2009 Pontiac Solstice Quality Review

The compact 2009 Pontiac Solstice looks great from the outside, but reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that it still has a long way to go in matching its other cramped roadster competitors in terms of comfort and quality.

The 2009 Pontiac Solstice's passenger capacity stands at two, which is the norm for a sporty convertible, but the seating conditions aren't so great even at that. Edmunds advises that "taller drivers will find adequate legroom and headroom, but hiproom is a bit tight due to the car's wide transmission tunnel." ConsumerGuide reports that "overall space is tighter for six-footers than the Mazda MX-5 Miata, but leg space is adequate," although the "low seats won't suit some shorter drivers." On the positive side, reviewers at Kelley Blue Book appreciate that the Pontiac Solstice "has generous shoulder room," but the pros at CarGurus lament the "uncomfortable seating."

While reviews of the seating arrangement in the Pontiac Solstice are decidedly mixed, sentiment regarding available cargo space is universally negative. CarGurus experts advise that "if you're considering taking anything with you in the Solstice, other than what you can cram in your pockets, forget it." ConsumerGuide agrees, calling the available cargo room "very poor" and reporting that "GM claims these convertibles have 5.4 cu ft of trunk space with the top up, but that figure seems overly generous." The Pontiac Solstice coupe doesn't run into the problem of having to store the top anywhere, but Edmunds still says that "the Solstice's small, reverse-opening trunk (a smidge more than 5 cubic feet in both body styles) challenges one's weekend-trip packing ability."

Interior quality is also a sore spot for the 2009 Pontiac Solstice, drawing the ire of several reviewers. Edmunds contends that "the interior design would be attractive, save for an abundance of hard plastic—a telltale sign of the Solstice's low price point." CarGurus reports that "even for hard plastic, it just looks cheap," noting that "this could perhaps be forgiven, if it weren't for the multitude of complaints regarding squeaks and rattles that have been heard since the first year of the Solstice." ConsumerGuide reviewers also notice that several cars "suffered from a variety of squeaks and rattles," which is emblematic of the subpar construction quality on the 2009 Pontiac Solstice.

Sources also note that cabin noise can be annoying. Consumer Guide gripes that the "new 'premium acoustic headliner' does little to mask engine drone," while "the engines are buzzy or boomy depending on rpm."

Although the editors of TheCarConnection.com drive plenty of sportscars, they rate the ride quality of the Pontiac Solstice to be among the choppiest and most jarring. However, it’s fair to point out Consumer Guide observes that "base models are remarkably compliant and composed over most bumps."