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Pontiac Solstice: rear-wheel drive roadster and what to know when buying
Pontiac Solstice — a two-seater rear-wheel drive roadster, produced from 2005 to 2009 (model years 2006–2009). In this article, we look at the versions, engines, and things to check before buying a used Solstice.
Solstice in brief
The Solstice was Pontiac's answer to affordable two-seater roadsters. Its low, wide body and striking appearance made the model highly recognisable. The car features rear-wheel drive, making the driving experience very direct.
The model's technical foundation is the General Motors Kappa platform, which was also used by the Saturn Sky and Opel GT, sold in Europe.
Trims
The base trim is the Solstice with a naturally aspirated 2.4-litre engine. The sportier trim is the Solstice GXP with a turbocharged engine. In 2009, the Solstice Coupe with a closed body also appeared.
Pontiac production was discontinued in 2009, so the car is considered rarer and, to some extent, a collectible model.
Engines and transmissions
The base Solstice comes with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing around 175 hp. The GXP version uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, delivering around 260 hp.
The transmission is a five-speed manual or automatic (mostly in base trims). The GXP is typically offered with a manual transmission.
What to check when buying a used Solstice
Since most of these cars were imported from the USA, check their history, accident records, and true mileage. Thoroughly inspect the body and undercarriage for signs of corrosion or repair work.
Check the soft top — seams, mechanism, and whether water leaks in. Also, test if the engine runs smoothly and the gearbox shifts seamlessly.
For turbo versions (GXP), regular oil changes and service history are crucial. Before buying, check the availability of parts.
Trim levels
Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the versions most commonly found in Europe.
Solstice
2005–2009Base version with a naturally aspirated engine.
- 2.4-litre engine, around 175 hp
- Soft opening roof
- Often — air conditioning and electric windows
Solstice GXP
2007–2009Sportier version with a turbocharger.
- 2.0-litre turbo engine, around 260 hp
- Sportier ride
- Often — larger alloy wheels
Solstice Coupe
2009Coupe body style.
- Coupe body with a fixed roof
- Often — the same tech as the roadster
- Produced in very limited numbers
Comparing the versions
| Solstice | GXP | Coupe | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power (approx.) | Around 175 HP | Around 260 HP | Depends on the engine |
| Who it's for | For open-top driving | For dynamic driving | For fans of the coupe body style |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | € | €€ | €€ |
There are plenty of buyers for the standard Solstice. Opt for the GXP if you want more dynamism, or the Coupe for a rarer body style.
Pros
- Striking looks
- Rear-wheel drive and precise steering
- A less powerful two-seater roadster variant
- The GXP version packs a punch
Cons
- Very small boot
- Interior trim isn't the highest quality
- Limited official servicing in Europe
Frequently asked questions
What engine does the Pontiac Solstice have?
The base model comes with a 2.4-litre engine producing around 175hp, while the GXP gets a 2.0-litre turbo engine with around 260hp.
Is the Solstice the same as the Opel GT?
They're built on the same platform, but the Opel GT was sold in Europe and had some differences.
Does the Solstice have rear-wheel drive?
Yes, all versions come with rear-wheel drive.
Updated 2026-10-19 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
