2007 Pontiac Solstice

Needed Power Boost

With 47 percent more power jammed under its tidy hood, the new-for-2007 GXP version of the Pontiac Solstice roadster is truly quick.

See Pontiac Solstice Images

Pontiac ups the appeal of its wildly popular Solstice roadster by adding a high-performance GXP version for 2007. It features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 260 hp, which is 20 hp more than the 2007 Porsche Boxster.

This engine is the first from General Motors to come with direct injection technology, which boosts power and fuel economy by altering the way fuel is provided to the engine's cylinders. Pontiac says the Solstice GXP accelerates from zero to 60 mph in less than 5.5 seconds, which is slightly quicker than the considerably more expensive Boxster (which starts at $45,000).

Get a Pontiac Solstice Price Quote

The Pontiac Solstice debuted as a 2006 model to immediate accolades and quickly sold out in its initial production run. Like the Mazda MX-5 Miata, it is a modern interpretation of the classic European roadster. Small and simple, it features rear-wheel drive for superior driving dynamics, two seats and a rudimentary manually operated cloth top. It shares platforms and components with the more upscale and pricier Saturn Sky.

Find Pontiac Solstice specs

The base model remains powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces a robust 177 hp, which is about as strong as the MX-5 Miata's four-cylinder engine. A wide stance, good front-to-rear weight distribution, large 18-inch wheels and tires as well as a fully independent suspension with Bilstein shocks deliver crisp cornering abilities. As with most sporty small cars, you can expect the ride to be fairly stiff.

The Pontiac Solstice GXP comes with a more aggressive sport suspension as well as a limited-slip rear differential that shifts power to the wheel with the most traction. Both are optional on the base Solstice. The base and GXP Solstice come with four-wheel disc brakes and either a standard five-speed short-throw Aisin manual transmission or a five-speed automatic.

Pontiac Solstice Vehicle Summary

Special bumpers, dual polished exhaust tips, unique gauges in the instrument panel and a quicker rear axle ratio for better acceleration further set the GXP apart from the standard Solstice.

In order to keep its price below $20,000, stability control is not included and antilock brakes with dynamic rear proportioning are optional on the model. Antilock brakes are included on the Pontiac Solstice GXP, as is a stability control system, which intervenes with brake and throttle input to help keep the car on track on slippery roads and in tricky handling situations. (It can be switched off so that accomplished drivers will be able to kick the car’s rear end out a bit around the curves for faster cornering.)

See Pontiac Solstice 360° tours

One of the Solstice's chief assets is its stunning looks, which are enhanced by the fact that the folding cloth top completely disappears under the rear deck lid. But there are drawbacks to the design: The small trunk is an odd shape and the top significantly cuts cargo space when lowered. Plus, the rear edges of the top must be anchored by pressing down on them to latch them to the body panel. This requires getting out of the car to accomplish and is a step that no other convertible currently for sale demands.

See Pontiac Solstice Pictures

The interior looks clean and uncluttered with its airplane-cockpit-style wraparound instrument panel and stubby shifter on the high center console. But there is much not to like inside the Pontica Solstice: There's hardly any storage space, the materials feel and look cheap and it's noisy and pretty cramped for occupants six feet and taller. The low roofline also significantly impairs visibility out the side windows when the top is up, creates large blind spots and hampers ingress and egress. Interestingly, pedals are placed specifically for the type of heel-and-toe driving enthusiasts pride themselves on mastering.

See all Pontiac models in the Pontiac Showroom

While the base car is fairly austere (air-conditioning is even optional), to maintain a low entry price, the GXP adds features like power locks, mirrors and windows, keyless entry, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with accessory controls and a driver-information display. Optional equipment includes leather upholstery, polished aluminum wheels, GM's excellent OnStar communication/safety system, various audio systems and XM satellite radio compatibility.

Is the Pontiac Solstice for You?