Review: 2009 Pontiac Solstice - Underrated Sports Car Bargain?

I review this pristine 2009 Pontiac Solstice with the 5-speed manual transmission to finally see what these cars were like. They still look cool even nearly 20 years later, but how does the driving experience hold up? It's actually better than you might be expecting, especially considering how cheap these are these days. What do you think about the Pontiac Solstice? Huge thanks to Jake at Ken Ganley Toyota for providing me with this vehicle to review! This Solstice is currently for sale and the listing can be viewed here: www.cars.com/vehicledetail/aa...
You can also contact Jake about it directly through his Instagram DMs: jakepuckett...
Time stamps:
0:00 Exterior
2:29 Interior
6:58 Initial impressions
10:07 Acceleration
12:25 Handling and other info
16:15 Pricing and competitor comparisons
20:00 Final thoughts
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[@yourmanzach2307]

A blast from the past. I’ll always remember this car as Jazz. If you know you know.

[@kingsandwich8091]

They eventually got it right with Jazz. Now they just need to get their story right.

[@BlueCJ]

That's why I found it so cool back then

[@xaviergl]

My parents had a pair of Pontiacs back in the early 2000's, a G6 and a Wave (chevy aveo) but i saw a solstice once at a dealership (we picked up the wave in ~08 when they had huge discounts due to bankruptcy) and it was crazy to me that the same brand as my parents boring cars also made this crazy looking thing, which also happened to be in transformers. I was all over these things as a kid

[@mysticalgamer1013]

Transformers

[@yourmanzach2307]

@@kingsandwich8091 I liked the newest movie with the beasts. Mirage was amazing

[@Hazdazos]

The automotive media killed this car. As Matt states, it had great styling and decent speed and handling at a reasonable price. It was a pretty decent car, but the automotive press at the time endlessly compared it to the Miata even though they weren't exactly aimed at the exact same market. Sure,they were both RWD convertible sportcars, but not everyone needed or wanted the more nimble and raw nature of the Miata. But the press always being quick to bash American cars, would simply not let up on being overly critical of this car. I can only imagine what a 2nd or 3rd generation of this car could have morphed into. It's a damn shame we'll never find out.

[@im_an_alvani]

LOVING the "classic" car reviews! A 5 speed manual in 2009 still seems crazy to me and this thing is crispy mint. As usual you knocked this one out of the park.

[@CaptainAlex69]

My 2013 wrx has a 5 speed 😢

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks man!

[@cyberspd]

I really enjoy you reviews of cool older cars Matt. I recently purchased a 2007 Corvette with just over 39K on the odometer. With the price of new cars continuing to skyrocket there are plenty of bargains on gently used, reasonably priced, fun cars to drive that they just don't make anymore. Keep up the good work

[@MattMaranMotoring]

I totally agree, congrats on the Corvette!

[@shdwcharger]

Nice to see a true manual again, especially on a car with such low miles

[@falxonPSN]

I always loved the look of these. The yellow was the signature color, but blue really pops too! Man, for 9k, this is pretty tempting.....

[@Drrck11]

Pontiac made some really fun cars back in the day. The Smokey and Bandit Trans Am, the Fiero, and of course, the Solstice.

[@MegaRetr]

Nice to see a true manual again!!!

[@tedschmitt178]

Great review. I have a 2006 Solstice with 20K miles and it’s never seen rain. I will NEVER sell it.

[@johnhilton9023]

Matt, keep up the old/classic car reviews… it’s what got me watching your channel so long ago and it also really differentiates you from all the other car channels!

[@tedadamgreen]

By far one of the very best reviews on this car and the platform… I learned elements in this video that I’d never heard before and I’ve seen a million reviews on this platform! Great job

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Wow thanks, glad you liked it Ted!

[@jameslupkin3266]

Really enjoying these older car reviews! Keep them up. I think a lot of people are looking for fun with a smaller budget and a smaller pocket book and something like this would be a great option

[@jareddrake619]

You really got to try the GXP or Sky Redline... They're phenomenal with just some basic suspension upgrades

[@realbeetlejuice]

their 2.0T was way ahead of it's time

[@MattMaranMotoring]

I'd love to try one someday!

[@electrontransferconduit657]

@@realbeetlejuiceespecially with a factory tune available straight from gm that made it a 5 second car.

