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2009 Pontiac Solstice Performance Review

February 22, 2009

PERFORMANCE | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Blazing acceleration from GXP model
Edmunds

Automatic transmission has no tangible acceleration penalty vs. the manual
Consumer Guide

The hot version is actually more frugal than the base model
Road and Track

Fantastic steering
Car and Driver

The 2009 Pontiac Solstice is a purebred sportscar, and reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that it offers thrills in spades.

The two trim levels of the Pontiac Solstice offer vastly different driving experiences, thanks to their vastly different engines. Edmunds reviewers state that "a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 177 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque powers the base Solstice, while the turbocharged four in the GXP models kicks the power output to 260 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque." The naturally aspirated variant of the engine is capable, and Edmunds reports that "it goes from zero to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds," but the real thrills come from the turbocharged powerplant in the Pontiac Solstice GXP. ConsumerGuide says that the souped-up versions clock in at "less than 5.5 seconds 0-60," and Automobile Magazine is shocked to report that it boasts "a specific output exceeding that of every turbocharged engine on the market save Porsche's new 911 and Mitsubishi's Lancer Evolution."

Sadly, the transmission options for the 2009 Pontiac Solstice can't live up to the fantastic engines that sit under the hood. ConsumerGuide reviewers are disappointed with the available five-speed manual, which they say "has notchy, imprecise shift action," though on the positive side, they note that "the automatic transmission has no tangible acceleration penalty vs. the manual."

Another performance aspect worth loving about the 2009 Pontiac Solstice is its respectable fuel economy ratings. According to the EPA, the turbocharged 2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP actually returns better mileage, at 19 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway, while the base Solstice has a slight fuel economy penalty, at 19 mpg city and 25 on the highway.

Aside from a pair of capable, grin-inducing engines, the 2009 Pontiac Solstice offers impressive handling and ride characteristics. Car and Driver reviewers rave about the "sparkling handling," although they point out that the Pontiac Solstice is "too heavy to match the vivid immediacy ... of the Mazda MX-5." Edmunds says that the "2009 Pontiac Solstice exhibits little body roll and substantial cornering grip," which "makes the car enjoyable on a twisty road, but hard-core enthusiasts will notice that the heavy-handed steering lacks feedback." Edmunds remarks that "braking performance is respectable, with a stop from 60 mph coming in the 120-foot range."

Conclusion

If you're looking for an agile sportscar to brighten up the commute, the 2009 Pontiac Solstice might be for you.

PERFORMANCE | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Blazing acceleration from GXP modelEdmundsAutomatic transmission has no tangible acceleration penalty vs. the manualConsumer GuideThe hot version is actually more frugal than the base modelRoad and TrackFantastic steeringCar and Driver The 2009 Pontiac Solstice is a purebred sportscar, and reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that it offers thrills in spades. The two trim levels of the Pontiac Solstice offer vastly different driving experiences, thanks to their vastly different engines. Edmunds reviewers state that "a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 177 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque powers the base Solstice, while the turbocharged four in the GXP models kicks the power output to 260 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque." The naturally aspirated variant of the engine is capable, and Edmunds reports that "it goes from zero to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds," but the real thrills come from the turbocharged powerplant in the Pontiac Solstice GXP. ConsumerGuide says that the souped-up versions clock in at "less than 5.5 seconds 0-60," and Automobile Magazine is shocked to report that it boasts "a specific output exceeding that of every turbocharged engine on the market save Porsche's new 911 and Mitsubishi's Lancer Evolution." Sadly, the transmission options for the 2009 Pontiac Solstice can't live up to the fantastic engines that sit under the hood. ConsumerGuide reviewers are disappointed with the available five-speed manual, which they say "has notchy, imprecise shift action," though on the positive side, they note that "the automatic transmission has no tangible acceleration penalty vs. the manual." Another performance aspect worth loving about the 2009 Pontiac Solstice is its respectable fuel economy ratings. According to the EPA, the turbocharged 2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP actually returns better mileage, at 19 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway, while the base Solstice has a slight fuel economy penalty, at 19 mpg city and 25 on the highway. Aside from a pair of capable, grin-inducing engines, the 2009 Pontiac Solstice offers impressive handling and ride characteristics. Car and Driver reviewers rave about the "sparkling handling," although they point out that the Pontiac Solstice is "too heavy to match the vivid immediacy ... of the Mazda MX-5." Edmunds says that the "2009 Pontiac Solstice exhibits little body roll and substantial cornering grip," which "makes the car enjoyable on a twisty road, but hard-core enthusiasts will notice that the heavy-handed steering lacks feedback." Edmunds remarks that "braking performance is respectable, with a stop from 60 mph coming in the 120-foot range." ConclusionIf you're looking for an agile sportscar to brighten up the commute, the 2009 Pontiac Solstice might be for you. 2009 PONTIAC SOLSTICE STYLING | [8 out of 10] Edmunds: "This curvaceous roadster still commands looks from fellow drivers" Road and Track: "A cockpit defined—and constricted—by its sweeping center console" Autoblog: "Decidedly behind the curve" As if last year's Pontiac Solstice ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

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 GXP 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. Compared to the Solstice, the mechanically identical Saturn Sky includes more standard features at a higher price, although styling is quite different—and perhaps superior—on the Sky.

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See the Pontiac Solstice in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006

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