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Article Comments 2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP Full Test

42 messages,  Last post on Dec 02, 2008 at 12:55 PM

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What is this discussion about? Pontiac Solstice, Coupe, Convertible

Article comments for Full Test: 2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP - Those of us who drove the 2006 Solstice resigned ourselves to the fact that although the car could draw the lustful gaze of fellow motorists, we'd have to shy away from stoplight challenges. (more)

Messages Page 3 of 5

#13 of 42 So many editor tears... by stuckinohio

Apr 24, 2007 (8:23 pm)

from so much whining.
 
Impressive article.
 
Not.

#14 of 42 Re: Is it really that bad? [editor_karl] by trucktricks

May 24, 2007 (9:59 am)

Replying to: editor_karl (Mar 21, 2007 9:16 am)
1. Get in the car and try to adjust the seat -- but can't because there's not enough space between the seat and the closed door
2. Reach over to open the door but can't, because the car already locked you in
3. Reach up to unlock the door so you can open it so you can adjust the seat -- but you can't because the doors don't have any external lock/unlock plungers
4. Paw around (if it's dark, because you're in a parking garage) for the power unlock button so you can get the door open, so you can adjust the seat, so you can finally DRIVE THE CAR AWAY FROM THE PARKING SPACE
  
The above is not a nitpick when you deal with it constantly over a one-year period.
 
I am not a seat adjustment expert, but I would have suggested that you open door, sit down, adjust seat, close door.
 
Sorry I didn't get this to you sooner. I could have saved you a years worth of frustration.

#15 of 42 Re: I am not sure the reviewer knows what his talking about [eskanday] by jimc850

Jul 08, 2007 (3:26 pm)

Replying to: eskanday (Mar 20, 2007 6:48 pm)
am thinking aaobut buying a Solstice. How does yours handle in rain and/or snow? How's your reliability?
Jim Chamlee

#16 of 42 Re: I am not sure the reviewer knows what his talking about [jimc850] by trucktricks

Jul 10, 2007 (8:27 am)

Replying to: jimc850 (Jul 08, 2007 3:26 pm)
I have a GXP coming early August. Due to rear wheel drive and almost no ground clearance, I will be parking it when it snows.
 
Rain I would suggest is not a problem as long as you have good tread. Just slow down 10MPH.
 
Rick

#17 of 42 Re: I am not sure the reviewer knows what his talking about [jimc850] by pao

Jul 10, 2007 (12:12 pm)

Replying to: jimc850 (Jul 08, 2007 3:26 pm)
had ours since Dec 05....some minor issues...all covered under warranty......RWD..so careful in the rain and on curves......snow......park it....its a snow plow with more than 4 inches on the ground..due to low ground clearance...
 
will it be your daily car...only car??

#18 of 42 Re: I am not sure the reviewer knows what his talking about [pao] by jimc850

Jul 11, 2007 (4:56 pm)

Replying to: pao (Jul 10, 2007 12:12 pm)
My wife's only car---unless she keeps the '94 Miata (bought new and rarely used) or current primary vehicle (03 VW Bug convertible). Will probably sell or give these to relatives. Also have an old pickup we share--I also have a larger car. My wife has always had either sport or sporty convertibles. We both like them, but have the sedan for added room.
  
Had a 300ZX turbo that liked to swap ends every time it snowed, hence earlier question. Miata handles reasonably well in snow.
 
Attracted by Solstice styling, had short demo ride and seemed to handle well.

#19 of 42 Solstice GXP is a first class sportscar by augusto

Aug 02, 2007 (4:03 pm)

Reviewer Caroline was either (1) Writing about an entirely different car; (2) Has a obsessive dislike of anything GM or:
(3) Is not qualified to review automobiles. My guess is a combination of 2 and 3 and I lean toward number 3.
I have owned 9 sportscars from a TR4 in 1963 up to a 2001 Vet which I gave up at age 66 for the GXP since a new Vet had a bit too much muscle and too high a price for a retiree. Nevertheless, I was pleasantly surprised to find out just how much muscle this GXP has, as well as its agile ability to track like a cat on hard curves. I drove a 2007 Miata and it is a pleasant old lady's car (maybe that's why the reviewer loves it).
Other than no space for luggage and dumb drink holders, I cannot fault the GPX...it is a fine automobile and an authentic sportscar.