[@jareddrake619]

@@MattMaranMotoring Next time you're in San Diego... Reply to this comment and I will personally bring you my car haha... I'll still have it, found a Sky Redline Mint with only 8,000... Keeping this until CA forces me into an EV

[@Caoimhin777]

I had one in red & loved it. I sadly had to sell it many years ago & still miss it.

[@2bunphettered788]

A great car to review Matt!! 👍 This car was kinda the last hurrah for Pontiac before they finally closed their doors. 🏁

[@bretthansen8166]

From a GM family, my mom had a Soltice GXP manual, (the turbo ecotec) was a very fun car to drive to be honest. My neighbor in CA here has a supercharged LS3 swapped Saturn Sky who goes for our canyon drives with us. Such a fun car to drive. If you don’t care about “speed” but fun to drive both of the base model Sky and Soltice are very enjoyable for the $ they sell for nowadays. Great video thx for bringing attention to these cars 👍🏻

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks for sharing your experiences with them!

[@sixteenseven123]

My buddy’s dad had a Saturn Sky back when we were in high school with the 2.4, kept it stock for a few years but eventually put a supercharger kit on it which fit the car like a glove, it just responded so well to the extra power and gave it that extra little kick to excite you when you stepped on it. Not a bad little car

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Nice! That's cool that there were supercharger kits for these, I bet that would make it a lot more fun!

[@austinfrazier7325]

The supercharger hasn’t been available in many years. Don’t get excited.

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219]

Excellent video Matt.

[@thegoodstick3985]

I first saw the solstice back when the first transformers movie came out. I was a 5 year old boy back then

[@torres3800]

I always liked how that clamshell hood opened up on both the Sky and Solstice. Reminded me of the C4 Corvette. This was the GM I remember when I started working as a GM Tech in 2006. Trust me though, that plastic interior was miles better than the GM plastic from 2004 and under.

[@tomc8854]

Wow didn’t realize they made so many! The much rarer coupe version of this is really good looking but those are getting crazy money now.🤑

[@williamwalter4992]

Solstice: complements of Bob Lutz, who also gave us the Viper

[@sachemrock]

I would go for the Miata from the same time period but that’s just me. Still get top down driving fun from the Pontiac though! Thanks for these old model reviews. I think this could be a great niche for you Matt along with new car reviews.

[@-Munditimum-]

What a great review Matt. There were V8 kits for these while back as well. Cheers! M

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks!

[@benkromminga5739]

Great review, Matt! Love to see the reviews on these old school cars, especially the ones with manuals. Makes me wish I could get my old '91 Miata sorted out.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Glad you liked it! I hope you can get your Miata up and running soon!

[@pira.kathir]

Great review for a great car! Like these old school reviews!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks, glad you liked it!

[@Therafester14]

Wow great car. I love the info about the parts bin stuff from the H3 😂 what a choice to pull from

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Haha right? Thanks for watching!

[@aceofspades6667]

Beauty of a car!

[@c.a.r.s.carsandrelevantspecs]

Wow! This looks really cool! Looks a lot better than a lot of modern cars! Great review!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks!

[@davevan9150]

Always liked these, stylish and fun. Supercharger kit was available for the 2.4 and helped a lot. The hatchback coupe looked even better.

[@yanal0611]

Hell yeah. Queue “Arrival to Earth” by Steve Jablonsky.

[@AntLive29]

All I know is the drivers of these cars LOVE the month of June😂

[@jacobyo99]

Thanks Bob Lutz for this!

[@bandosz3218]

I love all the little facts and history about the car! Great review. You've got me considering this Pontiac if it's cheaper than an S2k.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

I'm glad you liked it! Best of luck if you decide to search for one!

[@Dtown96]

Get the GXP or the Sky Red Line. It’s basically as fast (in a straight line and around a track) as an S2000 TYPE S which is an extremely rare and expensive S2000. Probably over $60k. And it’s easier to tune the Solstice/Sky with the 2.0T. Their prices are much more realistic compared to overpaying for the slower normal trim AP1 S2K. You can pick the Pontiac/Saturn up in the $8-12k range for an automatic and more for the manual. It’s essentially a lighter, two seater Cobalt SS Turbo, except now it’s RWD and can take the same bigger turbo aftermarket options.

[@bmitchellc]

Great review, Matt! This is pretty much how I'd have ordered...a Sky. I'd have bought one, but they make the C5 Corvette I had at the time look cavernous inside. The H3 HVAC knobs seem logical, as the though was probably that you might have gloves on for top-down driving. I also know you're low on S2000 values, as the few times I see them pop up in collector car auctionland, $35k is the basement.

