Pontiac Solstice problems

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The Pontiac Solstice is a sports car that was produced by Pontiac. Introduced at the 2004 North American International Auto Show, the Solstice roadster began production in Wilmington, Delaware, starting in mid-2005 for the 2006 model year. It is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.4 L I4 engine, producing 177 hp (132 kW) and 166 lb⋅ft (225 N⋅m) of torque. The exterior styling of the production Solstice is similar to that of the 2002 Solstice concept that preceded it. Production of the Solstice was to be running before summer 2005, but delays at the Wilmington plant pushed volume production to the fourth quarter. The new hardtop targa top 2009 model was announced in mid-2008. The Solstice uses the GM Kappa platform, which also underpins the Saturn Sky, Opel GT, and Daewoo G2X. It was the brand's first two-seater since the Pontiac Fiero was discontinued in 1988.

The Solstice was nominated for the North American Car of the Year award and Design of the Year award from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) for 2006. It was a runaway hit for Pontiac, with 7,000 orders in the first 10 days of availability and 6,000 more orders before winter. Although first-year production was planned at 7,000, GM apologized to customers for delays and increased production, delivering 10,000 by March 1.

Following the 2008 economic recession, GM discontinued the Pontiac division. Production ended with the closure of the Wilmington Assembly plant in July 2009.

photo of Pontiac Solstice car production

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Pontiac Solstice model years

pontiac solstice 2009 photo
Solstice 2009
Pontiac

36

4

30

4.1
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
pontiac solstice 2008 photo
Solstice 2008
Pontiac

158

5

28

4.3
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
pontiac solstice 2007 photo
Solstice 2007
Pontiac

285

5

26

4.2
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
pontiac solstice 2006 photo
Solstice 2006
Pontiac

241

5

22

4.3
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Common Pontiac Solstice problems

The Pontiac Solstice, a two-seater sports car introduced in 2006, has been praised for its stylish looks and intoxicating performance, particularly in the GXP model. However, it has also been plagued with several common problems that have affected its reliability and practicality.

One of the most common problems with the Solstice is the convertible top. When inspecting a potential Solstice, it is essential to cycle the top up and down to ensure proper alignment and minimal scuffing from normal use. The hold-down feet should contact the material in the trunk without causing severe damage.

Another issue is leaks around the differential seals, particularly in the GXP variant. To address this problem, it is necessary to maintain the proper fluid level and use the recommended LSD additive.

The center console and cup holders are also known to break easily on the Solstice. This is particularly problematic because body parts for the Solstice are not easy to find. Therefore, it is crucial to check these components for any signs of damage before purchasing a used Solstice.

The undercarriage is another area that requires careful inspection, especially in used Solstices. Many cars were lifted incorrectly, causing the front fenders to crack. It is essential to ensure that the buttresses open completely and hitch-free, and that the chin spoiler and front end, including the intercooler on the GXP model, are not damaged due to the Solstice's low stance.

A malfunctioning passenger airbag is another common problem with the Solstice, which can be expensive to fix. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the airbag registers a human occupant during the test drive.

Solstice GXP owners have reported that the water pumps failed after 20,000 miles. Therefore, it is essential to check the water pump during the test drive.

The engine is another critical area to inspect during the test drive. The GXP turbo models are easy to upgrade, so it is crucial to find out what the previous owner might have been up to.

Finally, taking the convertible Solstice to a power car wash during the test drive is essential to ensure that there are no leaks and that the seals are in good condition. These can be expensive to replace.

In summary, the Pontiac Solstice is a stylish and fun sports car that has been plagued with several common problems that have affected its reliability and practicality. Therefore, it is crucial to inspect the car thoroughly before purchasing, particularly the convertible top, differential seals, center console and cup holders, undercarriage, passenger airbag, water pump, and engine.

Pontiac Solstice

What year is the Pontiac Solstice to avoid?

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. The Passenger Air Bag Suppression System (PPS) sensor may become bent or damaged within the front passenger seat, possibly disabling the front passenger air bag.

What goes wrong with Pontiac Solstice?

Rushed into production, the Pontiac Solstice was a stylish two-seat roadster that never quite lived up to its looks. It was powered by a 2.4-liter, 177-hp four-cylinder engine that sounds and feels harsh when revved. Wide spacing between the gear ratios in the five-speed manual is a major flaw.

Are Pontiac Solstices expensive to maintain?

Pontiac Solstice Repair & Maintenance Costs

The annual maintenance cost of a Pontiac Solstice is $486. Repair and maintenance costs vary depending on age, mileage, location and shop.

