Used 2006 Pontiac Solstice Convertible Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
13 years and 160,000 miles
I bought my '06 Solstice in 2008, when it had about 15K miles. Upon delivery the top fastening hook was damaged, and the rear end was bad (differential too noisy to be OK). The water pump had a small leak, too. A dealership replaced the rear end as a warrantied item, and I fixed the top. Nearly 85K miles later, the water pump seal was finally passing enough coolant to warrant replacing the pump. Eventually the car started hard-shifting, especially when down-shifting. After replacing the two actuator sensors at the overhead cams, the shifting issue (mostly) went away. I've since figured out dirty oil, thin oil, or low oil contribute to the sensors' compel the car's TCM to go into protection mode, so when it does malfunction I know what to inspect/do. At 160,000 the car is very reliable, and still gets compliments. All of my children have taken turns using it as their daily driver, and they've loved every minute driving the car.
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
My American English Roadster
I have long wished for an affordable English Roadster - 2 seats, impractical, zoomy, fun car. Most of those have left the realm of affordability. So after test driving 5 times, I took a chance on this car. No regrets at all. I love how it drives, I love how zoomy it is. There are so few out there that you don't see many on the road and people think it is WAY more expensive a sports car than it actually is. Heads turn wherever I go and people approach me at the gas station to talk about it. Since it is my 'fun car', I do not worry much about the storage capacity (there is almost none). If you are looking for something to cruise in, run about on a beautiful day or drive to work (and then daydream about leaving for the day) than this is your car. ON THE OTHER HAND - I wish GM had put a little nicer fit and finish in the interior. The hard plastics are a bummer and the leather isn't great. The top is a little wonky to get up and down, but when stowed the car looks fantastic. I have had the car for over a year now and have only had to change the oil.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
- Base ConvertibleMSRP: $11,4916 mi away
- Base ConvertibleMSRP: $7,99023 mi away
- Base ConvertibleMSRP: $9,98935 mi away
Fun, looks great, and very quirky
The Solstice is the latest two-seater convertible I've owned; previous cars include the Honda del Sol (my all-time favorite car), the Toyota MR2 Spyder, the Audi TT, Mercedes SLK 230, Mazda MX-5 Miata, and the BMW Z3. Here's what I see as the good and bad after owning my vehicle for about a month: First, it looks great. I have gotten several compliments on it already. I love the lines and the way the convertible top completely disappears into the trunk. The car is a blast to drive, and it hugs the road. There's no windscreen, but the heat blasts strong, keeping me toasty on a chilly day. The gas mileage overall has been just OK, but I did get about 33 MPG on a recent road trip. Now, for the not-so-good...this is the quirkiest car I've ever had. I didn't notice until after I had bought the car that there are no power windows or locks. I thought that just about every car had power windows and locks; you have to roll the windows up and down with the old-fashioned hand crank. The cup holders are behind the driver in the center, making them pretty useless, especially when one has to use his right hand to shift the gears. The hood release takes a scavenger hunt to find. It's kind of a pain in the butt to put the top up or down, but I don't mind that too badly; I'm spoiled because I had been driving convertibles with power tops; and with the Spyder and Miata it was simple to put the top up or down from inside the car. The build quality doesn't seem good; the leather on the seats seems like it will rip eventually, and there's plastic, plastic, plastic everywhere. With all that, I still love the car. I didn't buy it because I mistakenly thought it was a Z4; I bought it because it had low mileage, looked great, and the overall reviews from owners are very good. The bottom line is that if you can tolerate the quirks, this car is just plain FUN. I plan to keep this beauty for a long time; I bought a beater for run in the winter time.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
I love my Solstice!
A lot has been said about this car's downfalls. All I know is, when I drive this car, I get excited. I haven't met anyone who hasn't fallen in love with it's looks. Why else would you buy a 2 seat convertible? This car is more fun than when I used to ride a motorcycle. Compare the Solstice to its competitors. For looks, you'll need to compare it to a car nearly three times the price. I love my Solstice!
It is a number 60 in the first year of production
Love the style, very reliable handles great. Stero wonderful the looks of this car is priceless, and I feel like a millionaire driving the car in the Hamptons. People stop to say that I have a beautiful car. I really love it. Never a problem right now I have 8800 miles. Very low. But I intend to use it much more this summer.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
wotariot
This is the perfect vehicle to be used for exactly the target of its designers & engineers. A weekend fun car. Not a long distance tourer (trust me, I drove round trip from the Detroit area to Orlando - NOT recommended), not a daily commuter in the Rust Belt.) But for a top down weekend get-away, it's GREAT.
