2006 Pontiac Solstice First Drive

Specifications


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TO THE POINT What’s New? The 2006 Pontiac Solstice is brand new from the ground up, a true roadster with rear-wheel drive, drop-dead gorgeous design, and thrilling handling.
Selling Points: Terrific design, impressive handling, turns everybody’s head
Deal Breakers: Low seating position, fussy top operation, no side airbags, little cargo space
Our Advice: Pontiac’s new Solstice sports car is a beautiful machine that trades on style over substance.

MEET THE COMPETITION Mazda MX-5
Mini Cooper Convertible

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Specifications The 2006 Pontiac Solstice competes primarily against the Mazda MX-5 Miata and the Mini Cooper Convertible.

Test vehicle: 2006 Pontiac Solstice
Base price: $19,995 (including $575)
Engine size and type: 2.4-liter inline –four-cylinder
Engine horsepower: 177 at 6,600 rpm
Engine torque: 166 lb.-ft. at 4,800 rpm
Transmission: Five-speed manual (standard); five-speed automatic (optional)
Curb weight, lbs.: 2,860
EPA fuel economy (city/highway): 20/28 mpg
Wheelbase: 95.1 inches
Length: 157.2 inches
Width: 71.3 inches
Height: 50.1 inches
Head room: 38.5 inches
Leg room: 42.7 inches
Maximum seating capacity: Two
Cargo volume: 3.8 cubic feet (top up)
Competitors: Ford Mustang V6 Convertible, Honda S2000, Jeep Wrangler, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Mini Cooper, Nissan 350Z Roadster, Volkswagen New Beetle Cabriolet

Photos courtesy of General Motors

About Sue Mead
Sue Mead works as a photojournalist and features writer for more than two dozen publications. She has written for Parade, Popular Science, Open Road, the Road & Track Buyers Guide, Men's Journal, Popular Mechanics and Diversion and she has worked as an auto editor for CNN/fn. Sue has co-driven in two of the world's toughest off-road races, the Baja 1000 and the Paris-Dakar Raid. She attended four Camel Trophy adventures for Land Rover North America and has participated in several long-distance adventure drives. She recently completed her first book, "Monster Trucks and Tractors" published by Chelsea House. Sue lives in New England.