A Glimpse of What Could Have Been? 2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP: Turbo-4 Fun in a RWD Roadster

2007 was an interesting time for General Motors. It was right before the economic downturn that helped seal their fate and lead into their bankruptcy.
It was also a time of some REALLY fun and exciting cars! Exhibit A: the 2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP, a RWD, manual-equipped, turbocharged roadster on its own unique platform developed for driving excitement (something the brand stood for). I wanted one of these so bad throughout my college years and finally get to drive one thanks to my friends over at House of Cars here in Tyler, Texas. Is it as genius as its stats suggest? Were we as an enthusiast community robbed of something truly magical by the demise of the Pontiac brand? Watch and find out.
2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP Highlights:
• 2.0L ECOTEC Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Engine
• RWD
• 260 Horsepower
• 260 lb-ft of Torque
• 5-Speed Manual Transmission
• Seating for 2
• Manually Retracting Soft Top
• Sport-tuned 4-Wheel Independent Suspension
• Heated Mid-Row Captains Chairs with Full Console
• P245/45R18-96W Performance Rated Tires
• True Dual Exhaust
• EPA Fuel Economy 22/31 (city/hwy)
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#GTGarageTalk #Pontiac #Solstice #GXP #PontiacSolsticeGXP #SolsticeGXP #PontiacSolstice #Roadster #SaveTheManuals #RWD #MazdaMiata #Miata #MX5 #UsedCar #CarReview #TXAutowriters

[@chandlerbrickenden7322]

Just bought my second GXP two weeks ago. Owned my first one in college until someone hit me and totaled it. These are awesome cars. Flawed, quirky, but fun and incredibly good looking. My first one was a garage queen and so is the second one. I'll buy a third one if I ever have to.

[@GTGarageTalk]

♥️

[@vehiclenanny]

You are spot on with the comment about the windshield height. At 6'4", I was able to fit comfortably to drive the SATURN Sky, but I had to duck down low in order to be able to see the traffic lights at a stop. At the time, Sky and Solstice fit taller drivers when the Miata could not.

[@GTGarageTalk]

Too bad 😔

[@paulshumaker678]

Definitely going to be a classic and has gotten closer the past 2 years, love my 08 GXP

[@GTGarageTalk]

🤘🏼

[@vargasjohnson540]

Thanks for the review, but a correction regarding the targa coupes. Pontiac did build approximately 1266 targa top coupes (some say 1265). The primary criticism about it was that the targa hardtop could not be stored in the rear hatch area. However Pontiac addressed that complaint by offering a targa soft top that could be stored in the large storage compartment in the hatch area. Also, it's a shame you didn't test drive a GXP with the General Motors Performance Product tune, which took the factory HP from 260HP to 290HP (MT 340TQ/Auto 325TQ), and was also covered by the factory warranty. Plus aftermarket tunes have been pushing the HP/TQ figures well past the factory ratings for years now, and Kappa enthusiasts have been installing LS1, 2s, & 3s, and LS7s into them almost since the car was introduced. BTW, the only reason that the Solstice came into existence was due to one man; Bob Lutz. Mr. Lutz always wanted to develop a sports car when he was at Ford and Chrysler, but GM was the only car company that allowed him to do so. Without Mr Lutz there would have been no Solstice or Sky, or Opel GT, or Daewoo G2X.

[@GTGarageTalk]

Thanks for the insight. We saw a Targa at the 2009 DFW Auto Show. 😎

[@ericmendieta455]

Yes, we were robbed. I own an 09 Solstice GXP Coupe. Such a fun car. With some chassis stiffening, a larger turbo, E85 fuel, coil-overs, and a few extra modifications I have a 400 flywheel horsepower rear-wheel drive roadster with fantastic handling. It surprises everyone who drives it and puts smiles on faces! If you get the chance to own one, do it.

[@GTGarageTalk]

such a shame... oh, what could have been.

[@dianerisley2710]

My husband did the same to his Sky Redline. We ran in pack of Porsche s, BMW’s & Mercedes. We were constantly followed and questioned “ What is That !? “ So with a little modification. You can run with the “Big Boys “ and surprise them.

[@kevin122759]

The coupe is very rare. A collector car.

