Pontiac Solstice Review - Cheap Sports Car - GM Builds a Miata -Test Drive | Everyday Driver

GM’s long-forgotten lightweight sports car, the Pontiac Solstice, only survived one generation before the entire Pontiac brand was discontinued! But the good driving dynamics remain. This car and its sister car, the Saturn Sky, are still available for under $8K. The guys think it could still be brought back, but is it worth buying one for the experience, even though it’s no longer made?
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[@verdunian595]

Gm needs an affordable sports car like this again. The camaro and corvette keep going further upmarket every generation in exchange for comical amounts of power nobody can actually use outside of a track. Small, low power, cheap, handling focused sports cars are what we desperately need more of here in the states, especially considering the next gen brz/86 is getting a price hike

[@Charusel]

Believe me, I wish the Detroit tribunal would bring back sport compacts but they lost their soul along the way to higher profit margins. Once Focus/Fiesta got dropped and the Dart/Neon flopped, I knew they'd hold off on making something like another Solstice unless the Miata/BRZ market magically explodes.

[@edflynn3441]

well said buddy

[@seafooddiablo5686]

The problem is everyone wants a cross over suv, people now look at cars as a pure necessity and not a style or personality. That amount of "cars are a necessary evil" people kill cool car markets

[@ciello___8307]

don't the base camaro's serve that niche? a camaro 2.0t is can be had for cheap but has similar power to this and doens't drive bad either since it's on the really good alpha platform

[@bolt5564]

@@ciello___8307 similar, but the Camaro is still bigger than this or a Miata.

[@craigdeeter8042]

GM really needs to bring this back.

[@donwilbanks2226]

I sold my '78 Trans Am after 12 years of love and bought a 2008 Sky base 5-speed. I don't see this as a downgrade at all. My wife and I love the Sky. We drove it from south Mississippi to Cincinnati for a wedding and a few months later attacked the Tail of the Dragon. We would have never even considered trying that with the Trans Am. It's such a shame that GM had to abandon the Kappa platform. It borrowed a lot from the Corvette. When trying to explain my Sky to someone I just say its half of a Corvette.

[@devusher]

Best Review Ever on the Solstice and i will never ever sell my coupe, the One and only coupe in the UK 🇬🇧

[@oldatarigamer]

This car's competition wasn't the NB Miata but more the NC. The thing that made this car so different was that it went from concept to production very quickly. I still prefer the NC, but as a cruiser, this is very good. I'd look closer at the Solstice reliability though.

[@chrisluecke3341]

Great review. I really really want a Saturn Sky. I like the styling better on the Saturn. And Saturns are so rare now that the badge doesn’t bother me.

[@mikewozawski1634]

The sky is beautiful

[@boosted2.4_sky]

I de-badged mine...

[@OwninFools2020]

I have a Sky, neve selling maybe lol

[@jamiebeltran6769]

I bought an 08 Sky back in Oct, and I absolutely love mine. If you do decide to try and upgrade it if you get the 2.4L, DDM Works, RPM Motorsports, and Auto Werks have a lot of stuff for the Kappa platform. I get compliments everywhere I go with it, and it surprises people that it only has a 4 cylinder. Most think I have a V8 under the hood (granted I have thought of dropping an LS2 into it), but I'll just get a turbo for it, some coilovers, new sway bars, and spend some money on brakes, and this thing will be good for both every day driving, and track day. I would recommend getting one, but I've also heard the manual isn't as good as the automatic one. I've driven both versions of the transmission, and I will say that having the transmission from the Colorado wasn't the best idea for a 5 speed manual

[@robgodby4836]

Thanks for posting this guys. I just got my normally aspirated Solstice out of the garage after a bit of a layoff. I had been driving an NB Miata. It's funny how similar my reaction was to yours. Very fun car to drive. Not something that blows the doors of things but very fun and involving drive. BTW - there is still a decent aftermarket for these. DDMWorks, WerksRacing, and the OEM zok (club sport model produced in limited numbers for SSB racing) parts are also available. Thanks for sharing but you may have given away the best kept secret in cheap sports cars...

[@boosted2.4_sky]

This is awesome that you guys reviewed the Kappa...(Solstice/Sky)... Love my Sky roadster 7:02... not true fellas...I have taken my Base Saturn Sky and custom turbocharged it..I'm in the third rendition making over 485 rwhp.. So.. there is an aftermarket and many performance upgrades available....🏁 These cars are much better than people know... You gotta know where to look..but parts are available...

