2008 Pontiac Solstice Consumer Reviews

I LOVE THIS CAR!!!!!!

Written by: lovemysolstice on 10/22/2009

Vehicle

2008 Pontiac Solstice 2dr Convertible (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I bought my new 08 Solstice(base) 5 weeks ago and am loving every minute of it. Most of the reviews list similar negatives which are true, but as for the storage issues, lack of a spare tire, fussy top operation, plasticky interior and ridiculous cupholders, etc..., I would not want any of these items improved if it compromised the beautiful looks or low price of the car. Performance in my base model, while nothing exciting, is adequate. I am 6' 215 lbs and the car is plenty comfortable, although I am wishing I had gotten power windows, due only to the fact that the window crank protrudes in to the area where my left leg rests and is a bit uncomfortable. Did I mention that I love this car?

Favorite Features

LOOKS, LOOKS, LOOKS!!!!! This car gets attention everywhere I drive it and I could sit in my garage for hours just staring at it as a beautiful work of art. I really love this car!!!!!

Suggested Improvements

The only thing I am dissatisfied with is the upholstery. This is a base model, so I cant complain too much, but after 900 miles the cloth seats are showing some beginning signs of wear. I am hoping it wont get worse. Did I mention I love this car anyway ????

Report inappropriate post

Lovin' Every Minute of It!!!!!

Written by: LimoBarbie on 08/06/2009

Vehicle

2008 Pontiac Solstice GXP 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

I love this car! 1 sexy machine with a huge "hey BABY" factor. I'm 50 and it makes me feel 16 again! Has every option available, wicked fast even with the auto tranny and I've shown a lot of STUNNED 'Stangs and BMWs tire smoke and tail lights (got the performance upgrade so it's hotter than the reg one) and I had to buy a radar detector because I'm a very bad girl!! Loved my Town Car but after driving TCs for a decade I wanted something HOT-smooth sexy curves and the adorable eager-to-run expression on it's little buck-toothed face makes me smile every time I see it. A real head-turner that folks swear must be an import and blazing speed to keep this old gal happy! I love him SO MUCH!!!!!!

Favorite Features

Monsoon Stereo, leather seats, power windows and cruise control to keep the cops from snagging me for not paying attention--it will run all day at 90 as smooth as at 65! Its a great tanning bed substitute

Suggested Improvements

Keep making them!! Cup holder improvements would be nice as would a spare tire--but that's what OnStar is for I guess. A built in Radar Detector would be super cool--as would some stealth radar absorbing material LOL and move the window switches to the door please!

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Solstice GXP love affair.

Written by: edgar robertson on 08/02/2009

Vehicle

2008 Pontiac Solstice GXP 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

This car is very well received at any local show and shines, and parades, that I have entered it in. I have never found that lowering the top is a problem. And, I routinely complete the task, in 15 seconds. Raising it is only slightly more time consuming, requiring 28-30 seconds. The power window switches could have been better placed. I would have preferred wind up windows, and side pockets. The cup holders, I really could care less. A bigger trunk, would be a great help for weekend touring. But with some creative packing, two can go on a weekend cruise. I also, do not require A/C in a roadster, and would have appreciated the weight savings, and possible extra horse power. Stereo 1st class!

Favorite Features

Power, body style, handling, traction is great. This car has the factory sport suspension, and limited slip differential. It is turbo charged, and gets 32-36 mpg. I like the feel and support of the seats. The sport pedals. The dealership gave me an exceptional deal.Car well treated, full of gas.

Suggested Improvements

Trunk space, reposition cup holders, side pockets if possible, in the doors. offer a luggage rack on the rear deck. reposition power window switches on drivers side. Fender extensions on wheel wells, to prevent rocks, debris from flying up. Better mirrors, improve visibility, especially with top up

Report inappropriate post

Very Satisfied

Written by: KyDave on 06/27/2009

Vehicle

2008 Pontiac Solstice 2dr Convertible (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

After selling a Honda S2000 over year ago I decided to jump back into the vert world. The Solstice really wasn't in the running until I got the $3000 dollar coupon from my GMCard. I paid just over 16.5k for a brand new '08 with the wheel package, Monsoon radio (a must), and a few other goodies. The car stickered at $26,062. An unbelievable deal and I'm pleasantly surprised with the ride, handling and even the performance of the 2.4 ltr. The fit and finish is great and the materials aren't as cheap as I had expected from a GM product. This may just be the best car deal I've ever made.

Favorite Features

Monsoon radio--very nice Short throw shifter is less sluggish than I had expected Appearance with top down is awesome

Suggested Improvements

Leather steering wheel should be standard Small storage area in console would be great for sunglasses etc

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

This is what I've wanted a along

Written by: Paul on 05/02/2009

Vehicle

2008 Pontiac Solstice GXP 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

Magazine reviewers have lost the perspective of being an actual owner of the car. This car makes me feel 25 years younger and, for the first time, strangers actually look at what I'm driving. Even had a couple take a picture of it! It handles like better than any car I've EVER driven, accelerates on a touch, and stops evenly and when I want it to. For a big guy like me, it's comfortable and reasonably roomy (for a roadster, that is).