It's so cute!
I just love this car! I just turned 40 and this car is turning heads daily! Someone stops me to ask about it all the time. Nobody knows what it is; a Porsche, BMW, Jag? It looks much more expensive than it is. Love the styling, the way the interior just wraps around you and the when the top is down I'm in heaven! My husband is so jealous, but hey, he has his Harley, and now I have mine! Hair in the wind, seats two and has just about as much cargo space! It is so much fun to drive! My only complaint is the lack of trunk space, but that hasn't stopped me from Costco runs! You'd be surprised how much it can actually hold! To sum it up, GREAT car, much better than the Miata!
Vroom Vroom
I got my Solstice in January 06, just after my daughter turned 21 years old. Now, it's just me and the Chihuahuas. Such a fun, fun car to drive. Heads turn all over the place, especially with the top down. Love the sound that she makes. A neighbor once asked if I had made modifications. Nope I told him, she just purrs like that. Vroom, vroom.
Fun to drive car
The Pontiac solstice should never be thought of as a daily driver! It is a fun to drive car! It has very little storage space and space is confined in the cockpit. I bought it to replace the motorcycle I gave up! And it has replaced it well! It doesn't have very good straight away speed but it corners like it's on rails! Something I was looking for! Gas mileage is about the same as as large cc motorcycle but you have a fantastic stereo system, heating and cooling as well as cruise control! I would suggest buying one of these as opposed to a motorcycle!
Two years and love my Solstice
Great car to drive. Most reviews I've read are on manual transmissions. I ordered an Automatic, hey! I'm getting on in years and manuals are just to difficult for these tired broken limbs. Anyway, I had to wait almost six months for it to come into the dealers. Well worth the wait. I love the sports car feel, it's like you can feel the weather lines that run horizontally across the pavement or the lines where the concrete pieces in the road come together.
Want to provide “I just bought used review“
I wanted to provide a recent review to help out those looking at a used Solstice. First, there are a fair amount of low mile examples I saw for sale but at higher prices. I found a 105,000 model that definitely shows it was a driver but that’s what I want to do, drive and enjoy. If I had bought a pristine example; every ding, rock chip or using it factor would crush me. This car already has a bumper crack, door ding and rock chips you’re going to get on these winter affected Midwest roads I live with. The price I therefore paid reflects this. In my opinion this car seemed to have the best “drive & enjoy” to price factor I could find in a roadster type car in my local area. For those who wonder how a multiple owner 105,000 mile used Solstice has held up, it’s pretty darn good. Now, owner pride factors will always show and previous owners of this vehicle were not hard “use and abuse” drivers I would say. It did show pretty dirty inside but I’ve personally detailed it and it cleaned up fantastic. Folks complain about all the interior plastic but it has held up well for it’s 16 years, 105,000 miles of use and cleaned up really well. The leather seats are in fantastic condition. The exterior shows more “abuse” or “user wear” if you will. A fair amount of finish scratches, bumper cracks and rock chips can be seen. One thing to watch for is underbody dents right behind the wheels from speed bumps or curb hops! Also the lower front bumper has taken a lot of hits on the ground or parking curbs. This car sits low and behind every wheel, especially the front, you can see the underbody has been crushed up at least a bit from road contact. The positives are this car still runs like a top, clutch and shifting are still great (it’s a manual) and the steering is tight. Tight like I can’t imagine it was ever any tighter. This car is a fun car to drive and I’ve had a few sports cars and have driven many more. Speaking of such; folks complain of the manual top. I’ve had two convertibles with power tops that had issues that equated to expensive repairs. Both related to being “powered”. I’m all good with a simple manual top now. I hesitate to give 5 stars because the design has a few factors, like luggage space with the top down, that could be better to get a 5 star rating. Overall I’m very happy with my purchase and plan to “drive & enjoy” this car a lot!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great Style Well Built
I love sports cars. When this vehicle was on the drawing boards I kept articles on it. When delivered it fully met my expectations. I purchased mine with a convertible acoustic roof (thick). It drives very quite, has a great stereo system, and handles very well. On turns it hugs the road. I have not had any mechnical issues at all with my car. If you need to make an emergency stop, this car stops very quick with no loss of control. This car handles very well and looks like a corvette from the rear, yet has a european sports look from the front. Depending on the color you pick it can look sporty or luxurious. Only change I would recommend is different daytime dashboard lighting on some gauges
Chrome Tire Rims
My Car is 3 1/2 years old, and I do love it. I have 14,000 miles on it now. However the tire rims are chrome plated. I just found out that my front right chrome rim has shredded inside making the interior of the rim like shredded razor blades ruining my tires. It has ruined two front tires which cost about $325.00 each. I would recommend not getting the chrome tires and I am calling Pontiac GM on Monday and I hope they replace the tire rims and check my other three tires for the same problems. My first flat tire I almost had a serious vechicle accident. The entire tire shredded. The dealership would not tell me the reason why this happened. This is a serious danger to Soltice Drivers.