[@GOLD_FEVER]

i am considering this ... it is just so damn unique! but my problem is - what is the reliability like? and where do i get parts (are there any interchangeable with any other model ?)

[@boosted2.4_sky]

@@GOLD_FEVER Ecotec engines are in other platforms.. Saturn's and Cobalt.. body panels are available from GM and other private companies...I've never had trouble finding anything...

[@bytemevv-4616]

_I can't get enough of my 2007 Solstice GXP!_

[@VanderJam]

How could you not pop the hood? The hood even opens like an older Corvette!

[@lonefriar4700]

Or a Spitfire!

[@saviordream]

I was working at a dealership group that included Pontiac when these came out and I always really liked them. They were pretty popular, and I still see 2 or 3 of these running around regularly in my area.

[@MandusahRamirez]

GM Should’ve Dropped Buick In America. Kept Pontiac & Made Buick A China Only Brand.

[@verdunian595]

Facts, they need a sporty brand more than they need a half-asses luxury brand considering Cadillac already exists, has more brand power, and flat out makes better cars for only a slight premium over buicks

[@MandusahRamirez]

@@loski1955 You literally just proved my point😆

[@justaddafan]

Wow, I can hardly remember seeing you two guys gushing like this over a car. It makes me go and look for one for sale.

[@pm6613]

...you should. They are the best cheap thrill for your automotive money.

[@lostwhirley]

After watching the TestDrive videos ( Cheap Sports Cars < 8K), I decided to buy a Saturn Sky (Baseline). Love every moment of driving this car. I intently go on shopping trips, just to drive the car. I love the uniqueness of this car. Beyond the plethora of SUV's out there, this car really stands out. I get many looks and comments. I even had a 80 year old lady, stop me and ask me about it. lol. I bought mine for $7K with 64K miles. Really can't beat that! My wife says that this is my midlife crisis car. At 7K, I can buy a couple !! Really think this car is overlooked as a cheap but fun car to drive.... Thanks guys for the videos! Keep it up!

[@TestDriveVideos]

Glad you enjoyed, and congrats on a great car. Thanks for watching!

[@fortheloveofnoise]

how did you find one that cheap...cheapest I see with those mikes is still $10k

[@martinowings3597]

The solstice was beautiful. I still can’t believe they killed Pontiac. They were just about to unveil the G8 sport truck also which would have been awesome. Thanks for showing us how these drive. I think I will keep saving for a Miata though. It would be interesting to see your take on the GXP.

[@lonefriar4700]

Pontiac went out with a bang. And the Solstice isn't a Miata, not even close. It was made for tall Americans and Europeans (though it's like wearing a glove). The Miata screwed the pooch when they refused the rotary engine. The Solstice is built on the proven Opel GT frame, but should have been offered with a GM V6. Oh well!

[@Jorge_Magallon]

Todd’s comments about completely fitting in it really hit home. At over 6’, my Miata is uncomfortable at times. Great video.

[@FlowStateNewOrleans]

To me, the Saturn Sky is the most beautiful thing GM has put out in the last 30 years. I absolutely will own a Sky Redline someday. I live in a high rise condo with one parking space. I acquired my own affordable dream car last June, so it won't be any time soon, unfortunately.

[@boosted2.4_sky]

I live in Ohio and I drove my Saturn Sky year-round for the first five years that I owned it the thing actually works great and snow and obviously she's a beast in the summer

[@jasonh.1648]

I bought one awhile ago when I was relatively poor. I've upgraded almost everything even the turbo, I just can't get rid of it.

[@UpperRobin29]

Even over the C6 Corvette? It's got such sleek lines without looking excessively angry

[@FlowStateNewOrleans]

@@UpperRobin29 The C6 is definitely one of GM's better designs in the time period, but I like the Sky better.

[@dianerisley2710]

Love ours . Have owned for over 8 years. Our Redline still put a smile on our face every time we drive it .

