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"What's the best car to buy," I'm often asked. The answer is, no one car fits all situations. Most of us compromise to find that one car fitting our needs and pocket book while also fulfilling some of our wants. While a four-door sedan, SUV or even a pickup truck may be necessary; most of us still want a sexy little sports car for fun and sun. The market is full of excellent top down roadsters like the Corvette or BMW Z4 but most of these exotic two seat roadsters will set you back some serious change. For fun factor to dollar ratio, the Mazda Miata has ruled supreme in the under $30,000 convertible roadster segment. It's proven to be fun, reliable and is absolutely unmatched for the price. But in 2002, General Motors unveiled a concept car, promising top down excitement for under $20,000. The 2006 Pontiac Solstice delivers on this promise. With a base MSRP, excluding delivery charges, of $19,915 the 2006 Pontiac Solstice is the most exciting two-seat roadster design for the dollar on the planet. The honeycomb dual kidney grill may be mistaken for a BMW, but is by far the best design interpretation of the distinctive Pontiac front grill ever. Perfectly proportioned with a long hood and short rear deck the Solstice is an inspired work of art. Behind the headrest, the rear deck lid bulges with two integrated fairings straight from exotic racers of yesteryear. The aggressive stance of exterior design is a flawless rendering for a two seat, convertible sports car. Settling into the snug seats and wrapping your fingers around the thick sporty steering wheel, the Solstice is designed for driving. Cup holders? It's got three, but they are inconvenient. You want a tray to lay your cell phone in? Forget it. You have bags, briefcases or even a big purse? You'd better not be bringing a passenger. The 2006 Pontiac Solstice is made for driving and looking good. If you want to haul luggage, groceries or your neighbors' three kids, go get the minivan or SUV. The Solstice is meant to drive. Drive it will. Weighing in at a trim 2,860 pounds the 2.4 Liter Ecotec four cylinder engine pumps out a very adequate 177 horsepower and 166 lb. ft. of torque. Balanced in a perfect 50/50 weight ratio and big 18-inch tires, Solstice hugs the road in pure sports car fashion. Obviously, I love the car. Now that the Toyota MR2 and Honda S2000 are both history only the Mazda Miata remains as a direct competitor to the Pontiac Solstice. Charting both vehicles in side-by-side specifications is an exercise in automotive punditry for the numbers will render no significant difference between the two cars. In the end it will be personal preference rather than printed specifications. The Miata is priced slightly higher, but with such limited availability it is a rare Pontiac dealer that would discount the Solstice. So even from a price standpoint it may be a toss-up. In my opinion the Mazda Miata remains slightly more refined. I find it smoother and quieter that the Solstice. The Miata has more usable storage space and offers a real trunk that will fit a small golf bag. The Miata has bulletproof reliability with a longer warranty. But the Pontiac Solstice is cooler looking. The design is new and fresh. I like the clamshell reverse opening trunk and hood on the Solstice. The "Batman" looking rear trunk deck is awesome. Pontiac Solstice is an American sports car built by American workers earning a middle class union wage. I like that. Bottom line is the 2006 Pontiac Solstice is an awesome vehicle. For under $25,000 the Solstice will turn more heads than many $100,000 cars. If you are fortunate to obtain one of these exciting vehicle you may never drive your SUV again. Life is just too short to drive ugly cars.
2006 Pontiac Solstice
2.4 Liter Engine
Base MSRP $19,915
20/28 MPG Additional Web only Information and Resources For Additional Reviews: |
©2006 - Stan Risener