Not real impressed!
Everyone has been in a daze about the Solstice. It's not nearly as good as the 2006 MX-5, but my daughter wanted one. I will probably be getting myself a MX-5 when they get the one in i want. Anyway, the only things the Solstice has is great looks. It's a little softer in suspension than the MX- 5, but it is comfortable. The worst thing about the Solstice, in my opinion, is the wind with the top down. Oh, trying to take the top down and then putting it back up is just to technical. Solstice 6 - MX-5 10. I wish i would have bought a MX-5.
Iraqi reward
I saw the reviews before the car was produced. I knew I had to have one. I waited 8 months and it was worth it. It screams at me to drive it. The most fun car I've ever owned or driven. Car sat for a year in the garage while I went back to Iraq. Now I'm making up for lost time. The perfect weekend toy.
do not buy this car
i would warn anyone against buying this vehicle. I bought mine a year ago with very low mileage and still in warrenty. recently I noticed the service airbag light coming on and also that i could not get the car into 4th gear. took it to the local GM dealer and was told it would cost $700- $800 to fix the airbad and another $1500 to fix the transmission. I am looking at $2500 or more to get the car back to where i can sell it or trade it. the car has a rough ride and no trunk at all. it is not a very practical car. they said the transmission is made in Taiwan so no telling how long it will be before i get parts or my car back. this is a nightmare. stay away from this car.
Fun on the cheap
Great Styling, low cost sport car. Fun, but unrefined. Noisy Ride
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Hot Car!
I love my Solstice. It looks better than my 99 Corvette hardtop. I have done several things to make it different than others. I am thinking about putting a Hahn Turbo and maybe a hardtop also. Mine has just about ever option. I have not had to take it back for anything up to this point. Very good quality and really fun to drive. The most fun car I have ever owned. Buy one you'll love it!
Nice ride
My Solstice is my first convertible after years of dreaming of owning a convertible; of ANY kind. I have driven and researched many kinds of convertibles. The Solstice turned out to be a real deal on many levels; since Pontiac is no longer in business the 1st year production models became something of a collector's item, it's fun to drive, easy to maintain and affordable. No disappointments. A cool car and I just love it in RED.
Better than I imagined
Okay, maybe I was expecting to be somewhat disappointed when I bought this car, well let me tell you, I am still somewhat shocked that it has surpassed my expectations in every way. First off, after 18 months of ownership, it's style and looks still turn heads just about anywhere you go. So don't expect to get lost in traffic. Secondly, it's ease of handling and control, especially on winding roads, makes you want to drive instead of it being a chore. Knowing the only available engine (4 cyl.)I knew it's limitations.All in all, for the price I could not have done better. Sadly, with 3 kids (17-22yrs.), and my wife who feels much younger when she drives it, I must wait my turn. I need 3 more!
I just got it
I have had mine only 1 week now, so some of the above questions couldn't be 10's only cause I haven't owned it long enough to test the gas mileage. But I plan to do so. Loving this car in automatic transmission. I bought it with 8500 miles on it fully loaded for a steal. Mine is an eye catching agressive Victory Red, driving it reminds me of the Pontiac Fiero I once owned. This car far exceeds that car. Maybe next year's vacation will be me and my Solstice making the run from Boston to Phoenix.
Late MidLife Crisis
Solstice has the looks! The looks of other current roadsters - only better.
Well worth the money
Bought this car on an almost-whim. Saw it on the lot and took it for a test drive. Fell in love. Was a low-mileage repo from what I've been told. Major head turner, top up or down.
my baby
I've been driving my car daily for 2 years and am beginning to have problems with it; more problems than I expected for a relatively new car. This is my 5th convertible to drive - one Corvette, a Cabriolet, and 2 Miatas, and this is by far the least reliable car I've ever owned in my life. Yes, it looks great. Yes, driving a roadster is fun. Yes, it's a guy magnet. But I'm even debating to keep my car.
