Pontiac Solstice Review
May 22, 2008 by Adam
The roadster is back with Pontiac’s 2008 Solstice. Complete with beautiful lines and a sporty but elegant design, the Pontiac Solstice will remind you how fun driving can be.
The two available models for 2008 are the Pontiac Solstice and the Pontiac Solstice GXP, priced at $22,785 and $28,465 respectively. The Solstice model has a 2.4L 4 cylinder ECOTEC engine capable of 173 hp and 167 lb-feet of torque, and will get 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. The GXP model comes standard with an ECOTEC 2.0L 4 cylinder Turbo engine capable of 260 hp and 260 lb-feet of torque, with a fuel efficiency of 19/28 mpg. Both versions of the car come standard with a five-speed manual close-ratio transmission that makes the car fun to drive, but for those who need it a 5 speed automatic transmission is also available.
The Solstice and Solstice GXP come standard with front airbags with passenger sensing capability. While cruising around town both models have a 6 speaker audio system with a Monson 7 speaker system available as an upgrade. XM Satellite Radio comes standard and includes a three month trial, and the Personal Audio Link (PAL) package is also available. This package allows full read functionality for the Apple iPod, navigation of iPod menus via the radio controls, and will charge the iPod when the not in use. You’ll never be stuck with radio again.
And of course, both the Pontiac Solstice and Solstice GXP are convertible models, with a manual cloth with rear glass window top, complete with rear window defogger. For those who like to drive with the top down but are worried about too much wind in their hair, a rear windscreen is available is an option. This windscreen sits between the two headrests and is made of a see-through black mesh to help reduce wind turbulence in the cockpit and keep every hair in place.
The instrumentation is motorcycle inspired, with a white background and red numbers. In the Solstice, this appears backlight within chrome bezels. In the Solstice GXP, the bezels have been upgraded with a satin nickel finish for a more elegant look. A variety of OnStar services can be accessed through buttons mounted on the rear view mirror, including fuel station locations, hands-free calling, and Information/Convenience Services, a program that allows the driver to make hotel reservations, get restaurant recommendations, and more.
When you’re ready to take your new Solstice for a test drive, stop by your PA Pontiac dealership or check out the website for new inventory and pricing.
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