[@allans7281]

I own the solstice 2.4 L engine and it is awesome to drive- you sit in the car rather than on it super comfortable, good acceleration and very eye-catching! I wrapped the center console and door inserts with quilted Napa leather. Remarkably visibility is excellent with the mirrors and windows. With respect to the cheap materials on the inside- come on, what do you think race cars have !??they’re very sparse on the inside that’s the vibe in this car

[@GTGarageTalk]

Fair enough… Katzkin?

[@2014xtep]

Great review! Your enthusiasm for sport cars is contagious.

[@GTGarageTalk]

Thanks. I LOVED this as a “kid”. It was fun to get a chance to drive one.

[@daviddimick2508]

I own one with only 8000 miles. I love this far more than my previous Corvette and Porsche. I have been offered $50000 for mine, but no sale as I owned a Cobra 427 SC that I bought for $8KI sold it for !5K because it over heated. Today, that car is worth 2.5 million. I have learned my lesson as the Solstice is a keeper

[@GTGarageTalk]

😲

[@slystephens9313]

Solstices GXPs and Sky Redlines should've been 300 horses from factory period

[@EricNelsonYT]

The Pontiac Solstice is destined to be a cult classic, it just hasn't caught on yet

[@GTGarageTalk]

I know, right?!?

[@Masterchief68]

Love my 08 std solstice! At 174 hp it’s plenty fast for me, as I enjoy the cornering more than speed, and this thing is a go kart in turns. More fun than my 356 Porsche’s! And that’s the key isn’t it, a fun little car you can drive daily with a smile on your face.

[@UpperRobin29]

I'm 6'0 and I use this fun little GXP as a daily driver. There's JUST enough adjustments in the seat (up/down, forward/back) to make it work. But at lights, you gotta make sure you're at a good distance to see the traffic lights. Otherwise you'll be doing the infamous crane neck every 5 seconds

[@GTGarageTalk]

Good to know, thanks for sharing!!!

[@garybaugh8302]

What about 6'3" height 🤔

[@garybaugh8302]

What about 6'3"

[@GTGarageTalk]

@@garybaugh8302 🫤

[@CrashLarue]

Roughly the size of a '58 'vette. Nearly 50/50 weight distribution. Ulta nimble with a few body braces added. Most HP/Liter at the time. The +/- 300 HP (tuned) Sky Redline is my preference. Missed the open air feeling that came with my Wrangler. It's not the same as the Wrangler with the doors off but the zippy go-kart feel is irreplaceable. Got one with 17,000 miles last year. Love it so much and want another along with an updated version GM!

[@GTGarageTalk]

Thanks for watching and sharing. Enjoy your ride!

[@alweinstein8549]

Just drove mine from Billings to Bozeman and back..plenty of horsed ..I bought a racing chip and tuning APP..lots of power and fun to drive ..very fast according to my tuner app right around 290 horse ...si fun ..till i got a ticket..in Mt speed limit is 80..so i was a little over 90 felt great ..and good fun

[@GoAndLive]

Autobot Jazz. Hope to buy this one day

[@GTGarageTalk]

👍🏼

[@greatcars4-sale]

They really are neat cars.....

[@TheNewSchoolGamer]

I had an NA 2007 Solstice as my first ride back in high school and almost 20 year later I'm tempted to get one again. If all the recall work was done, maintenance isn't bad and a lot of mods are pretty cheap

[@GTGarageTalk]

That was the great thing about GM cars of that era. Cheap but fun

[@dcyphyr]

Yes. We were robbed. I love my Solstice.

[@GTGarageTalk]

🥹

[@DanielAvilan-tirado7600]

I love my gxp too , except the engine blew at 107,000 lol

[@GTGarageTalk]

@@DanielAvilan-tirado7600 yikes!

[@ironsales5669]

@@DanielAvilan-tirado7600 I bought a spare engine out of a wrecked Cobalt SS with 23,000 miles. When my engine gets tired I got a spare ready to drop in and then start to mod the original.

[@nathanielbailey108]

One correction: the car was produced under four badges, two outside the US. Only the Pontiac had the Solstice styling, the other three are Saturn sky copies. Daewoo made the G2X in Asia, and Opel the GT in Europe. Both the same car under a different badge.

[@GTGarageTalk]

Correct. Thanks for sharing.

[@nikkaragianis3377]

They came in a hardtop.. very very few were made. Which makes them more desirable

[@GTGarageTalk]

I know, right?!?

[@kylepulley1413]

My car was totaled the other day and I found a yellow 07 gxp for sale. Wasn’t totally sure if I’d love it, but after this video I’m sold!