[@allans7281]

Great review! spot on!! I’ve always called it the “mini Corvette” It even shares the exact steering wheel with the Corvette of the same year. It is the ultimate little “adult go cart”. Ive owned the car now for a year and a half and I absolutely love it!! I’ve driven many small sports cars and this one by far puts the biggest smile on my face. Mine doesnt even have air conditioning( no need as a second car) or analog brakes- so I save a couple hundred pounds right there. “ plastic fantastic”lol. I wrapped the plastic door inserts and center console with diamond red stitched quilted Napa leather. Leather steering wheel and seats A MUST!! The car is so comfortable- the shifter/clutch feel so good. The close gearing is fantastic- fifth gear really is an overdrive. It only has 177 hp so you got to earn your thrust roll’n through the gears- so much fun! Too bad the public doesn’t realize how good it is cuz I absolutely got the car for a song. Big fan of the channel!! Allan So Cal USA

[@TestDriveVideos]

Glad you enjoyed this. Congrats on a great car - (and yes, unbelievably cheap used)!

[@brianfloster2609]

I always liked the styling of the Sky better. I hear you about the badge, but I had an Ion Redline for years and that was a legitimate cheap fun & quick daily that never left me stranded.

[@fortheloveofnoise]

​@TwinTurbo Ray You never got the design of the Pontiac version in any name though...most don't like it as much, but I prefer it.

[@PrettyTonyTTV]

I have a 2007 Saturn Sky... with only 65,000 miles it and get about 2 or 3 compliments a day...no one hardly knows what it is..I love it because its rare...

[@Squeaks281]

I love these! I had one brand new in 2006. Super safe too. An SUV once changed lanes into me on the freeway and I went spinning across 4 lanes of traffic. The two other cars involved had to be towed and a few ppl were injured. I drove my little solstice away.

[@donparker1823]

I just got a Saturn Sky Redline. 34,000 original miles. New very good tires. Stage III chip. Really fast. Super fun. Very high fun to cost ratio. Pretty much as fast as many cars costing 10X more.

[@chrishobolth2617]

just nabbed a 2007 Solstice GXP last month, and I cannot get over how fun this car is/was to drive.

[@bbb462cid]

I had one new. I put the GMPP kit into it. Wish I'd kept it. That's why I bought an 08 GXP with 22K miles three years ago.

[@drewpackard6646]

Very nice work John!! Keep up the fantastic work!!

[@thpill66]

An amazing review! Agree with all of your comments. I have owned my 2006 Solstice base for 9 months. It's an absolute pleasure to drive. Quick car but not too quick to get yourself in danger. I compare it to a luxury go-kart for the road, the handing is wonderful. With the current state of used cars, the value is starting to rise.

[@standwithukraine1631]

Not really it’s about 2k more than it was before

[@tylerturner9671]

I’m a college student interested in getting this car what are any bad reasons to not get this car besides no storage space

[@thpill66]

@@tylerturner9671 It is a Pontiac and they were known for their cheap build quality. Be very patient with putting the top up and down. The engine has some quarks to it. It is not super fast. I compare this to my son's 2013 Audi TTs. I have not driven a tubo version Solstice, they are faster. Other than that not much. Hope this reply doesn't scare you from purchasing one.

[@eyesofadonai]

I wish you guys would review the manual version of the ats-v, I know you did the auto (everyone hates that transmission). I own one and I believe its pretty amazing. It handles really well, it has an interesting power band, and rewards hard driving. aside from a really unimpressive engine noise in the cabin, it's a real winner

[@restoreamerica1558]

I have my metallic blue GXP siting in the garage under cover just waiting for summer. It looks brand new and it’s my summer fun car! The stock stereo is awesome and there is nothing better than cruising around with the top down & tunes cranking some real music. If you take a road trip, you need to pack light, other then that, no complaints. I’ve had 3 older corvettes, and my solstice is more enjoyable to drive then all 3 of them!

[@Masterchief68]

It is what it is! Enjoy what it is and don’t worry about it not having a turbo or an LS engine! This little hot rod is FUN to drive !!! Enjoy the experience! Love driving my 08 2.4L solstice!

[@red03vette]

we just bought a 2007 with 40k miles on it for my wife, what a blast to drive on the twisties! what a bargain of a sports car! she loves it, and i had the same comment about it being a baby Vette. :-) We also have a 2003 Corvette so i do have something to compare it too, I've driven many sports cars over the years and this is an affordable fun little car!

