My daughter and I were driving down the highway in the Solstice, top down, it started raining. The rain just streamed over us, so we just kept going. A full on downpour opened up. We got a bit wet but it was so much fun watching people pull up beside us shocked and laughing. We drove until we found a gas station with a canopy. That was a few years ago, but its a great memory!
The Mazda Miata roof is quicker to let down, as was said in the video. But does the Miata roof rest in the trunk or does the roof simply sit on back of the Miata? Perhaps Pontiac wanted the roof put away in the trunk of the Solstice so they designed it this way. It gives the Solstice a much sleeker look when the roof is down.
Good point Tim. For the first generation Miata that my friend demonstrated with, the roof just sits out in the open, right behind the seats. So, not as sleek a look, but the ease and speed of operation is unbeatable. That said, I definitely like the look of the Solstice with its roof down better when compared to the Miata.
Yeah, I like the look of the Solstice with the top down too. All of the Solstices had glass rear windows with defrost in the window, while some Miatas had plastic windows and some Miatas have glass windows. Mazda deserves credit for bringing back the two seater roadster, like the Triumphs and MG Midgets that used to roam the roads. But in terms of the tops, I think both the Solstice and the Miata have different advantages over the other. And as you said, when the top is up on the Solstice, the car looks nice as well as when it is down.
I still own my Viper (1996 GTS bought new), and I ordered a Solstice new in 2006 then traded it in 2009 for a Sky Redline. So, I've owned a Viper, a base Solstice and a turbo Sky. The Kappas (Sky and Solstice) are actually my favorite cars I've owned. The car rags were very anti GM in the years leading up to their bankruptcy in 2009. The Solstice/Sky had the same power and weight as the Porsche Boxter, but the rags ripped Solstice for being "overweight" because it was heaver than the Miata. Solstice GXP also had a LOT more power than Miata. Solstice won its class in SCCA road racing, etc etc. My advice, get the GMPP performance tune (it was a GM tune) and you get 290hp and 340 ft/lbs torque (more than the LT1 Z28s of the mid 90s). Get the "backbone" which is an aftermarket aluminum plate that bolts under the transmission tunnel and gives the Solstice/Sky an even more solid feel. I'm looking to buy a Solstice/Sky soon. Like an old girlfriend you never get over......BUT....you guys saying "Its like driving a Viper".....yeah...not so much. I've owned all 3. When I take my Viper out, it is like the circus came to town. Everyone taking pics, telling you they have a model of your car at home etc. Viper is also absolutely brutal. The view from the driver seat is crazy. But anyway, I look forward to the day that I'm again driving my Kappa with the top down. All my best.
I know what you’re saying.Nobody I show mine knows what it is. They always think it’s a vet or viper but lmao it’s just a Pontiac. definitely handles well
Thanks for the intel Elyjah. Im not looking forward to the day i have to change it out, but at least ill know what i need to do! Thanks for watching and commenting!
You are lucky to have one of those. The values on those seem to really by increasing fairly quickly every time i check! you have a solid investment right there. Very cool.
@@gtyar4395 Definitely mate, I was so lucky and being the first coupe in the Uk 🇬🇧 is something outrageous and very happy to own this pride. Have a good one!!!
Ok no offense but I own a red solstice and absolutely love the color and think it’s one of best colors for it not really fond for silver or gray because there’s to many that color I always think bright colors go good with small cars dark go’s better with big cars just me but anyway I do like your review keep them coming
I have seen a couple red Solstices at cars shows recently, and it is a good color for this car. I think for me its just the shade of red that Pontiac uses is a bit lighter then I'd prefer. Thank you for watching and I'm looking forward to making a bunch more content with the Pontiac.
It's nice to hear someone do a review of the Solstice who actually loves it the way I do. We bought ours about a year ago. It's the silver one and an '06 base. We have so enjoyed ours. By adding a trunk rack and a large dry bag, we were able to take it from Michigan to North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Then we hit the Shenandoah Parkway and ended up in your beautiful state. The Solstice has a few quirks as you have noticed, but overall, it's a blast.
Thanks for sharing your experience Chris! I tell everyone who will listen about how sweet this car is, and especially what a value it is. Currently its tucked away for the winter but I am itching to take it out as soon as the weather gets warmer! Ive never seen one with the trunk rack, that sounds like a massively useful mod that I might actually look into. Where did you order it from?
Love the oversized tires wheels on this little sports car. Looks like a hot wheels car. Fills in the wheel wells .The curves are awesome. Not one flat panel on the body Love the front end stance. This car will never look dated.
Thank you Devries! I love this car more and more every time I drive it. I will be coming out with a "things i dislike" video this spring, but it's a short list.
Sorry man, but these 'rolling reviews' are visually a bore. Darker colours like this green and the stunning deep blue compliment them the most. Try to figure out how to move that front license plate away from obscuring the trademark front grill.
Hi PM. I appreciate your time and your honest feedback. I find the rolling review format to be relatively interesting, and more importantly, for me, they are easier and less time consuming to film. thanks for watching.
Absolutely! That should be a crime to have to put a licence plate in the front! It totally ruins that sleek art deco design…I’m glad my state does not require front plates.
You are correct on the battery. One of the little quirks of the Solstice. The fender panel has to be removed. There are a few how to videos when time comes.
I've read on solstice forums that you don't have to take off the panel to change the battery only the inner wheel liner to access the battery.. is that true??
@@kentlarue3299 ya I'm not a red person but it does look great in red.. I just bought a solstice a few weeks ago in black and it looks soooo amazing.. couldn't be happier with it
Great video. I am gonna buy one day once I have a garage 😊. Can u pls tell what are the things to consider before buying the car? Like roof leak, water pump, turbo, etc
Thanks for watching Arun. So I've only had the car for 4 months and have not experienced any real issues with it so far. I guess when looking for one, yes the roof integrity is something to look out for and of course, just like any car, what is its service history.
Things to watch, the 2.4 blocks cannot be found new anymore, interior parts are a pita/impossible to find new, aftermarket support is dieing for this, get a gxp if possible, buy a used aisin transmission asap as alot of people are now using them for other car swaps, trunk release plastics break and cannot be found, but they are very fun to drive.
Absolutely Cerrando! Currently it's winter here in Massachusetts, (and about 10 degrees outside today!) so the Solstice is tucked away till the road salt washes away, and the temps come back to at least above 40F.
Your probably right Alan. I have not had a chance to take it in for a proper tune. This summer for sure. I'm very much looking forward to some warmer convertible weather!
agreed! I would have loved a GXP, they are quite difficult to find here in New England. 356 ponies sounds perfect for the solstice. Must be a hoot to drive!
