Saw a Pontiac Solstice up close

[driverdriver]

I actually saw it a few days ago, but I didn't have an opportunity to write.It was sitting towards the back of the lot at the downtown Toronto GM dealer close to where I work. I think they where driving it around in the evenings, because there are a ton of people here for the Toronto International Film Festival. Especially media types from everywhere in the world along with photographers. Some impressions. I managed to get very close to it. No one was around and the top was down. Exterior wise very impressive, I see some Miata and BMW Z roadster in it. Interior, very disappointing. I have a hunch the one I saw was the cheapest one you could buy. The interior was very econo car, lots of flat plastic and the aluminum trim wasn't real. It looked like plastic parts where dipped in aluminum paint. I was disappointed, a base Hyundai Accent has a nicer interior and costs much less.

[Mr1der]

rofl...

that's my GM!

[Bubba1]

rofl...

that's my GM!

Fiero II ??

[Mr1der]

let's see if it'll catch on fire!

[1991S13]

I saw one yesterday in the Pontiac booth at the track. Exterior is actually pretty nice, considering it is from the same company that designed the Aztec and "brought back" the GTO with a glorified Grand Prix.

I agree about the interior though. It seems like a lot of car manufacturers are going all out on the exterior then putting crappy breakable looking plastic inside.

[Mr1der]

the GTO is nothing like a GP however...

but yeah, it was pretty damn bland...still is.

[dfw240_EE]

I sorta like the subdued appearance of the GTO, plus you can't argue too much with a 400HP engine stock (well, maybe from a mileage standpoint, of course).

But if I get the money, I may pick up a Saturn Sky/Pontiac Solstice as a daily driver. Let that vehicle take the day to day brunt and leave the 240SX for weekend fun.

[Jesda]

Automobile Magazine (the only car magazine written for people who didnt drop out of middle school) recently gave the nod to the Solstice over the Miata.

[Mr1der]

scary....

even more neutral handling?

[MinisterofDOOM]

Automobile Magazine (the only car magazine written for people who didnt drop out of middle school) recently gave the nod to the Solstice over the Miata.

C/D did the same. Just barely, but the Solstice got the nod.

Of course, this was the magazine that saw fit to put the Avalon and Maxima in the same category, and then give the Avalon the win...I guess at least the Solstice and Miata fall into the same category...

[MS180SX]

But if I get the money, I may pick up a Saturn Sky/Pontiac Solstice as a daily driver. Let that vehicle take the day to day brunt and leave the 240SX for weekend fun.

i hear that.. rumor is that in the next few years a forced air induction model ( turbo or supercharged) will become available with aprox 250hp. I asked the guys with the car at the NHRA fall Nationals in Englishtown.

2800 lb, 2.4l rwd sports car huh? sounds familiar

[Bubba1]

Automobile Magazine (the only car magazine written for people who didnt drop out of middle school) recently gave the nod to the Solstice over the Miata.

Sounds like their rankings are directly proportional to the advertising dollars they receive from the manufacturers.

[Jesda]

Sounds like their rankings are directly proportional to the advertising dollars they receive from the manufacturers.

Not really... at all.

They spent last month's issue raving about the new Miata in a standalone review by Jean Jennings. Much of last year was spent raving about the Mazda 6, which won a readers award. Automobile Magazine favors Mazda more than most brands, especially Pontiac. Implying a GM bias might work if it was Car and Driver, but its way way off with A.M.

[MinisterofDOOM]

Not really... at all.

They spent last month's issue raving about the new Miata in a standalone review by Jean Jennings. Much of last year was spent raving about the Mazda 6, which won a readers award. Automobile Magazine favors Mazda more than most brands, especially Pontiac. Implying a GM bias might work if it was Car and Driver, but its way way off with A.M.

Yeah, that's exactly how C/D was as well.They did a deal where they reviewed each one, and raved and raved about the MX-5. But when it came time to pit them against eachother, the Solstice BARELY came out on top, because it's more of a versatile microtourer than the MX-5.

[Bubba1]

Yeah, that's exactly how C/D was as well.They did a deal where they reviewed each one, and raved and raved about the MX-5. But when it came time to pit them against eachother, the Solstice BARELY came out on top, because it's more of a versatile microtourer than the MX-5.

Lets the GM recalls begin....

[Jesda]

The original Miata was also chosen, in the same issue of AM, as one of the ten best sports cars of all time.

[dfw240_EE]

I just looked at the website for the Saturn Sky (Pontiac Solstice with a Saturn logo). It has a short/long arm double wishbone suspension front and back. Damn, the 240SX crowd got stuck with McPherson in front. This may be something I should look deeper into.

[Jesda]

With ridiculous demand, you'll get smacked with dealer markups. Go for a second-gen Miata.

[driverdriver]

Why the hell is GM launching this vehicle now, when drop top season is over?

[MinisterofDOOM]

Why the hell is GM launching this vehicle now, when drop top season is over?

I think you just answered your own question.

[dfw240_EE]

With ridiculous demand, you'll get smacked with dealer markups. Go for a second-gen Miata.

OK, when I say "look into it" I mean for purchase witihin 3-4 years This accomplishes a number of things, the 3 chief ones being:

1) This gives me time to see if it's a total lemon, I will let the "I HAVE to buy this as soon as it comes out crowd" take that risk for me.

2) 3-4 years I may be able to find one 2-3 years used. Let someone else take the depreciation for me.

3) I can start saving now, and maybe even setup some sort of investment account to gain interest on my savings if I dare take that risk. This should give me a fat down payment and if my investment risk pays off the bank pays ME interest.

I figure within that time frame, the demand for them will be similar to where the 350Z is now. Strong demand, but not insane.

[JimmyMethod]

Sky >> Solstice

Personally, I'd want the Saturn Curve, but hey...

[dfw240_EE]

Yeah, I agree that I like the Saturn better than the Solstice, but if I can find a Solstice one for a better price it's the same car anyways.