I have an opportunity to pick up a 2007 Pontiac Solstice convertible with fairly low miles (35K) , triple black, standard shift, non-GXP. This car would just be a toy to play with and teach my teenage boys how to drive stick. Probably keep it a few years and then sell it unless I really like it. Anyone have any experience with these cars?
They come into the shop from time to time. They're kind of cool, especially the super rare coupes. Kind of rattly inside like every Pontiac from that era, very very small inside. I'm 5'9" on a good day, and it's cramped for me with the top up in them. No torque, so if you're teaching them how to drive manual, it's a good/bad one to learn on (you can drive anything stick shift after that, but not an easy one to start with). There's a few recalls on them, so make sure those are done first.
Also keep an eye out for a Saturn Sky. Same platform and everything, but look like a mini-Corvette. Here's the coupe Solstice and a Sky.
It has an interesting assortment of parts used on it: The sharing of technology and various components is a common practice among automakers, resulting in reduced parts costs. The Solstice shares major components with nearly every GM division: The rear axle and differential are from the Sigma-based Cadillac CTS The interior storage bin is from the Cadillac XLR The passenger side's front airbag, steering column, and exterior and interior door handles are from the Chevrolet Cobalt The backup lights are from the GMC Envoy The heating, ventilating, and air conditioning modules are from the Hummer H3 The front fog lamp assembly is from the Pontiac Grand Prix The steering wheel is also featured in the Pontiac G5, Chevrolet Corvette, Chevrolet Cobalt The 2.4 L Ecotec engine is shared with the Pontiac G6, Chevrolet Cobalt, Chevrolet Malibu, and Chevrolet HHR The five-speed manual transmission is the same as in the Hummer H3, GMC Canyon, and Chevrolet Colorado The five-speed automatic is identical to those of the Cadillac CTS, STS, and SRX The AC vents are from the Fiat Barchetta The seat frames are from the previous generation Opel Corsa
For sure, and I've only ever seen 1 in my life. Just under 1,300 ever made. Be a fun autocross car, too.
My brother had one of these cars - red convert, redline options, turbo, a/t, for few years and sold it to a fellow who wanted it really bad! Correction - It was a Saturn SKY
Every time I get myself a little convertible I kick one of these around, either the Solstice or Sky. One thing, and one thing only has kept me from buying one and that’s the total lack of trunk space. I like to travel in my little convertible and also be able to travel with the top down, and these can manage a duffle bag and that’s about it. Other than that, I love everything about them, I’d probably go with the Sky Redline for the added performance.
Went and looked at one today, pretty disappointed. The ad said well maintained and it sure did not look like a 35K mile car that was well maintained, it was definitely a daily driver at the top of its blue book value. I would have to give him 3K less than his asking so that I could clean, detail and repair it to my liking. I will keep looking, they seem to pop up quite regularly at decent prices.
I didn't know they made a coupe version, but I always liked the Saturn Sky. Do you think a GN motor would fit in it?. Might be a real flyer. Duane
I remember back in the day they were offering an Aftermarket Hypo version for $20,000 over sticker price. I don't remember what it was, but I believe it turned it into a small rocket. Duane
Yup, a company called Mallet was buying them up from GM and putting LS motors in them. I was looking to buy one of the turbo Ecotecs they took out but they were all spoken for. https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2007-saturn-mallett-v8-sky/
I remember Mallet, and either they or someone else was using 7.0 ls engines. Supposedly it’s not an accident that the engine bay is thst roomy... Patrick
I can't imagine old gm making that a plan, no matter how awesome it'd be. They're feaking tiny cars! Like tiny tiny.......but it's cool it fits either way.
I think it was the engineers doing it as a gift for future gearheads. Kinda like Olds putting 3.73 8.5s and really good 200r4s behind the 307 in the later year 442. Patrick
Guess the coupes are rare: https://tampa.craigslist.org/hdo/cto/d/2009-gxp-pontiac-solstice/6704940745.html Recently I saw one for sale on the Tampa Bay Craigslist that a guy converted to an Opel version - changed badging, interior stuff,etc. He had a full description of the changes. It no longer shows up on Craigslist. UticaGeoff