How many miles will a Pontiac Solstice last?

But the vast majority of the 2.0 cars are running well into 100k miles and beyond with few issues. We have one car in our club that has clocked 160K miles and is going strong. They have water pump failures, and high pressure fuel pump failures but generally have proven to be very reliable.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Pontiac Solstice years

We have researched Pontiac problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Pontiac Solstice cars and compiled the top 4 most problematic Pontiac Solstice model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Pontiac Solstice model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Pontiac Solstice years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Pontiac Solstice car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Pontiac Solstice , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Air bags problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Power train problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Seats problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Pontiac Solstice vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Solstice model years

A total of 28 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Solstice model years

There were a total of 3 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Solstice model years

There were a total of 24 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 720 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Pontiac Solstice . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Pontiac Solstice vehicles.

Latest 25 complaints

Pontiac Solstice 2006
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-06-07
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-17
  • VIN: 1G2MB33B86Y
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac Solstice. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V061000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 192,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Pontiac Solstice 2006
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-06-20
  • Date Complaint: 2024-08-26
  • VIN: 1G2MB33B66Y
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: Hello i would like to make an agreement with someone to recover a seized vehicle by cbp at the border I made a mistake and i really want to fix it because i really need the car for work but all proof of ownership is inside the vehicle under the driver seat on a red docs bag the guy that sold it to me doesnt want to help me and im Just a young buddy I got it on payments with the condition that i was going to have the original tittle until i pay it all help
Pontiac Solstice 2006
  • Date Of Incident: 2017-05-22
  • Date Complaint: 2024-08-22
  • VIN: 1G2MB35B56Y
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac Solstice. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the passenger’s side seat sensor air bag warning light was not illuminated; however, the passenger’s side seat was occupied. The contact was notified that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V061000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the inflatable restraint passenger presence module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 38,153.
Pontiac Solstice 2007
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-07-25
  • Date Complaint: 2024-08-13
  • VIN: 1G2MG35X27Y
  • Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: I bought a 2007 Pontiac Solstice recently from an individual. I saw online that there was an airbag recall. I called my local Chevy dealer and they ordered the recall kit. I brought the car in and they did the fix. However, the airbag, on the passenger side, problem still existed. Sometimes, when my 110 lb. wife got in the passenger side, the airbag would read "ON", and sometimes it would not. So I took my car back to the dealer today. The service manager showed me a bulletin from General Motors, that said the passenger, had to weigh at least 150 lbs. for the airbag to work. I feel this is a real safety concern and need to know how to get this safety issue resolved.
Pontiac Solstice 2007
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-06-16
  • Date Complaint: 2024-06-21
  • VIN: 1G2MB35B57Y
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2007 Pontiac Solstice. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the failure was linked with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V061000 (Air Bags); however, the vehicle was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Pontiac Solstice 2008
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-12-23
  • Date Complaint: 2023-12-29
  • VIN: 1G2MC35B88Y
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: Random failure of brake lights to either illuminate when the pedal is pressed or turn off when the pedal is released. On two separate occasions, a couple of months apart. I was notified by other drivers my brake lights appear to be working in reverse. When I come to a stop, they turn off when I pull away they turn on and stay on. After the first incident I had the vehicle serviced. They could not duplicate the problem. Apparently they were now working correctly. To be proactive. I asked them to replace the brake light switch with a genuine GM part. They did and they calibrated the switch to the car. This service was performed on 11/14/2023 - 144,621 miles. It appeared to have solved the problem initially. But re-surfaced this morning 12/29/2023. I was notified by another driver of the opposite on -off function again. I continued to work. Visual inspection indicated normal function again. Brake pedal released, lights off. Brake pedal depressed, lights on. Random malfunctions like this at some point will cause an accident, either at an intersection or on the highway. Especially in this age of "Distracted driving". Several similar instances have been reported by owners on the public forums. The consumer stated that they took the vehicle to their local GMC repair facility and the brake light switch was supposedly replaced. The issue still exists.
Pontiac Solstice 2007
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-11-21
  • Date Complaint: 2023-11-26
  • VIN: 1G2MB35B37Y
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: While applying the brakes the car down shifts hard, locking up and jerking. Many others had reported this problem in online forums. Stating a power train or module issue. Very dangerous not knowing if your car my jerk into someone or something out of your control.
Pontiac Solstice 2007
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-08-09
  • Date Complaint: 2023-09-04
  • VIN: 1G2MG35XX7Y
  • Components: AIR BAGS,SEATS
