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Used 2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP Consumer Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
12 reviews

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Pros
Cons
4.5 out of 5 stars

New 2009 GXP

passkey, 05/05/2012
2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
22 of 22 people found this review helpful

This car had only 2,600 miles on it when we picked it up in Florida two weeks ago. We drove it back 1,300 miles to upstate NY. Fun experience is at the top. Seats are comfortable but soft top noisey on the road. No storage to speak of but, we brought our supplies in duffle bags. Suitcases are out of the question. Some items can be place behind the seats but only with seats slid forward. 27.2 mpg driving highways and speed limits. Small gas tank (13gals.). The turbo engine is super responsive. It does get the looks and positive comments from friends. It fits the bill for what we were looking for. A 2,600 mile trip in two weeks. Top speed 145 & 0 -60 in 5.5 sec. (haven't confirmed either)

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4.38 out of 5 stars

My first year

auto teacher, 03/04/2010
2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
13 of 13 people found this review helpful

I am 5'9",165 lbs. male and find the car very comfortable. I have had no failures with the vehicle. I added an aftermarket wood, dash kit and shifter on my automatic trans. The power,window switches are just wrong and the top is a little difficult, but compared to my old MG's not that bad. I know some complain about the trunk, but it works for me. I love the car. I find some of the buff book reviews to be strangely biased towards the Miata, but my GXP is far ahead of that car. Too bad GM was mismanaged into eliminating the Kappa platform, but I got one and plan to keep it around for a while.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Happy ending

Elnathan, 11/18/2009
2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful

I have admired the Solstice since it first appeared. I realized recently that, to buy a new one, it was now or never. Couldn't be happier. Impossible to find comparable beauty in a new roadster for under 150K. Sure, there are a few shortcomings (cup holders, etc.), but every time I am about to get irritated I just get out of the car and look at it a while. It is supremely beautiful. Even if such transcendent looks could ever become a visual cliche, it will never happen because so few Solstices are going to be around. My wife and I have had seperate cars for some time, but she just announced that she considered the Solstice to be OUR car. It does that to people.

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5 out of 5 stars

2009 GXP Coupe

Chris, 06/25/2019
updated 06/25/2020
2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

The 2009 GXP Coupe was only built for one year. I have had mine for six years and love it. It does however have its flaws as do all solstices i.e. both door handles broke, heating actuator failed twice, gas cap needed replacing, the turn signal lever failed, and the thermostat needed replacing. However, as I live in the Phoenix, AZ area the engine is subjected to considerable heat in the summer many times over 115 degrees in the afternoon. I have 47,000 miles on it and it is now broken in. The gas mileage went up by two mpg when it reached 40,000 miles and it runs much smoother now. The automatic transmission still clunks at times when downshifting from third to second but it doesn't seem to hurt anything. I owned a 2007 solstice and drove it over 100,000 miles with a clunking transmission without any serious mechanical problems other than the usual door handle and heat actuator problems. I am getting 40,000 miles to the OEM tires. The hard top is quiet and doesn't creak unless its very cold in the mornings, once warm it is quiet. The air conditioner is excellent and cools instantly. The battery lasted five years in the AZ heat which may be a record. Overall it is a great car with a lot of power. However, I keep the electronic nannies on all the time as it is a bit wild with everything turned off. Even with everything turned on it is a real handful in the wet, that just makes it perfect for Arizona. One other note I am just over 6 feet and I have two inches of clearance in the vehicle, more than I had in the 2006 Solstice. I also had to replace the two variable valve timing solenoids but they were only $35 each and very easy to install. It took ten minutes to complete. Because it is a simple car without any electronic screens, cameras, or high tech safety addons there is a lot less that can go wrong. You never have to pull the engine to fix anything.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Kansas

Gene, 10/11/2009
2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

The car is more than I exspected. Fun to drive has the power and the sound of a true sports car and its American made. Driving it gives you a relaxed mind set. I don't know about the car turning heads as you go by I'm enjoying it to much!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