Fun, waiting for sun
I have had my Solstice for several weeks and truly enjoy it. The car's build quality is the best I've seen in an American car. It handles extremely well and has more than adequate power. I test drove a Porshe Boxster, Mini Cooper S convertible, Mustang convertible, but decided to buy the Solstice instead. I'm not sorry. The car is gorgeous, particularly with the top down and is very fun to drive, especially on twisty roads. It is a bargain at the list price, but many dealers are charging much more.
Sassy Sexy Car
It sits low to the ground. Driver must be cautious driving these days because of the larger cars visibility to the Solstice.
- Safety
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
The best car since the 65 cobra
I fell in love with the boby style then when i got the car, i fell in love with it even more. It handles great. Stops on a dime and the looks i get from other people is well worth everything. If you haven't bought one yet then shame on you, but good for me.
Solstice in Michigan
I debated between the Solstice, Mazda, and Sky. I had a car on lease, and let the lease buyout sway my decision. I now have a 2006 Solstice, it had 3,300 miles when I bought it. I now have 8,000 miles and am totally happy. My only regret is it has very little space for anything except me a passenger and a couple cups of coffee. I had the opportunity to drive it on a 500 mile trip, and love it. Top is easy to raise and lower, and tight as a drum. I wanted a fun, sporty, stickshift, good handling, quick sports car like the old MG's and Austin Healy and that is what I feel I have. I kid Vette owners it is a halfavette - cylinders, size, and price! But a lot of fun.
10's
This is the most fun car I've ever driven. It gets looks left and right, everyone wants to know what kind of car it is. Since there are so few in my city, (around 7) it's like belonging in a secret club. The solstice gets excellent gas mileage, has enough pep to forget its only a 4 cylinder and is so fun to drive that I get excited to drive anywhere.
Solstice ex
I have driven the car since 06-06-06. I like the way it handles ice, cornering, passing, and the feel of the road. I was surprised at the power of the 4 banger, without the super-charger. For the price, it is a great buy. I like the way the top folds down and the cleanness of the design with the top down. I wish there was room for more misc. storage, but this is a small thing. I am planning on driving it to Florida in Dec. this will be a good test of the drivability and gas mileage.
On my third battery in shop now
It's a sharp looking car and I did really love it. But, it's been in the shop three times ( its there now). Its just stopped running when I was going down the road. Wouldn't start the next time and the last time all the light started flashing and it died. Next time it will be a lemon and I'll get an attorney. It just cant be trusted. I'm a women and I don't want to be stranded.
Great new car
Had the car for a month, average 24 mpg driving in mix conditions. Very happy with it. Handles great. Seating is very comfortable especially compared to other 2 seater convertibles. Monsoon sound rocks. Power is plenty for my type of driving. Raising/lowering the top is easy and takes about 30 seconds. I have been able to carry groceries, just not Costco shopping.
Mick's Solstice
I love the drive, very fun. It looks much more expensive than it is. I get asked all the time how much it was. Also asked what it is, which is disappointing because I have worked for GM for 33 yrs & GM has not advertised this car at all, no one knows what it is. The body design is beautiful, GM has done a Good Thing with the design of this. The ride is excellent for the small size, I attribute to the large 18 In. wheels on it.
Learning Experience
Owning the car was fun, obviously it is nice to look at and definitely attracts attention. Before this car I was use to smooth riding coupes or sedans so this was a change in road feel. I realized that I enjoyed driving a smoother ride much better, so am going to trade it in. i also purchased the manual transmission which has become a hassle now that i live in a city with endless red lights. I felt like the engine stuttered a little at times in third. It has never broken down on me or anything like that, but I definitely miss a bigger four door car with a smoother ride.
The Solstice Rocks
Overall I love the car, however GM should have worked on expanding the leg room for the driver and the passenger. The seven speaker sound system is great to listen to and even though its a four cyclinder, it still has some pickup to it.
Great car!!!
I have had this car for 9 months and enjoyed every minute of it. The car drives as well as it looks, the power is adequate, responsiveness is excellent, and the feel of the car to the road is as a sports car should be. I have driven German cars for decades, and am extremely pleased with this automobile, much more so than I expected. I thought it would be a very attractive car that looked good, but drove like any other car. Quite the contary....it is spirited and exciting to own and drive.