  • Summary: New in 2007 Pontiac Solstice. In May of 2018 the recall 17036 was completed at 28,000 after waiting several months for the solution and then several months for the part to arrive. PPS passenger seat weighted sensor module failed again August 2023 at 36,000 miles. Repair only lasted 8,000 miles. I was told this module controls the passenger seat air bag. I was also told that if module fails the passenger seat air bag will not deploy putting the passenger in an unsafe position. The passenger present light will be off when seat is occupied. The DIC (information display) will only read service air bag until the fault code is corrected. I use this to mainly to monitor coolant temperature of the engine although it has other functions. There will also be a red warning light on in the middle of the dash cluster. Visiting the forums there are many on their third and fourth repair. The recall should be reopened. One quote I received was for over $ 1,200. I do not feel I should have to pay out of pocket for a safety issue. In order to protect my passenger that is why I paid to have the recalled part replaced again. Your passenger is also your lifeline. Yes, I know it is out of warranty on this Safety incident. Many say the manufacturer should cover the safety issues. I feel dealership should cover this expensive safety issue at the directive of manufacturer.
Pontiac Solstice 2009
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-07-14
  • Date Complaint: 2023-08-14
  • VIN: 1G2MN35B69Y
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2009 Pontiac Solstice. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact called the dealer, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that an electrical sensor was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Pontiac Solstice 2006
  • Date Of Incident: 2020-09-05
  • Date Complaint: 2023-07-07
  • VIN: 1G2MB33B36Y
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: Passenger seat position sensor for the air bag system has failed. This sensor was inspected and supposedly "reinforced" under the GM Recall on this item in 2018, vehicle mileage 22390. It is now 2023, with the vehicle mileage at 25,131. The passenger seat in this vehicle is used very rarely by my wife, so in these 5 years perhaps 400 miles of usage on the component in failure. Contacting GM, they will do nothing regarding this problem from a recall or warranty standpoint. Doing the "fix" that GM should have done in 2018 on this seat is going to cost me $1095 per the dealership phone call this afternoon. So what exactly did NHTSA approve in this recall (reference 17036)? A fix that will not even survive usage for 400 or so miles on an airbag system component? I believe NHTSA needs to revisit this campaign and force GM to supply correct components to enable system performance. How many subsequent failures have happened to the GM vehicle involved in this campaign after the supposed "reinforcement" was installed? If you are seeing these failures than the "fix" was not a "fix". In my vehicles case the "fix" failed, and I now have a vehicle that is not safe to operate with a major, important safety system off line. The fix was already failing in 2020, see complaint number 11353358. It is now a hard fail with the SIR light hard red on the instrument panel telltale.
Pontiac Solstice 2006
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-06-12
  • Date Complaint: 2023-06-22
  • VIN: 1G2MB33B36Y
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac Solstice. The contact stated that the "Service Air Bag" message was displayed. Additionally, the air bag light remained off while the front passenger's seat was occupied. Additionally, a beeping sound engaged, and the SRS warning light was illuminated while starting the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V061000 (Air Bags) however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,126.
Pontiac Solstice 2006
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-04-12
  • Date Complaint: 2023-04-13
  • VIN: 1G2MB33B96Y
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: Service airbag indication. Passenger airbag light OFF. Previous recall completed in 2018 at 87k miles. Vehicle is at 104k miles and PPS sensor failed again. Previous completed recall for this issue is N17V061000. Failure is the same, dealer refuses to repair a second time. Issue is once again a safety issue with no airbag.
Pontiac Solstice 2008
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-03-01
  • Date Complaint: 2023-04-01
  • VIN: 1G2MB35B58Y
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: The passenger seat air bag sensor is inoperative after having the recall completed April of 2022. When the vehicle was in for the recall, the sensor was fine, so the reinforcement strip was added. According to the recall reference N162080281, there is a 12 month warranty on the repair. Below is the wording from the recall. “Dealers are to inspect the PPS sensor mat for damage. If the mat is undamaged and functioning correctly, dealers will add a reinforcement strip to the sensor mat. If the mat is damaged, dealers will install a new PPS mat with the reinforcement strip. Please note that GM’s standard 1 year/12,000 mile service part warranty applies to both the sensor mat and the reinforcement strip, regardless of which repair procedure is used. If only the reinforcement strip is installed, and the sensor mat fails during the 1 year/12,000 mile warranty period, the sensor mat and the reinforcement strip should be replaced free of charge” I’ve contacted the dealer and GM, but neither will assist with the warranty, and my vehicle is without airbags. I was told that it may not apply to me, that the recall for my vehicle expired in 2017. I explained that it was replaced with an updated February 2018 to include the warranty. I believe the original recall was 17036, and the updated is 17036-02. If the recall expired 2017, why was I contacted in 2022 stating there was an open recall? If they added the warranty in 2018, why would it apply to some vehicles and not others?
Pontiac Solstice 2007
  • Date Of Incident: 2019-12-31
  • Date Complaint: 2023-03-16
  • VIN: 1G2MB35BX7Y
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: Service Air Bag warning light is on for passenger seat. Had the PPM replaced and still does not work. Dealer said I need to replace the Front Impact Sensor. Is this covered on a recall? The cost is almost $500.
Pontiac Solstice 2007
  • Date Of Incident: 2022-11-23
  • Date Complaint: 2023-03-09
  • VIN: 1G2MB35B37Y
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: This is the second time the passenger airbag has stopped working. The first incident the airbag was recalled and GM installed a new one. The new airbag worked for a few years, until approximately four months ago (approx November 2022) when the airbag sensor light began staying on.