#20 of 42 There Is No Rhyme Or Reason To Love by jbwilson1

Dec 20, 2007 (6:44 am)

Most of us who have been around for any length of time have come to realize that there is often no rhyme or reason for "like" and "dislike". I have been the back-seater in various tactical jet aircraft and driven sports cars starting with my 1966 442, going through the Mustang Mach I and the 1990 240Z and others as well as the standard assortment of trucks, SUV's, and family cars both foreign and domestic; but the first time I saw a Solstice I fell in love with it's style. It was a little too tame until the the GXP came out, but now it is my baby. Yes, it does have it's flaws and little annoyances; but like family that's something you learn to live with and adjust to. I looked at and test drove the S2000, Z3, and Miata (with convertible hardtop) and as usual did all of the online research on the pros and cons of each (including Edmonds review). But taking all of this into account, nothing rattled my cage like the Solstice GXP. So I now live with the random top squeeks, the low ground clearance, the close to impossible to use cup holders, the strict sequence of steps needed to raise/lower the top, adjust the seat (very rarely), and raise/close the hood as well as the minimum storage area (although a removable luggage rack helped). And guess what, I still love that car and enjoy driving it more than I've enjoyed driving in many a year. Sure it's not perfect, but it's got character and that's one of the joys of owning it. It's like learning to live with your spouse and their faults (assuming that they have them), it just helps to make you love them more over time. As I told my wife when she commented on the car being impractical, "marrying you was impractical at the time, but it has worked out nicely". Of course the car doesn't make me sleep on the couch either.

#21 of 42 And, jbwilson1... by iluvmysephia1

Dec 20, 2007 (10:22 am)

you can use your brakes right away after starting your Solstice GXP, too, right? Pop over to the Saturn Sky forum and go in to Saturn Sky brake problem and you'll see what I'm talking about. They have to start the car, wait for it to warm up, then they can pull out and their brakes will work. If they take off too early their brakes won't work.

#22 of 42 Re: There Is No Rhyme Or Reason To Love [jbwilson1] by trucktricks

Dec 20, 2007 (12:37 pm)

Replying to: jbwilson1 (Dec 20, 2007 6:44 am)
Nicely stated!! I too am a GXP driver ('08 / Mean / Auto) and this car is an absolute blast. I know what you are thinking. What?? an Automatic?? Yes, and it is one of the cars best features. The best way to describe how it shifts is to liken it to the F1 cars. I feel like I am at Indy when I am clicking off those shifts at WOT. Close ratios and snappy shifts.
 
 I have 6000 miles on it and am still impressed at how quiet it is at highway speeds. I assume a result of the triple layer top. I have owned three Corvettes and this is every bit as much fun to drive. Actually, with the top down it is more pleasant than the Vettes. I think that may have to do with the design of the spoiler on this car, not sure. It is very calm at cruising speeds.
 
If you like being noticed (not my thing) it is at the top of the heap. A couple of teenaged girls pulled up along side of me the other day and started whooping and hollering. I thought they were going to jump into the car at speed. I have to assume it was the car and not my all white mustache and beard.
 
My wife and I took a weekend trip to Lexington and she did the packing. After it was all stowed away in small duffle bags, we had only used 1/2 the space. Next time we will know not to hold back on what we bring.
 
I am curious about your top squeaks. Mine is rock solid and totally quiet. Is something loose or might you need some strategic ally placed lubricant somewhere?
 
To sum up this car, scads of performance, awesome looks, excellent fit and finish at an unbelievable price. (did I mention the 31 MPG at highway speeds?)
 
My biggest complaint is its tendency to rip the tires loose with a little moisture on the streets. Pretty scary the first time it happens but easily corrected by staying light on the throttle.
 
I absolutely love this car.

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