Toy Fun Car
I picked up my Sly Solstice last week. It is all that I expected. It is fun to drive and handles fantistic. It certainly gets the looks . It is a head turner. It gives the appearance of an exotic expensive sports car at a bargain price. Very happy with this product. Why is GM in trouble when you have models like this coming out.
I love it!
I have been wanting this car ever since it was shown as a concept in 2002. I put a deposit down 1/17/05 and took delivery 10/17/05. 9 month wait. It is everything I had hoped for and more. Its hard to put it away for the night, I want to keep on driving. 500 miles in the first 3 days of ownership and I have hardly been out of town. This is the best looking and driving automobile I have ever owned. (I've owned over 30 in my 46 years of driving)
My Perfect Little Baby
My dad first introduced me to this car- he works for General Motors in Detroit, MI. I am so in love with it, and it is such a great price for what you get!!! I would tell everyone to get one!
Solstice Rocks!
The soltice is by far in a class by itself sure to become a classic. I have taken it down Califronia's highway 1 and people love it! The car is cool with the top up or down. Truly a fun car to drive and the fact that it's American Rocks!
GM has Nailed the Market -SOLSTICE
This car outshines anything I've driven or even seen on the market,GM really went above, and why to even compare to the others is silly. It handles as close and my 1981 corvette,easier to park than a vette, and the gas hand seems to never move. The innovative features are so easy to operate and storage is just enough for a road trip. This car is Blows away any other car in my book! The seats are so comfty and plenty of leg room and head room, it's just a stylish beauty and I predict it will hold its value,we will look back on it like people look at Corvettes now in 10 to 20 yrs--and WHAT a GREAT price--I just LOVE mine.
Pontiac Solstice
Truly a significant vehicle. It is tops in design. I loved the original Corvette, Mustang,T-Bird, and Cougar Convertible design and this is the most significant since then. It is a pleasure to drive. There is no perfect vehicle, but with the styling this one is a knockout. I am 6'6" and I fit decently in it. I tried the Miata when they first came out and there was no way I could fit in it. I bought the vehicle in Red at no extra cost. I had originally set myu eyes on a basic PT cruiser Conv. in Red, but they don't make it in Red, you have to pay an extra $6000 to get it in the tourning class. Hats off to Bob Lutz and Pontiac for a fabulous and resonably priced Roadster.
the car my wife does not let me drive
Very proud owner of this fine looking car. The car gets a lot of stares male and female. It's the type of car that is new to the eye. Owned the car for three days and already someone was wanting to use it for a Mardi Gras parade.
It was worth the wait.....
I saw this car when it was introduced in 2002 at the Detroit Auto Show. I knew I had to have one! It is everything I imagined and more!
Wife Love's it!
We got a Solstice for my wife, She totally loves it. The dealership called as soon as they had one the color she wanted. Picked it up that evening, rode home with the heat on and the top down. I took it in for its first service today, the car is great, a lot of fun to drive and people stop and look when we go by. Amazingly quiet with the top down, I was expecting way more noise. Hug's the road, just a fun car to drive on a curvy road or in and out of traffic.
What a fun automobile with style!!!
The car is more than everything Io expected in a roadster. I looked at several, all ore expensive, while they may have had a few more features, the all laked in overall appearance. The interior layut is superb. easy to use and reach controls.
Lil Bit Of Sol
This car is just plain FUN! While the interior is by no means luxury...it is very comfortable, exterior lines are outstanding! Handling is phenomenal ... just a slight movement on the wheel gives instant response on the road. It feels that you are glued to the road with the 18" tires. Great car for an even greater price!
What a car!
The Pontiac Soltice is the most fun I have had, driving a car. I didn't know how to drive stick shift when I got it, but it was so easy to learn, took me a couple of days. I like the fact that the red line for the rpms is high (7,000). I previously owned a Pontiac Grand Am GT which was a 3.1 V6 engine and it doesnt hold a candle to the Soltice performance wise. The bigger wheels and tight suspension makes you feel like your in a race car, and for the price you can't beat it.
gasser
This has been a great car to drive so far and turns a lot of heads. Handling is great & very tight, but gas mileage is worse than I expected. The convertible is easy to operate. The stick is not smooth to shift at times but OK otherwise (don't expect a Porsche feel). I'm glad I bought it and I've had a Corvette before. This is more fun and looks even better. It's got character. No spare tire :-( Trunk? What trunk? But then who cares? Bring on the summer!
love it
Orderd this car in may, received it in november, well worth the wait. Car is beautiful, very comfortable, drives great, corners great