[@GTGarageTalk]

Yes!!!! I’m jealous!

[@iHacksReview]

I’m 6.5 and I drive a solstice, so I can it is possible drive it being a tall person.

[@GTGarageTalk]

Good to know.

[@pm6613]

The base model engine is bigger, a sturdy 2.4 litre, with 177 hp. It won't suffer the perils of a turbo under the hood. It is already a peppy sports car.

[@GTGarageTalk]

I would love to see a modern interpretation of this car. How about you?

[@johncollins9989]

@@GTGarageTalk absolutley.. but i would like to keep roughly the same basic shape because i feel like the shape is so iconic.. those 2 humps in the back are what initially made me want one and eventually buy one.. it was soooo different than most cars on the road.. everywhere you go theres a mustang a camaro hellcat corvette 350/370 z even the miata mx5 .. i wanted something diffrent.. and im telling you, everywhere i go ppl look or ask me wtf is that? lol 2 guys in a kia stinger and a jaguar caught me at the gas station just to look at it.. there are some things you just have to deal with but overall its an amazing car that gets everyones attention.. i dont regret buying it one bit

[@GTGarageTalk]

@@johncollins9989 I almost bought one, though not a GXP, when I was in college. Kinda regret not following through.

[@johncollins9989]

@@GTGarageTalk oh wow.. well you would've had a blast.. and it's never too late if one comes up on your radar..

[@GTGarageTalk]

@@johncollins9989 I was seriously tempted by this one!

[@tedschmitt178]

The top on my low-mile 06 Solstice never goes up. It's in the garage except on very nice days.

[@peterpann9619]

If you have one keep it they already are starting to rise.

[@GTGarageTalk]

I know, right?!?

[@gerardcrabb4556]

Holden used this chassis lengthened in a concept car opel body V6 twin turbo maybe dropped due to 2008 GFC... Torana concept car...

[@MrBurgandy25]

This and the MR2 Spyder perk my interest so much. Just imagine if GM DID get to do a gen 2 Kappa platform. It would be a killer, using what went well and what didn't. Goodness.

[@GTGarageTalk]

I know, right?!?

[@itsmebryan]

I love my '08 5m GXP. I tell myself to get a C6 or C7 Vette. But, after driving my GXP I ask myself " why do I need a Vette?"

[@GTGarageTalk]

I know! We need GM to bring something like this back.

[@greatcars4-sale]

Yes they were GREAT CARS. I have had about 50 of them. They really are GREAT FUN CARS

[@TheNobleLoyalist]

I see this video was put up 1 year ago, so recent enough imo that my post will be seen. 1st, the reviewer had me genuinely laughing at the noises he was making in excitement. 😂😂 2nd, I own first production year Solstice 2006 with a turbo and tune putting out GXP numbers. I found your review fair and spot on with many if not all of your thoughts. I am 5'9 on a good day and I feel as if I am the perfect fit for the car. Is it tight, yes, is it uncomfortable, actually not at all imo. The brakes suck, is it a bit overweight, i think so. If they used a different top instead of the over engineered top it came with they could have saved a good amount of weight. Trunk space is laughable, the gas tank takes all the space, and yet it can fit a surprising amount if you're crafty. Would a 6th gear benefit it, absolutely. In fact, the gearing imo is my main gripe because doing highway speed 4th is too high and 5th doing the speed limit to 10 over puts you right at the 3k mark which is where the turbo kicks in. One thing i disagree with you on is the steering. It corners like its on rails. As for interior, squeaky and cheap BIG TIME. But let's be honest, thats what gives it its personality right?

[@GTGarageTalk]

Thanks for watching and giving your honest owner opinions.

[@chrisfrank8413]

Current GM should do a new Electric Solstice. Would be awesome. Remember, they were targeting a $20k as the base price. They met that goal too.

[@GTGarageTalk]

An electric solstice would be so fun! No one is really doing electric sports cars or convertibles yet. Would be amazing

[@tedschmitt178]

No electric ANYTHING. Period.

[@thatoneguy6776]

not once did you let the turbo spool up to its full 15psi... it will sit you back in that seat....and put a real smile on your face... go drive it again, and then review it

[@GTGarageTalk]

Good to know. Downsides of only having access to it for an hour.

[@TAELSDOLL]

u wanna try a 2008 saturn vue redline

[@GTGarageTalk]

I was always intrigued by those.