Latest 5 recalls Pontiac Solstice

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 19 recalls for different components of the Pontiac Solstice.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Pontiac Solstice 2008
  • Report Received Date: 2017-01-26
  • Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
  • Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
  • Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. The Passenger Air Bag Suppression System (PPS) sensor may become bent or damaged within the front passenger seat, possibly disabling the front passenger air bag.
  • Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the front passenger air bag does not deploy as intended, the front passenger has an increased risk of injury.
  • Remedy: The remedy for this recall is still under development. A permanent remedy is currently under development. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 17036.
  • Model: Pontiac Solstice 2006
  • Report Received Date: 2017-01-26
  • Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
  • Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
  • Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. The Passenger Air Bag Suppression System (PPS) sensor may become bent or damaged within the front passenger seat, possibly disabling the front passenger air bag.
  • Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the front passenger air bag does not deploy as intended, the front passenger has an increased risk of injury.
  • Remedy: The remedy for this recall is still under development. A permanent remedy is currently under development. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 17036.
  • Model: Pontiac Solstice 2009
  • Report Received Date: 2017-01-26
  • Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
  • Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
  • Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. The Passenger Air Bag Suppression System (PPS) sensor may become bent or damaged within the front passenger seat, possibly disabling the front passenger air bag.
  • Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the front passenger air bag does not deploy as intended, the front passenger has an increased risk of injury.
  • Remedy: The remedy for this recall is still under development. A permanent remedy is currently under development. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 17036.
  • Model: Pontiac Solstice 2007
  • Report Received Date: 2017-01-26
  • Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
  • Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
  • Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. The Passenger Air Bag Suppression System (PPS) sensor may become bent or damaged within the front passenger seat, possibly disabling the front passenger air bag.
  • Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the front passenger air bag does not deploy as intended, the front passenger has an increased risk of injury.
  • Remedy: The remedy for this recall is still under development. A permanent remedy is currently under development. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 17036.
  • Model: Pontiac Solstice 2009
  • Report Received Date: 2014-04-30
  • Manufacturer: UCI-FRAM Group
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
  • Summary: UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year vehicles during repair and replacement of the original ignition switch. The weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the affected ignition switches to move out of the run position, turning off the engine and disabling the air bags.
  • Consequence: If the ignition switch moves from the run position to accessory, the car would stall and the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the occupants.
  • Remedy: UCI-FRAM Group has notified its purchasers to quarantine and return all inventory. Any switches already installed in vehicles will be replaced by GM dealers as part of NHTSA recall 14V-047, free of charge. UCI-Fram's purchasers should contact UCI-FRAM Group at 1-800-890-2075. GM vehicle owners requiring additional information on that recall campaign should contact GM at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac) or 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn).

Latest negative Pontiac Solstice car reviews

  1. Myrl Predovic 2024-11-14

    Vehicle year: 2009

    Hey there! Congrats on your new ride! I noticed that you mentioned a few things that could be improved, like the interior materials not being up to par with the MX-5 and the clunky manual gearbox. But despite those minor drawbacks, it sounds like you're having a blast driving it! Plus, it's definitely turning heads and getting lots of attention from admirers. Enjoy the ride!

  2. Nicolas Huels 2024-10-24

    Vehicle year: 2006

    I had a lot of fun owning this car. It's definitely an attention-grabber and looks great. However, I'm used to driving smoother coupes or sedans, so the rougher ride was a bit of a change for me. After some consideration, I've decided to trade it in. I also opted for the manual transmission, but it's become a bit of a hassle now that I live in a city with endless red lights. I noticed that the engine stuttered a bit in third gear. While it's never broken down on me, I do miss the smoother ride of a bigger four-door car.