[@tvcchuck]

'Liked these when they came out... Because my state required a front plate which ruins the looks, I stayed away, but kept an eye on them. I just bought an '05, one owner, white, 21,000 miles automatic with air for 14,500. I am happy with the deal, as they are asking higher for more miles. . Under $8k will be a high mileage one... good luck. And Ohio no longer requires a front plate...

[@jamestwhelan6693]

Loved this! Getting a low mileage, one owner black ‘09 very soon!

[@jasonh.1648]

You can still upgrade and customize it. For example, getting rid of the chrome. The hand bars you can get it different colors but it's for a cobalt I believe. Ddmworks, pwerks, hahn raceworks makes upgrades. The parts are out there. It's fun to do you own thing.

[@TheNewSchoolGamer]

I used to own one back in 2007, I miss it a lot. I'm tempted to buy a used one this week lol

[@thegooddoctor6719]

You guys are awesome !!!!!! Thanks........

[@shaunmcinnis566]

Nice review guys. This is an amazing little car. Love it.

[@stevenspenneberg7407]

I had a BMW Z4 and a Porche Boxter S. I sold them both because I couldn’t afford the repairs. I traded a Nissan Sentra for a Pontiac Solstice. I was SHOCKED at how fun it is too drive.

[@94jrose]

Always wanted one of these! They are great cars!

[@lonefriar4700]

I got my most expensive ticket in a Solstice. I was coming back from the Middle East and had left the car in Jacksonville with a friend. From Jax to I-75 on I-10 I had my foot on the floor, in the middle of the day. I turned onto 75N and was about 5 miles from Georgia when the whole freeway was suddenly filled with state troopers. The one who pulled me over said I was clocked by their aircraft at 98 (they weren't around for the 120+ part). I told her I was just happy to be back in America. She came back from the cruiser with my ticket, which said I was doing 89. But even without the Super Speeder it was not a cheap ticket (there's a reason Florida is shaped like that). I'd buy another Solstice just about sight unseen!

[@youRA137]

nice review, thank you

[@conchobar]

It's sad that Pontiac made a better looking Double Kidney grill than BMW has made for the past 20 years.

[@lloyds4042]

God bless Bob Lutz. I love my Solstice!

[@MongoMotors352]

If you liked the base model, you really should drive the GXP. The 2.0 turbo was the first GM engine that was direct injection, and it made the most hp. Per liter of any GM engine at that time. It’s like going from a small block corvette to a big block without the nose heavy feeling. If your ever in the Tampa Bay Area, you have an open invitation to drive mine. And , yes, I know it would be over the $7,500 budget, but they are out there if you get a high mileage unit.

[@bbb462cid]

And that engine can be upgraded with all GM parts to 145 bhp per liter.

[@paulwallace9644]

great show good work men

[@allans7281]

The plastic interior reminds me of the first GEN Viper ( and nascar) I’m glad it’s not busy it’s all about the feel of the car and the inside is not too busy like modern cars.. This car basically has the same chassis as the Corvette with Bilstein stock shocks -does the Miata have that??

[@Andrew-zs5tc]

I was able to drive both the Solstice and the NC Miata for most of the summer of 2006. There was no comparison, in my mind. The Solstice felt like they had not yet finished designing it while the Miata felt like it was designed to perfection. The roof that you had to walk around the car to close was a perfect example. The Solstice felt like it weighed 1,000 more. I agree with the statement that a second generation would have been great.

[@JohnCollins-mm5dq]

I get your comment and you're probably right.. theres a few things about it that are head scratchers.. like the top being kinda odd functionally and also where they decided to put the battery.. some ppl say you have to take that side panel off to get to it and so.e say no you dont have to do that just take the wheel off and go through the wheel liner.. idk sounds crazy to me.. I'm in the market for a little sports car and this keeps popping up on my radar.. I would never consider a miata too small.. it may be more refined than the solstice but ppl have to understand miatas got almost 30 years on the solstice as far engineering and refinement.. the miata just doesn't have any presence on the road.. number one it looks like a chic car and 2 theres a million on the road today.. you see a solstice or a sky a flip out cuz theres not that many on the roads in comparison..

[@nielskjr5432]

Thank you very much! I really like this car. Also nice color. I prefer the non turbo. More reliable. 👍

[@bill4632]

I've seen these run low 12 second quarter times with a V8 swap. So much fun to drive!