[@saublesurfer8197]

You weren't robbed. The powers that be never wanted GM Pontiac to outclass Chevrolet product lines. Look what GTO did for Pontiac. Why do you think Solstice never came with a V6. A V6 turbo would have sucked corvette up the exhaust.

[@l00k4tstuff]

You hit the nail on the head. The Solstice never really got a marketing push and had to go because Chevy fear of cutting into Corvette and Camaro sales.

[@firebird5288]

Pontiac did a lot for GM and Chevy. But GM couldn't help but nearly always get in Pontiac's way because GM truly didn't want anything above Chevy. Pontiac designed the C3 and C4 Corvette and the 5th gen Camaro.

[@Masterchief68]

As much as I would like a GXP (I currently own a 08 N/A) I’m sure I would eventually either kill myself or go to jail for going 150mph in a 35mph zone! Best I don’t tempt myself any more! Caught myself above 100mph once just driving to a hospital for elective surgery in a 911! Now ain’t that weird 😂😂😂

[@thatoneguy6776]

push the traction control button and hold until you see " ESC OFF "........ that is the hidden feature from GM it unleashes about 30 extra HP,

[@GTGarageTalk]

Good to know.

[@chrishobolth2617]

Can you verify this HP increase? I just really want this to be true.

[@dcyphyr]

Lol, no it doesn't. It turns off the Electronic Stability Control.

[@dcyphyr]

P.S. if you get a tune you can easily get that 30 extra HP.

[@chrishobolth2617]

@@dcyphyr thank you. Any recommendations on a specific tune?

[@shaunmcinnis566]

Put it in comp mode.

[@GTGarageTalk]

🤔

[@john335i]

They all weren’t convertibles, there is a coupe model

[@GTGarageTalk]

It was a targa. And a VERY limited number made it into production.

[@ci_a]

firs time i see this car on movie transformers 2007 , , , , , ,

[@GTGarageTalk]

Yup.

[@Im4the1]

New Harmony? ETx….

[@GTGarageTalk]

Yup

[@Im4the1]

😉👍

[@GTGarageTalk]

@@Im4the1 ETX love.

[@joedoggity9400]

It's better than a Miata

[@GTGarageTalk]

😉

[@alanbailey5621]

No Miata ?

[@GTGarageTalk]

No. It’s not a Miata. But it’s good

[@alanbailey5621]

@@GTGarageTalk Have you ever sat" on " a Miata ? LOL Bumpy little clown car,

[@GTGarageTalk]

@@alanbailey5621 🤣 I guess I know your impressions of the Miata. My comment was interference to the steering. note my steering inputs surrounding that comment.

[@johncollins9989]

@@GTGarageTalk for only having 4 years production the miata is not that much better.. if the solstice had 30 years of history there would be no comparison.. so what do you base your belief that the miata is better on? the interior quality? ok ill give you that because the solstice interior quality is poor in most areas.. if your talking exterior design, i think thats more of a preference/subjective.. i think the solstice is an absolutely beautiful car and no miata ive seen really compares with its curvy lines and yet its masculine stance.. so lets talk about hp. there really nothing to talk about there even the base non turbo has more hp (177HP) i think, than a miata... transmission? from the same era as the solstice, the miata has a 6sp as opposed to the 5sp in the solstice..i dont know what kind of steering and handling your tester had, but mine has some of the tightest handing and cornering ive ever driven... theres something that i think your overlooking and thats how does it make you feel when driving it? the experience you get driving the solstice is head and shoulders about any miata ive ever been in..the miata has no road presence whatsoo ever.. its just a really small car.. now i understand miata has a following and theyve been in the game for 30 yeears and theyve perfected their niche but if the miata is the better car its not by much...

[@GTGarageTalk]

@@johncollins9989 Its really hard when the basis of comparison is this one example of a used car. As you said, your steering is much tighter than the one I drove (apparently). Just look at the steering wheel when I mention it not being a Miata... lots of play. I loved these cars when they were new, but this one is showing a lot of that era GM issues... I broke the passenger side cupholder just trying to deploy it from its hiding place. Current GM build quality is eons better. Would love to see what The General could do now if they attempted something like this again.

[@quillanthrasher6846]

WRONG!!!, they weren't all soft tops they made a hardtop the last year

[@GTGarageTalk]

Correct. Saw one for myself. Good luck finding one.