 Pontiac Solstice Features Review

August 19, 2008

FEATURES | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Club Sport Package…includes firmer suspension tuning and silver-painted wheels
Edmunds

Newly standard on all Solstices are OnStar assistance and a ‘premium acoustic headliner
ConsumerGuide

New standard features…include an MP3-compatile stereo with auxiliary input jack, XM Satellite Radio, Driver Information Center, and OnStar
Kelley Blue Book

The base 2008 Pontiac Solstice is lots of car for the money--but not lots of features.

Most of the items that make a Solstice a true roadster are standard equipment. These include purpose-designed go-fast bits like four-wheel independent short/long-arm suspension, Bilstein coil-over monotube shocks, four-wheel disc brakes, fast-ratio rack-and-pinion steering, and P245/45R18 all-season tires on alloy wheels.

“New standard features,” reports Kelley Blue Book, “include an acoustic headliner, MP3-compatible stereo with auxiliary input jack, XM Satellite Radio, Driver Information Center (DIC) and OnStar.” Thankfully, the rear window in the folding soft top is glass and includes a defroster.

“There are three logically-grouped packages,” says Edmunds in reference to the Solstice’s optional equipment. The Preferred package includes the power bits you might expect to be standard, like locks, windows, mirrors, and keyless entry. To get cruise control, you must opt for the Convenience package, which also gets you fog lamps. Finally, the Premium Package graces the interior with leather seating and a leather-wrapped wheel with radio controls. Note that air conditioning, as well as anti-lock brakes, are stand-alone options.

“Also new for 2008,” notes ConsumerGuide, “are the Solstice SCCA SSB and SCCA T2 Champion Edition models.” Both of these sport-themed models feature standard leather upholstery, firmer suspension tune, and specific silver-painted wheels.

Conclusion

Mechanically chock-full but lacking in some basics, the 2008 Pontiac Solstice requires plenty of options to be considered truly competitive.

FEATURES | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:Club Sport Package…includes firmer suspension tuning and silver-painted wheelsEdmundsNewly standard on all Solstices are OnStar assistance and a ‘premium acoustic headlinerConsumerGuideNew standard features…include an MP3-compatile stereo with auxiliary input jack, XM Satellite Radio, Driver Information Center, and OnStarKelley Blue Book The base 2008 Pontiac Solstice is lots of car for the money--but not lots of features. Most of the items that make a Solstice a true roadster are standard equipment. These include purpose-designed go-fast bits like four-wheel independent short/long-arm suspension, Bilstein coil-over monotube shocks, four-wheel disc brakes, fast-ratio rack-and-pinion steering, and P245/45R18 all-season tires on alloy wheels. “New standard features,” reports Kelley Blue Book, “include an acoustic headliner, MP3-compatible stereo with auxiliary input jack, XM Satellite Radio, Driver Information Center (DIC) and OnStar.” Thankfully, the rear window in the folding soft top is glass and includes a defroster. “There are three logically-grouped packages,” says Edmunds in reference to the Solstice’s optional equipment. The Preferred package includes the power bits you might expect to be standard, like locks, windows, mirrors, and keyless entry. To get cruise control, you must opt for the Convenience package, which also gets you fog lamps. Finally, the Premium Package graces the interior with leather seating and a leather-wrapped wheel with radio controls. Note that air conditioning, as well as anti-lock brakes, are stand-alone options. “Also new for 2008,” notes ConsumerGuide, “are the Solstice SCCA SSB and SCCA T2 Champion Edition models.” Both of these sport-themed models feature standard leather upholstery, firmer suspension tune, and specific silver-painted wheels. ConclusionMechanically chock-full but lacking in some basics, the 2008 Pontiac Solstice requires plenty of options to be considered truly competitive.  2008 PONTIAC SOLSTICE STYLING | [8 out of 10] Road & Track: “a 21st-century American concept car brought to life” Kelley Blue Book: “exotic good looks” Edmunds: “turns heads just about everywhere it goes” Road & Track: “a cockpit defined — and constricted — by its sweeping ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Saturn Sky is very closely related to the 2008 Pontiac Solstice but includes much more standard equipment, albeit for a base price that’s several thousand dollars higher, although many consider the Saturn’s interior design to be superior to that of the Solstice. The Honda S2000 may be the closest competitor to the Solstice GXP; it brings an incredibly rev-happy 237-horsepower, 2.2-liter VTEC four-cylinder and six-speed manual. Though it doesn’t match the Red Line for straight-line performance, it beats it for the tactile experience. The Miata covers the basics with a certain tactile charm that the Solstice lacks; the shift action, very direct steering feel, and sound of the modest engine powering the balanced, lightweight roadster is still unbeatable. The torquey Nissan 350Z Roadster is also worth a look for those who seek V-6 grunt above all else.

Next Steps:

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 Pontiac Solstice

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for a 2008 Pontiac Solstice near you

See the Pontiac Solstice in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006

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