[@MT-vi6vb]

I'm with Todd on bringing this back as a mini Corvette... however, would Corvette's primary demographic be interested? We can always dream. Well done fellas!

[@verdunian595]

The corvettes primary demographic has the corvette. Something like this would fit perfectly beneath the camaro as an affordable sports car for a younger market, think brz/86

[@boosted2.4_sky]

That's actually what a lot of Sky owners referred to them as being (mini-vettes)...I know i do...

[@yamahaSHO]

You can definitely replace the seats. I put a Recaro Pole Position in the drivers side and it fits better and feels WAY more comfortable while actually giving support. The stock seats blow.

[@tsubakichan]

As one of the Miata faithful, the Solstice/Sky didn't really interest me. BUT - I would also have loved to see what GM would have done with a 2nd generation. Really not a fan of where the American car landscape has been going.

[@toysRrobloxYT]

for real we need this back

[@josheaton8544]

There actually is a decent amount of aftermarket support. Same power plant as the cobalt SS. So if you look for LNF or LE5 support you can find stuff for these cars

[@patricksquires6348]

Thanks - nice video My fav car One Question - All this chatter and no mention of Bob Lutz? Was his last real car. Good day.

[@Jairrzz]

My friend landed one for 4K with 50k miles. Honestly a fun drive!

[@fortheloveofnoise]

how

[@SuperMacGuy]

The turbo is really what makes this car shine, makes you want it more.

[@S8david]

The aftermarket does exist for these! They have a couple of superchargers you can put on the base solstice, chassis bracing, and tunes online.

[@Slowsticee]

Where do they sell superchargers? Last I heard was they stopped selling them

[@tmurphy3382]

Several years ago, I owned a Saturn Sky Redline for two years. It was not a daily driver but I put 5,000 miles on it and believe these cars are underrated. The handling was not bad, the turbo was a blast when it kicked in, and the rear end was easy to kick loose. I like the exterior design of, both, the Solstice and the Sky. Storage space is abysmal but, hey, it's a tiny sports car and just accept it for what it is. The biggest downside, however, is the interior and the quality and feel of the hard plastics. I don't miss the interior but, if I was to buy a 2nd sports car, I would entertain purchasing another Sky.

[@jasonh.1648]

If you add some wider tires, maybe coilovers, you will never lose grip when cornering. It's amazing.

[@bradgipson4314]

I have an '08 Solstice GXP. GM performance package,K&N cold air intake,Magnaflow high flow cat and 3" exhaust. Never dynoed but estimate 310-330 HP. It is a thrill to drive and handles like a dream. Any more HP would be too much.My "Poorvette"

[@user-pe8eo4hp7g]

Love the Solstice. Amazing drive

[@aroundomaha]

These really are attractive vehicles. Excellent pick.

[@cpMetis]

I always felt like the Solstice and Sky needed to have a baby. The Sky's interior and traditional open grill housed in the excellent shape of the Solstice.

[@UpperRobin29]

You can see the Solstice if you look at the Sky...🤣🤣

[@conchobar]

That would be incest.

[@jonf2009]

Getting the car up and getting it to go problem they're talking about is actually the throttle control. GM actually limits the throttle from a cold start from a dead stop to keep people from spinning the wheels out because the car is so light you can actually go have that tuned out and then you put several bracing pieces that you can get from aftermarket vendors and wider Wheels on the back and the car actually takes off a lot better.

[@kaikaahaaina1528]

Looks like Paul got a replacement blue G-Shock :)

[@tedschmitt178]

I bought a lightly-used ‘06 model with 20K miles a couple of months ago. I like it more than the NA or NB Miatas I had, and I will NEVER sell it.

[@jhanschu]

Not sure where you're getting the pricing you're talking about, but all the one's I've seen are going for 12k or more. Maybe a year ago, you could have found them in the 7 or 8k range. I own a 08 redline and thought I got lucky even finding one at a decent price. Definitely on point about parts availability. And they are a fun car to drive. I love mine and wouldn't trade it for the world.

[@TestDriveVideos]

The Turbos can’t be found for less than 8k, but we found quite a few non-turbos like this one. Thanks for watching!

[@davevan9150]

They have upgrades. Supercharger is most common, and there was the turbo gxp version from the factory. Gm also put out an upgrade for the turbo good for 290HP.