  3. Jules Reichert 2024-07-12

    Vehicle year: 2007

    It's still too early to tell as I only dropped it off at the dealer last week due to an intermittent 'no starter when you turn the key' problem. But I'm excited to test it out more when I get the car back! Overall, I find this car to be really enjoyable to drive. The 2.0 turbo really takes care of the weak performance that kept me from buying the first year's model. The handling is on par with cars that cost $10k+ more (I've even driven a Crossfire!). Even on an 11°F day with cold tires and roads, this car drove like it was on rails - the suspension set-up is perfect, in my humble opinion. The only thing I found myself wishing for was the ability to reach the seat angle knob while driving, but that would take a skinny-armed contortionist.

  4. Alex Hamill 2024-07-04

    Vehicle year: 2006

    It's a sharp looking car and I really loved it. However, it has been in the shop three times and it's currently there. Unfortunately, it stopped running while I was driving down the road and wouldn't start the next time. The last time, all the lights started flashing and it died. I'm concerned about its reliability and safety, especially as a woman who doesn't want to be stranded. If this continues, I may have to consider legal action.

  5. Keshawn Fritsch 2024-07-02

    Vehicle year: 2009

    I drove this car for two years and unfortunately had to take it back to the dealer multiple times due to various leaks. Compared to my Miata, it didn't handle as well and felt poorly and cheaply constructed. After two years, I realized that this car wasn't reliable for the long haul, so I decided to sell it. I ended up purchasing a Honda Civic, which has been solid and reliable, with much better mileage. It also handles more like a sports car than the Solstice did. I would recommend staying away from the Solstice, but I'm happy with my new car!

Latest positive Pontiac Solstice car reviews

  1. Leopoldo Ratke 2024-11-29

    Vehicle year: 2009

    I noticed the 08 on the road and decided to do some research before getting it. The back cup holder is fine, but the driver side holder could use some improvement. The plastic looks a bit fragile and the airbag light on the dash is too obvious. However, the auto transmission works great and shifts smoothly. Adding a chrome grille would really give it a classy look. It would be nice to have a removable luggage rack for the back and perhaps some netting to hold odd and ends. The mirrors are a bit small, but the sound system with 6 deck CD is really good. Although, I made a mistake by getting it for my wife, I'll put the SUV away until winter.

  2. Gus Blick 2024-11-24

    Vehicle year: 2008

    I bought my new 08 Solstice(base) 5 weeks ago and I'm absolutely loving every minute of it! While some reviews mention a few negatives such as storage issues, lack of a spare tire, fussy top operation, plasticky interior and ridiculous cupholders, I personally wouldn't want any of these items improved if it meant compromising the beautiful looks or low price of the car. As for performance, my base model is more than adequate. Despite being 6' and 215 lbs, I find the car plenty comfortable. The only thing I wish I had opted for is power windows, as the window crank can be a bit uncomfortable where my left leg rests. But overall, I can't express enough how much I love this car!

  3. Alphonso Parker 2024-11-22

    Vehicle year: 2008

    I am so happy with my purchase of this little jewel! While there are a few quirks that can be aggravating, I will address them. The placement of the radio power knob in the center of the radio where your hand hits it every time you shift into third gear is a bit inconvenient, and the same goes for the mute/power button radio controls on the steering wheel. Additionally, the side mirrors are a bit small. However, this car is a real head-turner that always catches people's attention. They are always trying to figure out what the colored streak is that just went zooming by! LOL

  4. Ludwig Hahn 2024-11-13

    Vehicle year: 2006

    Overall, I love the car! However, I think GM could have worked on expanding the legroom for the driver and passenger. The seven-speaker sound system is fantastic to listen to, and even though it's a four-cylinder, it still has some great pickup!

  5. Jamaal Vandervort 2024-11-11

    Vehicle year: 2009

    When my father suggested I buy an S2000 and my brother recommended a Miata, I decided to go with my Solstice. I absolutely love driving it with the top down and cruising around town. It's a beautiful, sporty car that's roomy enough for my needs and always turns heads. While some car critics may complain about the lack of space, interior styling, and power and handling, I couldn't disagree more. I'm fully satisfied with my purchase, especially considering the great deal I got with rebates and employee pricing. I even plan on buying the coupe version for my wife. The top is incredibly easy to use, taking me only 10 seconds to lower and 8 seconds to put back up. I challenge anyone with an automatic top to beat that!

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