AWESOME

Tari, 10/16/2009
2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

After a summer of not enough time to drive this incredible machine I am sad to say I am taking it to the dealership to have it buffed out, oil changed and tuck it in for the salty months in WI. This car is what you want it to be.. pedal to the boards and 10mpg or out on the interstate getting 40 mpg. I had the power up pkg added and will never regret it. The GXP model is def worth the little extra. My other half just got the 2010 Camaro he ordered so now we're a transforming couple! LOL He got the 426 hp SS...it goes without saying an incredible car that doesn't disappoint, accept finding a place to really open it up!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Love the Car

Victor Gonzalez, 10/29/2009
2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

I love this car a lot. Everyday I drive it, I love it even more. Really fun to drive, and is a pretty fast car. The car looks great. I am constantly turning heads when I drive. The interior is really comfortable, I have driven for hours and have felt great right after. It is actually very roomy for a two seater. Interior does have some hard plastics, but it looks pretty good. Storage is a bit of a lack in this car. Overall this car feels good on the road, is quick, and looks spectacular. Manual top is really easy to handle, but would enjoy an automatic one. Many people complain about the five speed, but i have no complaints about it.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

GXP me.

gxpdavid, 01/23/2009
2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
8 of 10 people found this review helpful

As my car breaks in more and more (15,000 miles.) i like it it more and more. Some of teh switches and cup holders are in slightly wierd places but you get used to it. As for comfort and performance: I love the car. Handles, fast , good fuel economy and it turns heads everywhere I go. My friends all know I can buy a more exspensive car. So they allway ask me why a Pontiac? It's a top notch performer, that's why. Near perfect 50/50 wieght and 260HP add up to lots of fun.

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2.88 out of 5 stars

I hate it!!!

IOB, 02/11/2010
2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
10 of 13 people found this review helpful

I regret every buying this car! Sure, it is fun with the top down and driving on weather permitting outings, but otherwise it stinks. My car has been in the shop three different times and had a camshaft sensor problem that was repaired. The motor seems sluggish IMO and it is fairly quick, but seems harsh for a turbo. Power is not a smooth delivery. Clutch is quirky with a notchy shift linkage. The damn thing is horribly uncomfortable and interior is cheap at best. No room for anything.The top execution could be much better. The car is not what I expected. Fuel economy on the highway is good and it looks good, but otherwise I hate it!!!! I would trade this pain in a heartbeat if I could.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Drop Top Dream

Tari, 05/30/2009
2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful

Although I have only owned a month and put about 700 miles on it, it hasn't disappointed me yet. I had the power up package added. Now 290 HP and 340 ft lbs torque according to article in Hot Rod. I still get goosebumps when I step it down and look at speedometer, I won't admit what it read! Admittedly going to be a summer ride for me but it will be a GREAT summer!

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5 out of 5 stars

Greetings from the Louvre...

Jeepjohson, 08/19/2019
2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

When selecting a piece of art for your wall overlooking the living room..you don't ask: does it corner well? When listening to Sinatra turning a corner on a lyric like no one else ..you shouldn't ask:Am i listening well? It just happens. So, when i placed myself securely in my new (old, 2009 cherry red Pontiac convertible soltice Gxp) Hip snug touring machine. It was more about the feel than unswanky plastics.It was more Sinatra than Hendrix. And in the twisty roads it was better looking, then the better handling Miatas..and that was fine with me.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Orphan Car

first timer, 09/14/2010
2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
8 of 19 people found this review helpful

I was not going to buy a car for 2 more years but looked at the Solstice and knew that this vehicle was different than all the others, so I bought it after driving it. I have never purchased a car as quickly as this one. I am 6 ft tall and 230 pounds but I fit into it nicely. It handles good, fast and really catches the eye. I have always liked orphaned cars as I have owned many Studebaker. You either love this car or you hate it. That is what I like about it. It brings out an emotion from people. Cars have always had emotion attached to them. They only made about 1266 total 2009 coupes so they are rare from the start.

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