2009 Pontiac Solstice Review

Overview

The 2009 Pontiac Solstice is a two-door two-passenger available in soft-top convertible and the 2009 new coupe body style. The convertible is available in two trims - Base and GXP. The new 2009 Coupe model is available in a single GXP trim. A hardtop model called Solstice Street Edition and Bluetooth connectivity are other new additions for 2009. ABS, stability, traction control, and a limited-slip rear differential are now standard on the Base trim for 2009.

Power and performance

The Base trim is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 173 horsepower. The GXP trim for both models features a 260-hp 2.0L turbocharged ECOTEC DOHC 4-cylinder engine. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and the five-speed automatic transmission is optional. A rear-wheel drive configuration is standard across all models.

Body and styling

Eighteen-inch alloy wheels; audio system with satellite radio; a CD/MP3 player; and a tilting steering wheel are among the standard features of the Base trim. Bluetooth for phone feature; 2 personal cell phone connectivity to vehicle audio system; HMI (Human Machine Interface); audio system feature; Monsoon premium 7-speaker system with two 6-inch door speakers and two 1-inch A-pillar tweeters in addition to two 3.5-inch rear speakers and one subwoofer; and a StabiliTrak vehicle stability enhancement system that includes all-speed traction are some of the key features of the 2009 Pontiac Solstice. A Preferred Package that includes power windows; power door locks; remote keyless entry; and outside power-adjustable body-color mirrors with foldaway feature and a Premium Package with leather seating surfaces; 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel; and steering wheel accessory controls are optional. The 2009 Solstice Street Edition, which includes an ECOTEC 173hp 2.4L VVT engine; Club Sport Suspension; StabiliTrak; exclusive Brazen (orange metallic) paint accented with black heritage stripes; orange stitching on seats, steering wheel, and shifter boot; black headlamp bezels; black front grilles; and premium 18-inch split-spoke polished aluminum wheels is available as a new introductory model for 2009.

Safety Features

StabiliTrak, a vehicle stability enhancement system that includes all-speed traction control and 4-wheel anti-lock brakes; three frontal air bags; driver and right-front passenger airbags with passenger sensing system; and OnStar, a comprehensive in-vehicle security system with navigation, communications, and diagnostics are among the standard safety and security features on the 2009 Pontiac Solstice.