[@Slowsticee]

They don’t sell the supercharger anymore

[@The_sinner_Jim_Whitney]

If only the sister car had been a Chevrolet, I bet it would’ve survived. Shame they had Corvette and didn’t want another roadster, I’d LOVE to have seen this as a Chevy with about 240 NA horsepower at 2500-ish pounds in its second generation. I’m in 100% agreement on the need for both front- and mid-engine Corvettes, too.

[@Erplane1]

I loved this car (lifetime Pontiac man). I thought the Sky looked like a C3 corvette to your point. I think GM needs to bring the Solstice back as an EV roadster through Buick.

[@chadbrowski2508]

The turbo model has an oem map sensor and ecu upgrade that gets ariund 320hp and requires 93oct fuel

[@cheapme1850]

Tempted to get one and get rid of my other fun car - no space in the driveway unfortunately. I thought about how great a Mallet version would be but everyone is saying it’s overkill and the four cylinders are good enough.

[@edflynn3441]

. I Don't say this too often but REALLY NICE review, great job................. / / / / /

[@TestDriveVideos]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

[@rustbeltrobclassic2512]

Anyone have any idea what a good price for a sky base with under 25k miles is worth? Dark blue with tan leather.

[@staLkerhu]

Is this thing have some kind of pop-up roll bar, or will I take a roll with my head and neck?

[@marcstamper9079]

The Solstice coupe, is Corvette’s 63’ split window

[@evalonious]

And apparently as I just read, there is a GMPP tune giving 30% torque increase.

[@joeyconservative]

Never has seen the Solstice coupe in the wild

[@sblumenkron]

SCCA Club Racing 2006 National Championship Runoffs the Pontiac Solstice placed first place in Showroom Stock B (SSB). SCCA Club Racing 2007 National Championship Runoffs the Pontiac Solstice GXP placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in Touring 2 (T2) and the Pontiac Solstice placed first place in Showroom Stock B (SSB) even after being penalized 200 lbs between the 2006 and 2007 seasons. SCCA Club Racing 2008 National Championship the Pontiac Solstice GXP placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in Touring 2 (T2) SCCA Club Racing 2009 National Championship the Pontiac Solstice GXP placed 1st and 3rd place in Touring 2 (T2) The years the Kappa was produced it dominated against Miatas and S2000. It featured hydro-formed rails and a tunnel structure similar to the Corvette architecture, and had a short-long-arm double wishbone suspension for the front and rear. It featured longitudinal-mounted transmission and near perfect weight distribution (49/51).

[@clintbrill2317]

Buick should take it and make the Wildcat. Have you ever seen pictures of the 1954 Buick Wildcat? I drive a Solstice GXP. It is fast.

[@cj94zj92sc]

I have the exact same color to with wider tires

[@cvlzation4741]

as a 19 year old college car guy this was the only cool roadster i could afford lol and i love mine

[@charlestshiko1028]

Funny how you say it should be the small Corvette. Remember the Opel GT sold by Buick that looked like a small Corvette? The Solstice/Sky twins are also based on their contemporary Opel roadster. GM doesn't own Opel anymore.

[@Littlebitz3211]

I found one of these on face book with 100k miles for 8k. They claim nothing else is wrong with it besides the paint wearing out. I haven’t gone to look at it yet, but is that a bad deal?

[@nickpearce2968]

How is the reliability though?

[@evalonious]

Hey can y'all do a video of Solstice vs. SKY? It would be cool to see a direct comparison of Performance & Quality. Or are they simply identical?

[@sblumenkron]

They are identical cars under the body panels. The Solstice was the first car in the Kappa platform and the Sky was a restyled/rebodied Solstice. The dashboard and some parts of the interior are also different, but basically the same car.

[@Lionsheartification]

Never knew the coupe version existed

[@automotiveaffairsshorts]

Every Solstice and Sky I ever drove, felt like the cambers were just off! They all hated to turn in.

[@bbb462cid]

Get a GXP or Redline and give it more gas

[@tedschmitt178]

The stereo is/was dated but is easily replaced with a double-DIN UNIT.

[@kylenewberry2598]

They were dope in Transformers.

