2006 Pontiac Solstice

Once known as GM’s performance brand, Pontiac was discontinued in 2010 along with Hummer, Saab, and Saturn. The legendary GTO of the 1960s and Firebird of the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s were joined by models such as the Grand Am, Grand Prix, and Bonneville, which were based on other GM models. The Australian-built Pontiac G8 was a legitimate muscle car, and the Vibe hatchback shared its design with the Toyota Corolla Matrix. Today, most Pontiac vehicles still on the road are more than a decade old and lack the safety and convenience features found in modern vehicles.

Rushed into production, the Pontiac Solstice was a stylish two-seat roadster that never quite lived up to its looks. It was powered by a 2.4-liter, 177-hp four-cylinder engine that sounds and feels harsh when revved. Wide spacing between the gear ratios in the five-speed manual is a major flaw. The turbocharged GXP model is considerably more enjoyable to drive. Handling is fairly nimble and the ride is tolerable, but wind noise is apparent even at modest speeds. Antilock brakes were optional. Lowering the manual top is a multistep process that requires getting out of the car. Interior fit and finish were inferior to most competitors. Trunk space and interior storage are virtually nonexistent. Solstice production was discontinued in 2009.