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2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP: A New Season for Roadsters
During the Summer Solstice, the point at which the Sun is the furthest from the equator, the Pontiac Solstice is at the top of the roadster sales list. It is the highest position an American made roadster has been in over the last 17 years. Now the 2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP continues its winning ways with the first North American application of GM”s direct injection gasoline engine, providing a 47% boost in horsepower (260) over the underpowered base model.
 The Solstice GXP is a sleek, “Bat Mobile” lookalike two-seat roadster that catches the attention of onlookers, though it could have been the bright yellow color of my test Solstice that had people gazing my way. Solstice possesses sexy curves starting with the face-like front end to its nicely rounded rear.
Under the hood is 2.0-liter VVT DOHC “Ecotec” engine with a five-speed manual transmission getting decent 22 city/31 highway fuel economy. Along with four-wheel independent sport tuned suspension, standard on Solstice are ABS, “StabiliTrak” traction control, cloth convertible top with glass rear window, power everything and 18” polished aluminum wheels.
Optional on our model was a Premium Package that includes a high-performance AM/FM stereo with six-disc in-dash CD changer and auxiliary input jack. The stereo produced a good clean sound even with the top down and includes XM Satellite Radio along with OnStar”s turn-by-turn navigation.
Though overall the Solstice GXP roadster is fun to look at and drive, negatives include choppy gear shifts, a manual convertible top that was clumsy to close, and a trunk lid that took Evan Almighty to close on a first try. Entry/exit angles are rough on bigger bodies along with minimal interior room and cargo space as to be expected from a vehicle of this size.
 That being said, people buy convertibles for the open-air experience and the spirited drive that the Solstice GXP offers up nicely. Pricing starts at $26,915, with my tester coming in at $31,004 with a destination charge of $600. So for roadster owners and potential buyers used to the Mazda Miata MX-5, Honda S2000, and BMW Z4 dominating the scene, if you take another look, you will notice the American made Pontiac Solstice GXP right in the mix.
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