[@mr.dodosoft6952]

Used to have one, a NA that I added a MP62 supercharger to. Loved that thing, I own a C8 now

[@BanditJedi]

You had me booking a flight to PA to get this car. I have a 2009 in Aggressive but always wanted a Hydro. Definitely would have to replace those 15 year old tires before driving it back tho.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

I was worried about the tires too but I couldn’t tell if they were original or not. There wasn’t any cracking or other signs of age that I could see. Be sure to contact Jake at Ken Ganley if you decide to go for it!

[@Ceeboyforlife]

At 5’9” you look like the perfect fit. At my 6’ tail I hope I can fit. I had the coupe and loved it

[@im_an_alvani]

Also 282,000 miles in a Saturn Sky seems like an incredible amount of time to spend in a car that small.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Hahaha yeah I was impressed when I saw that listing! At least it's a testament to the reliability, and the fact that someone loved it enough to drive it that much!

[@wackit6756]

Thanks for doing this review. I miss Pontiac. I remember looking at these new and thought the exterior was perfect. But I wish Pontiac had more development Money for the interior which was all plastic and bland. Too bad. It should have been offered in GXP only with an upgraded interior and it probably would have sold more.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks for watching!

[@androiduberalles]

Legend has it that the LS3 fits in this thing without much of a fight 😏 might as well just get a corvette at that point though, lol

[@nathanielbailey108]

Yeah but this looks way sexier than an 09 corvette/door stop on wheels.

[@PURENT]

It does, but the swap isn't quite worth the price. Cheaper to tune the stock motor to 350+ whp and blow it up 2-3 times than swap it.

[@Mexxx65]

Mint....Looks as good or even better than a brand new EV car....Unicorn Matt!!!

[@elvic-xg6hh]

I had one of those for a short period of time and I really like it (and I had a Miata Nd2 before). I sold the car to buy a new Integra and to be honest... I miss the Solstice 😢

[@beemeratt]

The Saturn Sky version was interesting.

[@jmt8706official]

I prefered the look of the sky over the solstice.

[@UpperRobin29]

You need to get your hands on a GXP. I got mine for $7k in 2020 before shit hit the fan and with just a tune, intercooler and exhaust its putting out 300hp. These things are fun and incredibly undervalued

[@nintendoatarikiller]

I like the parts bin trivia. Lots of quirks and features in the Solstice

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks!

[@user-ho4nw5sf3w]

I know, different words, but the meaning the same. 74 years old. Love sports cars. Have owned three 1970 Triumph Spitfires. Been twenty five years since I drove one, and since I have left my spitfire days behind. Now I haven't been idle all these years. Wrung out a 2003 Cadillac C T S. It's got four doors, but is a flat out sports car. What a bomb.bit you get the chance try one. Wow did I get off track. My Spitfire days aren't all behind me I would love to take a Solstice out for a day. Lots of twisty hilly two lane black tops around here, and I know them all. I fear one element about this car, getting out. Not just because it might have a death grip on me, but because it takes a lot of pep from this old Poop to stand up. There's no sky hook to pull myself up with, damn cane gets in the way. But hey, I'm only talking one day right, maybe. Yep who am I trying to to bullshit. I want to drive one.

[@doggedlydetermined7022]

This alongside an SSR would be a pretty sweet combo for short money

[@MattMaranMotoring]

I agree. I'd love to try an SSR someday.

[@lacfilms8345]

Thanks, Matt for this review of the GM Kappa platform. Bob Lutz had a vision, this is kinda the result. This Solstice 2.4 Ecotech base model in blue, is a fine example with very low mileage. However, Matt you should do a review of the GXP/Redline model- with the factory tune, & in competition mode just say'n. Buckle up! There was a limited V8 conversion option- done by Mallet back in the day. Very rare if... you find one of these Matt to test drive? As a current owner- they are loads of fun to drive, for not a lot of money. Good MPG, not too bad on insurance rates either. Plenty of grip in the twisties, get up & go on the backroads or interstates, and has been a solid reliable daily driver for me. Being a GM parts bin model- I have never had an issue with parts. Dealer maintained since Day 1 of ownership. Almost bulletproof. Limited storage space, the manual top operation, hard plastic surfaces seem to be the major complaints of the model. After 11 years of ownership- I'm still smiling to this day with the Saturn Sky Redline version, just like you did Matt in this video. That IS the real road test of the GM Kappa platform. Permagrin status? Did you have fun? Yes, I did. Mission accomplished. This classic roadster look still grabs people's attention to this very day wherever you go in one.

