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New car reviews » 2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe

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Better than: A Miata on track
But not as good as: A Miata everywhere else
GRM Bang For The Buck Index: 86.57  

Driving the Pontiac Solstice GXP is a bit of a tease. From behind the wheel, there’s a lot to love. Dynamically, the Solstice GXP is exceptional, with high limits and a sense of predictability and drivability that usually only exist as a tradeoff for one other. The turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter engine has a rising power curve that becomes more intoxicating the more you run it to the redline. The looks—especially when it comes to the coupe—are as stunning and creative as anything currently being produced by any manufacturer.

Oh, wait. That’s not entirely true, because cars that look like this aren’t being produced by any manuacturer. Pontiac committed corporate seppuku in the great GM purge of ought-nine, taking the Solstice with it to the great beyond.

It’s a little like your dad giving you a cute puppy for Christmas, letting you play with it, then putting the puppy in a rocket headed for the sun.

Until that final impact, however, you could do worse than to snap up a Solstice GXP—especially in coupe form. The coupe has all the makings of a future collectible—cool looks, limited production, niche appeal and now orphan status. Those are the kinds of selling points you hear tossed around at Pebble Beach.

Of course, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows and unicorns making each other smile sandwiches with the Solstice. It does have its unpolished side, too. For one, the removable top on the coupe stores in exactly one place: Above the driver’s head.

Want to do some al fresco motoring? Leave the top at home and pray it doesn’t rain. Of course, nothing inside the car will get wet because there’s no place to keep anything inside the car. The interior, while ergonomically excellent, is devoid of useful cubbies and parcel shelves. They say you can’t take it with you. They apparently own Solstices.

Also, whatever is behind you on the road is irrelevant. Or, it may as well be because you’ll never see it.

Aside from those foibles, when it comes to the pure act of driving and enjoying yourself behind the wheel, a Solstice is a great choice. Get one—while you still can.

Other staff views:

David S. Wallens Editorial Director:

This is probably one of the best looking cars I have seen in a while. I love—love!—the looks. Our test car’s color was also absolutely stunning.

My first stop with the car was our local slot car track. And that’s where I ran into a little problem: I absolutely could not see if traffic was coming while trying to back out of my parking spot. I know that cars are designed to go forward but, wow, holy blind spot, Batman.

Reader comments:

1. forzav12: — Aug 21, 2009 10:55 a.m.
   

   I disagree with the “not as good as a Miata everywhere else” comment. It’s far better looking, might hold its value better, is just as comfortable, better warranty and will be far more exclusive. While what you say is true regarding storage, I don’t buy sportscars looking for storage,Ipod connects and top storage-I want stunning looks, great track manners and that elusive “something special”. The Solstice coupe has that in spades.

2. alex: — Aug 21, 2009 11:48 a.m.
   

   Chuckleworthy review. Nicely written. Would do business with again. A+++++

3. JG Pasterjak: — Aug 21, 2009 6:24 p.m.
   

   The “not as good as a Miata everywhere else” comment sort of reflects my opinion of overall livability. In other words, if you could only have one car, and it had to be a Miata or a Solstice, I think the Miata would be easier to live with. But, yeah, I completely agree with your assessment there.

4. Capt Slow: — Aug 21, 2009 6:58 p.m.
   

   Wow, you guys have really kicked you videos up a notch.

5. Tim Baxter: — Aug 21, 2009 7:53 p.m.
   

   That’s all JG. He’s down with the video thing.

6. jikelly: — Aug 22, 2009 9:07 a.m.
   

   The Solstice has the pop the Miata is missing. Hate it’s out of production. I was looking forward to the next model fixing the grips and thoroughly trouncing the Miata.

7. miwifri: — Aug 25, 2009 9:16 p.m.
   

   Discounted left over S2000s (including CRs) have been in this price range. That’s my choice.

8. rwdsport: — Sep 10, 2009 1:11 a.m.
   

   ^ could not agree more. Ill take the screamer :D

9. Cotton: — Sep 16, 2009 11:05 a.m.
   

   Picked ours up last night. Very happy with it!

10. aussiesmg: — Sep 22, 2009 7:14 a.m.
    

    Great video, sorry Mrs JG but it was worth it

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