2006 Pontiac Solstice Road Test

The Generals Getting Oh-So Sexy

Lets get one thing straight. I really like this car. I like its styling. I like its overall driving dynamics. I like its entry-level to full-load price range. And I especially like the fact that it comes from a brand that some prognosticating naysayers had previously left for dead.

Pontiac, rather, is realizing a bit of a brand revolution as of late. While its top-tier Bonneville might not be as competitive as it once was, the recently upgraded Grand Prix is much improved and wonderfully aggressive in V8-powered, toggle-shift actuated GXP trim. The new G6 is as roomy as anything in its segment, quite well finished inside, surprisingly economical, and now available in a stylish coupe configuration only to be followed up by an even more enticing retractable hardtop version. The baseline Pursuit, a rebadged version

Lets get one thing straight. I really like this car. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

of the Chevrolet Cobalt, is smooth and quiet, unusual for its compact class, and Pontiacs subcompact entry is literally making "waves" among small car buyers. Pontiac even has a new crossover SUV in the Equinox-derived Torrent, and rumblings of a next-generation GTO coming north of the 49th have got "We Build Excitement" enthusiasts salivating at the mouth.

GTO or not, Pontiacs latest offering is probably more suited to Canadas fuel conscious and environmentally focused consumer than the 400-horsepower V8-equipped coupe.

Being that personal coupe buyers hardly ever use the back seats, the pretty little Solstice is my self aggrandizing vehicle of choice. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

After all, while the big rear-drive Australian-built two-door might seat more passengers, in theory at least, most personal coupe buyers never use the back seats, making the much prettier Solstice the self aggrandizing vehicle of choice.
Pontiac invited the Canadian automotive media establishment to take part in a ride and drive event in and around the hot, sunny, desert-like locale of Kelowna, BC, Canada, the centerpiece of that westernmost provinces rich, fertile, wine soaked

Ironically the hotel chosen was right next door to one which hosted many such journalists the week prior, during the 2006 Mazda Miata, or should I say MX-5 press launch. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

and Ginseng rooted Okanagan region. Ironically the hotel chosen was right next door to one which hosted many such journalists the week prior, during the 2006 Mazda Miata, or should I say MX-5 press launch.

Why bring up the now legendary Mazda? As if I need to explain myself. Since the bargain-basement drop-top debuted in 1989, and by so doing ignited what has commonly been referred to since as the "roadster renaissance", it had enjoyed a rather open field in the entry-level category. Only Toyotas final-generation

Since the bargain-basement Mazda Miata debuted in 1989 it had enjoyed a rather open field in the entry-level roadster segment, but this has now dramatically changed. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

MR2 Spyder, put up much of a fight. Mercurys ill-fated Australian-made, front-drive Capri was a hapless also-ran that found a smattering of tasteless owners, offence intended, while both Honda and Nissan have brought roadsters to market but at base prices well north of Mazdas entry, even when the Miata was fully loaded in "Speed" guise.

Getting back to the MR2, I also find it ironic that in the very same year that it has been pronounced officially dead, the only company to put up a fight against the original Toyota wedge is once again

I wasnt expecting the Solstice to feel as good as it did on the road. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

back in the compact sports car market. And by all intents and purposes, the Solstice looks to woo more buyers and hopefully enjoy a longer tenure than the mid-engine Fiero ever could have even if Pontiac had kept it in production.

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