After three years with the 2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP, it’s time to reflect on the experience. Initially, the Solstice GXP was undeniably appealing. Its sharp aesthetics are a major draw, and it was even purchased with the intention of teaching someone to drive a manual transmission in a stylish car. Often described as a “chick car,” its looks definitely make a statement. Inside, the interior is straightforward, featuring a logically arranged dashboard, albeit constructed with budget-friendly plastics. The seats offer decent comfort, and there’s ample room in the footwell. Performance-wise, the turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides surprising agility in the 20-60 mph range.
However, the 2007 Solstice Gxp reveals its shortcomings beyond its attractive facade. Firstly, despite intentions, it proved to be an unsuitable car for learning stick shift. The clutch and first gear are notably less forgiving compared to other manual cars, making it prone to stalling, especially for novice drivers. The braking system is another significant letdown. Equipped with remarkably small brake rotors, the car struggles to achieve confident stops under normal driving conditions. The vehicle’s weight seems mismatched with the undersized brakes.
Ergonomics also present issues. The placement of the power window buttons on the door is awkward, requiring an uncomfortable reach with the left arm. Similarly, the emergency brake lever’s position interferes with comfortable arm resting. Durability concerns arose early with a cheap cupholder breaking within the first month of ownership.
Furthermore, the turbocharged engine, while offering some punch, comes with trade-offs. At idle, engaging the air conditioning noticeably strains the engine, causing it to run rougher. The air conditioning also noticeably diminishes the engine’s power output. The turbocharger contributes to uneven acceleration, resulting in occasional lurching at lower speeds. Finally, the handling lives down to its reputation, echoing many reviewers’ criticisms of being subpar. Ultimately, the 2007 Solstice GXP presents itself as a sports car in appearance, but its performance capabilities fail to fully deliver on that promise. With the lease concluded, there’s little desire to continue with this vehicle.
