It’s easy to blast off in the Solstice right from the show room floor. The Pontiac Solstice adds up near superhero power, plenty of options, and looks that cause people to gap open mouthed. It’s been over five decades, since the 1959 Bonneville, to find a split screen that caused so much excitement. This car is a worthy challenger to the BMW Z4 and Audi TT, with only half of the price tag.

As far as options go, the Solstice is available in two different trim packages, the basic and the GXP. The basic package includes a 173 horse power, 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine that’s still sips the gas. The souped-up GXP package takes 260 hour power turbocharged engine into a 2.0 liter, four cylinder engine. With either engine, it will be pair with a five speed automatic or manual transmission. The basic model includes electronic traction and stability control, limited slip rear differential, four anti-lock disc brakes, impressive 18 inch alloy wheels, and satellite radio. If the base package isn’t enough, the GXP then adds dual exhaust tips, a faster responding transmission, leather to the steering wheel and shift knob, and plush carpeted floor mats.

While there’s a lot to like about this car, it does have some deficiencies. The steering comes off as sluggish. The Solstice weighs in at over 3000 pounds, so this car will never be light upon its feet. Also, when zipping out of curves, the Solstice is sticky. Taking off, the acceleration can be less than impressive. This car can be an ergonomic nightmare, with components poorly located and interior parts made of third world plastics. Trunk space is very tight.

One can quibble over these minor problems, while the exterior style more than makes up for these deficiencies. Pontiac hasn’t styled a great car for decades; in the Solstice, they get it right. The Solstice has aggressive styling that’s a bit of a mash-up between a Jaguar and the Bat Mobile. Folks will not be bashful; they will approach you and ask about your sleek car. The good personality of the car certainly exceeds the minor nits. Those looking for top-down driving excitement will certainly be pleased with this choice.

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When the author isn’t driving her Pontiac Solstice, she’s a fan of best psychics, the Seattle HCG Diet, and the Pontiac Solstice windscreen windblocker wind deflector.

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