Favorite Features

Overall responsiveness, standard features, available options. The car is extremely well built, well-fitting parts, no creaks or groans at the joints or seams.

Suggested Improvements

The top of the speedometer is hidden by the steering wheel, as well as the driving light and suspension control switches.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Weekend toy

Written by: redsol on 04/17/2009

Vehicle

2008 Pontiac Solstice 2dr Convertible (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

My wife and I each have one, and they are toys for weekend use. Yes, the guy who placed the switches should be shot, but, in spite of al the complaints from magazine types, we can, with thought, place enough luggage for 2 for a 1 week trip. Just no big bags. There are plenty of storage slots if you look at it, even with the top down. Mileage is way better than EPA says. We get 25 mpg in town on both cars. The top can be a pain, but once you get a system, it's pretty easy. It is a fun car, and handling is great. Took mine to Phx In'tl Raceway's roadcourse and had a blast. yes, the interior design team must have had a party the night before, but the fun factor outweighs the negatives.

Favorite Features

Styling, handling

Suggested Improvements

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

The Quiet Storm

Written by: hypno1dr on 04/06/2009

Vehicle

2008 Pontiac Solstice GXP 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

With cat-like agility and blistering acceleration, I just love my solstice gxp. While driving from San Diego to Las Vegas and staying fairly close to the speed limit (which is difficult) I actually got 33.1 mpg. As far as the manual top, I can pop it down faster than most automatic tops. As far a putting it back up, it takes a little more time, but still, its not that hard and I don't mind. Yes it does have animalistic head turning looks, and yes it gets a lot of attention from the ladies who want to ride with me. Guys if you want a babe-magnet car, with blistering acceleration, and hurricane force winds with top down, this is the beast (i mean car) to have.

Favorite Features

Body style and acceleration. For anyone not use to moving fast, this car can be a scary fast in the begining, but once you get comfortable, you feel as if your into a feral cat ready to pounce on all the mice (other cars)

Suggested Improvements

Some of the buttons could be put in better locations, especially the passenger side seatbelt light.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Solstice Advantage

Written by: Happy camper on 03/03/2009

Vehicle

2008 Pontiac Solstice 2dr Convertible (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I have always been a lover of the Old Vets but have never been able to buy one. The solstice gives me the ability to afford a fun car to drive with out costing me a fortune. I love driving this car and enjoy the looks the people give me when I drive by. There is nothing practicle about this car but that is the reason I bought it. It looks great and is a lot of fun to drive!

Favorite Features

The handling and looks. The 4 cylinder engine does a great job pushing this car down the road.

Suggested Improvements

It is a true two seater and that leaves little or no trunk room when the top is down. Just a tad more trunk would help.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

I'm in love

Written by: pegboy on 02/22/2009

Vehicle

2008 Pontiac Solstice 2dr Convertible (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

My father told me to buy an S2000 and my brother said Miata, so I bought my Solstice. I have never enjoyed driving anything as much as I enjoy taking the top down and cruising in this. It is beautiful, sporty, roomy enough for what I wanted, and most deservingly a head-turner. As for the car critics 'not enough room, interior needs better styling, needs more power and handling,' don't get me started. If it were up to the major critical magazines and publications we would all be driving BMW's and Mercedes anyway. For less than 22K out the door, with rebates and employee pricing, I am fully satisfied and laughing at the Z4's and Kompressors. I think I'm gonna buy my wife the coupe. The top needs no improvement. I timed myself with no help other than my buddy pushing start on the stop watch. 10 seconds to lower the top, 8 to put it back up. Tell me your automatic put-the-car-in-park tops can do that.

Favorite Features

It is as one reviewer said..."Sitting in my own personal rocket ship, ready to take off in 5, 4, 3...

Suggested Improvements

Move up my window buttons, I'm gonna get carpal tunnel from reaching back.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Too Hot

Written by: Brotzy on 10/03/2008

Vehicle

2008 Pontiac Solstice GXP 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

This car is a blast to drive. Everyone stares at you like you are driving a spaceship. Never get tired of driving this car. Stereo is awesome. Speaker behind passenger seat will rock you for sure. I'm 57 and feel 16 when I get behind the wheel. The car is my wife's so I only get to drive on weekends. Should by another for me.

Favorite Features

Performance. Hot. Really have to control yourself because everyone wants to race you. Just smile and ease on!

Suggested Improvements

Drink holders. What were they thinking. Window controls move forward. Fog light switch needs to be so that you do not have to turn on every time the light come on.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post