[@sheven18]

My Everyday driver is a Saturn Sky Redline. you guys left allot of things out Like with the Redline and GXP you could have it performance boosted at the dealer that would give the car 312 HP also believe it or not Chevy almost made the Chevy Nomad witch was based off of this platform. What your wrong about it is very easy to find mods for this car hahn makes a turbo for the base solstice and base sky.

[@pm6613]

I think they were referring to basic stock parts replacement. Mods are a different topic.

[@sheven18]

@@pm6613 Stock parts are even easier to find then mods 99% of parts are shared with GM cars that are still in production today.

[@jessicaito5212]

I have a base Solstice and it has a Turbo from RPM motorsports and my Solstice is a little bit faster then a GXP that hasn't been performance tuned but will loose to a performance tuned GXP. like the video said the OEM parts are easy to come by but I think this car might be a Unicorn because the makers of this video did not know there is allot of support for this car even though not allot where made.

[@randyfine4535]

I found my cheap sports car two years agon when I found a 2004 Crossfire with only 25,000 miles on it. Mercedes underpinnings for under 10K? Yeah, I'll do that. TONS of fun.

[@donwilbanks2226]

I considered a Crossfire but the Mercedes underpinnings scared me away. After a couple of years and 20k miles I'm loving my Sky. So far just oil changes, replaced a bad turn signal stalk (common and easy to fix) and the stereo just went out. I'll find a factory head unit for $150 since I don't want to lose the factory SiriusXM. I do love those Crossfires though!

[@lezzbmm]

ayeeeeeee love the solstice

[@efrenrivera9716]

Yeah buddy

[@nicholasherr6166]

How to send to ray

[@gi169]

That car is awesome...

[@juliobahamundi7062]

Quiero un Solstice

[@44WillysMB]

Go drive a GXP ,or Redline ,and review that.

[@IsaacReddinger]

I've always preferred the styling of the Saturn Sky

[@pm6613]

GM appealed to two main types of tastes in cars by producing these siblings: Curvaceous or a wedge-style. Pick your car.

[@Dunwelll]

Mmmm green cars

[@bbb462cid]

The Solstice was never intended to be a Miata. The Solstice was Bob Lutz challenging GM to get off their asses. The car was a dream of his, and it was brought to the market for 1/10th the cost of a normal new-car rollout. The Solstice generated excitement and teamwork at GM and promoted pride. People stole time from other projects to work on it. It is a flawed car, but wow are they fun. In stock GXP trim with the stock 5 speed, the Solstice has respectable performance at just about 3K pounds motivated by 260bhp and 260lb-ft on a flat tourque curve. It makes peak hp and torque early and keeps it. With the GMPP tune and a 5 speed it is 290bhp and 340lb-ft on a curve that goes up. Add to that a good performance exhaust and you're looking at 310bhp and 360lb-ft. A 2012 Camaro LS3 is 9.34 lbs per bhp. In GMPP upgrade trim alone, a Sol GXP 5 speed is 10.27lbs per bhp.

[@wanderingmercurymarauder761]

The Solstice was always intended to be a roadster in the same league as the S2000, many design engineers have directly stated that.

[@bbb462cid]

​@@wanderingmercurymarauder761 The Solstice design started with Wolfgang von Holzhausen after Bob Lutz asked von Holzhausen to start doing sketches. This was *before Lutz was even officially at GM* so if you're trying to tell me that the GM had its sights on the S2000 and that's why the Solstice was built, you cannot be more wrong. That simply did not happen. Lutz attempted to do this same thing at Ford in the 1980s with the Ford Barchetta. Then he tried it with Neon architecture at Chrysler. The Solstice was not a GM plan to rival Honda, it was Bob Lutz chasing an idea he had been chasing for over 20 years to build a sports car. GM may have intended to rival the S2000 _after_ the Solstice was produced, but I'll tell you, I researched the car for a year before I bought a 2007 Solstice GXP brand new off the lot at Ricky Smith Pontiac, I have all the books both technical and otherwise I can find on it, and have been very active in the Kappa community, still own a Solstice GXP, and I have never once read a statement that a GM design engineer says that the Solstice was due to a plan was to rival the S2000 or heard that rumor stated before. I'm taking my information on how the Solstice was designed directly from The Solstice Book, ISBN 0-0932128-13-0

[@FoodyTunes]

If GM made a Camaro that competed more directly with the new GR86 and BRZ then I think they’d have a winner.