[@Mike.T.]

I've always wanted a coupe version of the Solstice. It had a removable targa top that, if memory serves, doesn't fit in the car when it's off. Those are very rare and the prices for them reflect that.

[@cjstallings5295]

You should review the Saturn sky redline!

[@lclnbm]

Always wanted the GXP Coupe that had a proper hardtop. Unfortunately those go for 30k average :/

[@hypershadow87]

*I see a few of these in black and yellow being driven around town all the time and still to this day, I'd gladly take the Pontiac or Saturn version of these. Especially with that boosted engine.*

[@tonidmc]

Matt it would be nice to do a review of an all standard late 70s Trans Am👌👌👌

[@Jorge_Magallon]

Great review. Looks like it has ABS! Like the extra grip in this case because it might be a great option for my 15yr old who is itching to get my ND. Not happening. She’s just 5’8” so probably fits. Listed around 15k. So a higher mile one makes sense.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks, glad you liked the video!

[@scottlenahan8228]

Always thought the sky version was a better looking car!! But these were always awesome looking!

[@jmt8706official]

It's a shame GM killed off Pontiac and Saturn. I saw everyone driving Solstice's and Sky's when they came out.

[@alpe6228]

the gxp was a blast to drive and very fast for the time.

[@1234zcrom]

Thats the same engine used in the early model polaris slingshots like my 17. I like its easy to work on and reliable.

[@haydenbattaglia7389]

The center stack looks like it’s straight from a Supra

[@brexman]

Great Car

[@tonyn3227]

great looking car to this day , i had one back in the day, along with sky redline, which was great, you need turbo in this car for super fun. the only downsize they werent, too reliable , constant issues , i sold them after 2 years owning them. but i do misss the fun rides and styling.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Sorry to hear that yours wasn’t reliable, but I’m glad you enjoyed it while you had it.

[@creatorsfreedom6734]

Wow that is a Nice Blue Color

[@nberkel]

Blast from the past, but man I don't know if I could even consider a non GXP version!

[@EdFlynn-vo4kj]

Good honest review but BUT I HAVE HAD PLENTY OF GUYS OVER 6FT AND THEY ARE FINE. There was also a power option to raise the seats.

[@omegajazzstorm_]

As a proud solstice owner I approve this video😎

[@creatorsfreedom6734]

sad that the cat's are not being made anymore .. had to go magna flow

[@nathanielbailey108]

Man the best colors they applied to these were the rarest.

[@markhowarth38]

The GXP version is one of the best automotive sports car bargains.

[@michaelnotigan7796]

Last year for the Solstice and to boot, a rare but beautiful color. Something Mazda should do: offer bright, happy colors for their Miata and Miata RF. Too many dull shades of black and gray in their lineup. Nice review of a rare car, Matt!

[@damilolaakanni]

Mazda had a few orange MX-5 RF models a few years ago....I think it was a special edition. There are also a few ones in red, which I think is the best colour Mazda has.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks, and I totally agree about the colors!

[@michaelnotigan7796]

Exactly right. It was for the Miata's 30th anniversary and only 500 made it to the USA. @@damilolaakanni

[@nathanielbailey108]

I own a GXP. Highly underrated weekend car. (And priced as such)

[@BenTroxell]

Wouldn’t be caught dead in that thing 🔥

[@pm6613]

If you died in it, you would be caught dead in it. LOL

[@strongb05]

Loved my solstice GXP. Biggest problem is no OEM role bar and to put an aftermarket one in destroys leg room or requires hacking up the trunk. Also the seat has a height adjustment (or at least mine did, it’s a power height adjustment). I looked at all the roadsters and the solstice had more leg room, and cockpit room than the S2000, or NC/ND miata (just have to play with the height/seating position). Can confirm the GMMP tune makes it one of the funnest cars I’ve ever driven (even added no lift shift). Also added the GMMP intake and the turbo noise was phenomenal.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks for the info! I couldn’t find the height adjust on this one…

[@strongb05]

@@MattMaranMotoring I think it's a switch on the front of the seat, but it's been a while.

[@highoctaneadventure]

It really did take a true car guy like Bob Lutz to push GM for these fun, interesting cars.

