2006 Pontiac Solstice Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Pontiac's first true sports car, the 2006 Solstice is strong on style and appearance if not so much on performance. There's no denying this...
Pontiac's first true sports car, the 2006 Solstice is strong on style and appearance if not so much on performance. There's no denying this is a sleek, sexy, curvaceous model that will make grown men and women drool just to get close to it. Built on GM's new Kappa platform, the two-door convertible is longer and wider than its closest competitor, the Miata. The pushed-out wheels give it a lower, meaner stance, with more stability on the road.
The 2006 Pontiac Solstice, however, comes with a 2.4-liter, DOHC Ecotec I4 engine that gets 177 hp, which is pleasantly fast and responsive, but not quite road-burning material. A 5-speed manual is standard, and a 5-speed automatic optional. It also comes with few standard features, to keep the weight of the car as light as possible. Air conditioning, ABS brakes, and power locks and windows are all optional. Trunk space is pretty much non-existent, especially when the soft top is folded into it. The dashboard is folded around the driver, with deeply inset gauges lit red at night.
The selling point for the 2006 Solstice is its neck-straining, head-turning looks. Along with its smooth curves, both the hood and trunk lids open outward rather than toward the car. GM wanted to build a sports convertible that hearkened back to classic roadsters, and on looks alone, the Solstice is a hit.
Owners love the looks, overwhelmingly saying it is a "chick magnet." Good gas mileage (20/28), a low price tag, and road-gripping cornering and handling make this a fun affordable sports car, just as long as you don't expect to win any drag races. But there seem to be lots of features that GM still has to work out. The top is manually raised and lowered, which can be cumbersome and slow. The lack of trunk space means there is no spare tire, only a can of sealant and an air compressor. Storage compartments do not exist. The gauges seem too deep to read sometimes, and visibility and headroom are quite limited with the top up (thanks to a tiny rear window and poorly designed mirrors). Drivers desperately wish for more horsepower as well. But in a society that often values style over substance, the 2006 Solstice is a big winner.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2006 Pontiac Solstice have a lot of love for this sporty two-seater. They rave about its fun driving experience, great styling, and decent fuel economy. However, many drivers wish for more power and note some quality issues, particularly with the interior materials and overall build quality."
Purchased the car in 2006 received as anniversary present from husband. What a nice surprise. The leather interior looks great and the engine runs smooth. Let the top down and enjoy the ride. Have only taken car in for normal routine checkups and oil change. Have never had any probelms with this car. I'd give it an A+.
August 24, 2011Awesome little car! I had to get rid of mine because my granddaughter was born and it was illegal to carry a baby in a child seat in the front.
March 21, 2024fun to drive. Great styling. Great value for the $$
April 21, 2020What owners say
Purchased the car in 2006 received as anniversary present from husband. What a nice surprise. The leather interior looks great and the engine runs smooth. Let the top down and enjoy the ride. Have only taken car in for normal routine checkups and oil change. Have never had any probelms with this car. I'd give it an A+.
August 24, 2011Awesome little car! I had to get rid of mine because my granddaughter was born and it was illegal to carry a baby in a child seat in the front.
March 21, 2024fun to drive. Great styling. Great value for the $$
April 21, 2020This car was a blast to drive in the city, on the highway, in the country or on the coast. Fuel economy is great, performance is outstanding and styling is superb. Even after having the car for 8 years, we still get looks from people.
December 12, 2014Perfect choice for what I have in mind and want. The price selection was better than I expected
November 20, 2021Surprisingly it did not have an electric convertible top, was difficult for my wife to put the top up. Otherwise nice except not very responsive in acceleration.
February 15, 2020I like the simple sexy sporty looking exterior, driver is very close to rear mirror giving excellent visibility, solid construction, great handling on fast sharp curves, very comfortable seat with head rest, powerful air conditioner, hood can be deployed and put back in few seconds.
June 24, 2014I loved the Solstice, it’s an awesome vehicle. So why the 3 stars? Well it’s under powered even in the turbo model; had it been brought to us in a v6 or v8 like originally intended it would be an invaluable opportunity for it to be classified as a cheap super car. All around independent adjustable suspension. The potential it nearly limitless.
July 23, 2021I love it! It is unbelievable fun to drive, flings around corners beautifully, could be a couple hundred pounds lighter. It needs more horsepower! So far, no problems with the car. :) How can you not love the way it looks?
October 5, 2009I had a chance to work the little solstice out on GM's test track in Las Vegas. With an Ecotec motor, I wasn't expecting much. What I got was a lot more than I bargained for. The car accelerates almost as hard as a Corvette, and handles almost as well as one too. The interior is pretty tight, if I was a large fellow or tall to any degree, I wouldn't consider purchasing this car. The Ecotec motor delivered mediocre performance, and was extremely noisy with buzzing and vibrations, reminding me of my friend's beat up '03 Sunfire. Handling and braking, however, were top notch. Build quality could be better: I did feel as if the car was not as solid as it could have been. You certainly can't beat the looks of this little roadster, and it's certainly more masculine than the comparable Miata. All in all, definitely a car I'd recommend, and take to the autocross course.
February 11, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $20,490 | Seating 2 |
Engine 2.4L 177 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 5.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain RWD |
