Pontiac Solstice – Christian Wardlaw’s Opinion:
I wish the redesigned Mazda MX-5 Miata looked as alluring, as gorgeous, and as sexy as the Pontiac Solstice. Then, buying the new Miata would be a no-brainer, because aside from giving its new roadster stunningly beautiful lines and exceptional grip in turns, Pontiac provides little reason to choose the Solstice. Our test car, equipped with the late-release five-speed automatic, inspired little confidence in long-term quality. It buzzed, it rattled, and at 35 mph there was a noise coming from the transmission similar to the howl created when blowing across the top of a half-empty bottle with your mouth. The materials are borderline, the ergonomics questionable, the seating position too low, the roof design too complicated, and fuel economy for the first tank registered below 20 mpg. Everywhere I looked, I could see compromise, except when it came to the Solstice’s pitch-perfect sculpturing. Physical lust is often difficult to resist, but without chemistry and substance, there’s little point in taking the object of your affection home for an extended stay. Test drive the Solstice. Buy the MX-5 Miata. Pontiac Solstice – Mike Sullivan’s Opinion:
First, the good news: The Solstice is gorgeous. And if you’re one of those people that automatically blurts out “but the Saturn Sky is way better looking,” just stop it. That’s like comparing Carmen Electra to Pamela Anderson. You may have a preference, but that doesn’t make the other one less attractive. But like so many Hollywood starlets, the Solstice is beautiful on the outside and a wreck on the inside. The engine complains when asked to perform, the automatic transmission refuses to cooperate, and the interior ergonomics are totally self-serving. I accept that in order to deliver the Solstice at a reasonable price, GM had to make compromises on things like the manual ragtop roof, but the awkwardly designed interior is altogether inexcusable. Not only is the cabin constructed from low-grade plastic materials, but several of the car’s basic controls are difficult to operate. The emergency brake sits at chest level, the window controls are located under the driver’s elbow, and the cupholders are positioned behind the driver’s right shoulder. The tricky cross-handed method is the best approach when opening the windows or grabbing a drink. Unfortunately, beauty is only skin deep, and it’s a shame to see such a stunning car marred by so many flaws. Photos by Ron Perry
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About Ron Perry
Before joining the Autobytel family in June of 2005, Ron Perry spent twenty years as a freelance photographer in the automotive community, shooting cars for automakers and magazines, including Road & Track. Before striking out on his own with camera in hand, Ron worked at a daily newspaper as a staff photographer shooting news stories – at least until an editor with a passion for cars fueled his automotive interests. Today, Ron focuses on high-performance sports cars of the past and the designs of the future. Not surprisingly, then, Ron owns a 1990 Porsche 928S4, but someday hopes to add a Ferrari Testarossa, a Lotus Esprit, and Volvo P1800 to his stable. Having to give up his 2000 Jaguar XJR in favor of a 2004 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab was, “a necessity of the craft,” he says.
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