2006 Pontiac Solstice First Drive

What are the 2006 Pontiac Solstice’s competitors? Since July of 1989, the two-seat entry-level roadster segment has been defined – almost exclusively – by the Mazda Miata. Originally retailing for just over $14,000 – or about $20,500 in today's dollars – the first-generation Miata attracted customers with its affordability and capable rear-wheel-drive platform. And for the 2006 model year, Mazda delivers a totally redesigned Miata starting at $20,995, now called the MX-5.

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 after this year. Nissan’s reborn Z is also priced higher with the Roadster model starting at $28,750, but the four-seat Mini Cooper Convertible is also a key competitor, priced in the same range as the Solstice.

Will there be other variants of the Pontiac Solstice? Yes, GM’s Delaware assembly plant is producing Solstice variants, such as the Saturn Sky, and Opel and Vauxhall versions for Europe. It’s also been reported that Pontiac plans to market a lightweight Solstice with a hard top for amateur racing, and a coupe version to be sold to the public, as well. A turbo- or supercharged GT model is also in works, due for the 2007 model year with more than 200 horsepower.

Has Pontiac ever built a two-seater before? Pontiac’s first attempt at a two-seater, the Fiero, was built in the 1980s and went up in flames. With an engine that leaked oil and ignited spontaneously, it earned it the moniker “Fiero flambé.”