2006 Pontiac Solstice First Drive

Although sports cars represent a mere three percent of car sales in the U.S., it’s an important market – a segment where buyers are often seen as emotional purists that throw the notions of utility, common sense and conservatism to the wind. And, it’s also where automakers position halo cars that draw consumers to showrooms where they might see and sample the less exciting but more practical vehicles that drive sales.

Since 1989, the Mazda Miata has defined the two-seat, entry-level roadster segment, almost exclusively. Originally retailing for just over $14,000 – or about $20,500 in today's dollars – the first-generation Miata attracted a faithful following with its affordability and capable rear-wheel-drive platform. For 2006, the totally updated version, now called the MX-5, starts at $20,995.

Other Japanese manufacturers have dabbled in the rear-drive roadster game, notably Honda with the S2000 and Toyota with the mid-engined MR2 Spyder. But with a starting price over $33,000 for the '05 S2000, the Honda rides in an entirely different price bracket. Toyota has seen limited success with the MR2, and has discontinued production for 2006. As a footnote, Mercury marketed the Capri roadster during the early 1990s, but that feeble front-driver lasted just a few years. So, it’s big news that one of America's most cherished, but struggling, brands is delivering an all-new, rear-wheel-drive, two-seat roadster with more horsepower and torque than a MX-5 Miata, and with a starting price of $1,000 less. GM expects annual sales for the 2006 Pontiac Solstice to reach 20,000 units. We think they’ll sell every one on style alone. The Solstice is on sale now, and a Saturn version, the Sky, arrives in the near future.