[@kevinandrew_]

I never realized how little storage and trunk space these things had. Did they not bother to look at a Miata for like 10 seconds to figure out packaging lol.

[@davidblalock9945]

Love the platform, but I actually prefer the Saturn Sky to the Pontiac version.

[@jmd11185]

I remember having a Z3 and being scared these were going to smoke me lol

[@Thebusdriverandgamermorefan790]

Oh my gosh, This should've be my first car.

[@user-ft8ey5vb5i]

Are you some kind of expert on the solstice. How much for this old car 5 thousand or less

[@damilolaakanni]

I think the Saturn Sky was the better looking of the two, especially from the front end.

[@zoraius]

I own a 08' solstice base, maybe its my all-season tire choice but i can say it can get very "playful" in any sort of adverse weather condition

[@tedschmitt178]

My 06 Solstice never sees adverse weather.

[@SonOfTamriel]

65000 sold, and like 8 on the road

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Yeah it is a bit odd since they shouldn't really be unreliable. I think a lot of them are probably mothballed by collectors like this one was.

[@BanditJedi]

The majority of them were purchased as weekend cruisers or retirement cars. I, on the other hand, ordered my 09 to be my daily driver and it still is after 16 years and 217k miles.

[@tedschmitt178]

Yep, mine is garaged and only comes out on nice days.

[@TheLadiesman0815]

Once again……..now I want one 😂

[@alanbailey5621]

You forgot the glove box on the passenger side.

[@tellerbee9929]

There is an electric switch at the base of the seat that raises and lowers it.

[@pm6613]

That's a factory option.

[@mr.2cents.846]

It looks like a little Viper on the inside.

[@davidlepoidevin4239]

I had one on order but had to cancel.. at 6’1” I could not fit… anyway was a cool car!

[@BanditJedi]

I tried one out before I ordered. I’m 6’ 3” and I was surprised I fit. I new have 217k miles on my 09 and it’s been a great dependable daily.

[@PaulTC777]

The Opel GT from that era was basically the same car but looked better than this Pontiac to me. The interior felt apart quite quickly.

[@flea4061]

The coupe version is very rare.

[@bryantcurtis2573]

Love this car still a hard choice vs something like a NC Miata. That top mechanism was terrible.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Yeah the Miata definitely had the easier to use top, but this one wasn't too bad.

[@mcoon1987]

Dude if you know where to get an s2000 for mid 20s please let me know lol

[@MattMaranMotoring]

They’re all over autotrader lol.

[@Xmvw2X]

Solstice GXP and Sky Redline? Cool cars. Those are one of the best ways to get a small sports car with excellent power. I'll tell anyone and everyone to pick up a GXP/Redline if they can and don't mind the key constraints of the car. There really isn't something competitive once you have the turbo power, rear lsd, and better suspension handling setup stock. The regular versions...eh, none of the key benefits, all of the downsides. I think the BMW Z4 is a better option in basically every way. Grab an old 3.0L Z4, and you'll have a moderately better car around the same price point.

[@PURENT]

Problem with the Z4's, no LSD unless you buy an M.

[@flea4061]

The coupe is very rare.

[@bikes7777]

I always thought the Saturn sky cousin was much better looking.

[@tedschmitt178]

I think otherwise.

[@jordanyeager9220]

Would be even more timely if Pontiac/Chevy brought this treasure back as an EV or Hybrid.

[@LuisUrbieta]

Hi Matt, why didn't you review a new car?

[@EdFlynn-vo4kj]

Is that a STOCK OEM COLOR

[@austinfrazier7325]

Yes for 09 only

[@agrippa1234]

same steering wheel as on my C6 Vettes, my son's Cavalier, etc......

[@jacobyo99]

No Cavalier ever had this steering wheel

[@ImGriffinP]

I ended up buying the sister car to this (Saturn Sky) in 2021. It was a fun car and looked great but they’re a nightmare to get parts for and just don’t drive as well as a Miata. Ended up selling it a year later.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks for sharing your experience, sorry to hear that it wasn't the best for you.

[@al90vette]

Cool car. Just too hard to compete w the miata

[@BanditJedi]

As long as you’re a small enough person to fit in a Miata. I got too tall for the Miata when I turned 15. At 6’3” I fit perfectly in a Solstice.

[@TheRogerhill1234]

I have the much better looking Saturn Sky Redline, it didn't cost me much as I bought it in the winter