Topic: CTC Review: 2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP

[initial_D]

A much better effort than the Fiero 2M4, and more hot & firey, in a better way. 

Saw a number of them today, 5 or so, one had a aftermarket bodykit on it, completely ruins the original lines.

[Ex-airbalancer]

I wonder if the reviewer ( Wing, Shiftstick) can talk with GM engineering and ask why the gas tank takes up room

[The Mighty Duck]

Seems a very poor design. I thought with today's plastic gas tanks that they could be formed to the shape of an available space.

They may also have located the gas tank there for weight distribution reasons.  *shrug*

I'm amused that this thread has more discussion about why we spend so much time discussing the trunk than anything else...  for shame!

I do think, for the price, there are better alternatives out there.  The GXP is a great car, I have no doubt, but if we're talking about dropping that kind of coin, I would rather have something I could use every day than something that is restricted to use one or two days a week.  The trunk is a major sticking point on its own - the trunk and the terrible roof just kill it for me.

[mdxtasy]

I'm amused that this thread has more discussion about why we spend so much time discussing the trunk than anything else...  for shame!

I do think, for the price, there are better alternatives out there.  The GXP is a great car, I have no doubt, but if we're talking about dropping that kind of coin, I would rather have something I could use every day than something that is restricted to use one or two days a week.  The trunk is a major sticking point on its own - the trunk and the terrible roof just kill it for me.

You're amused at all the discussions yet you bring it up again?     For shame.

[The Mighty Duck]

Rumor has it the next-generation Cobalt SS will be getting a turbocharged motor instead of the supercharged variant the last one had...  I assume it will be the same motor as in the GXP, which begs the question: is the new SS going to be going after the MazdaSpeed3?

[Mitlov]

Rumor has it the next-generation Cobalt SS will be getting a turbocharged motor instead of the supercharged variant the last one had...  I assume it will be the same motor as in the GXP, which begs the question: is the new SS going to be going after the MazdaSpeed3?

The HHR SS has this engine already, and the HHR SS is basically a retro-styled Cobalt wagon.

[daft]

Rumor has it the next-generation Cobalt SS will be getting a turbocharged motor instead of the supercharged variant the last one had...  I assume it will be the same motor as in the GXP, which begs the question: is the new SS going to be going after the MazdaSpeed3?

I think the Cobalt is going to need alot more than a new engine to compete with the MS#...

[Mitlov]

I think the Cobalt is going to need alot more than a new engine to compete with the MS#...

The Cobalt is on its way out anyway.  Rumor is, it's successor will be Astra-based.  An Astra with this engine could easily compete with the MS3.

[wing]

Don't you mean the Colbart?

[safristi]

 the COLBERT RAP_PORT......

[84im]

" as the 245/45/R18 Goodyear F1 tires on my tester have got to be the worst performance summer tires I have ever driven on."
Wing, are the F1s on this car GS D3s?

[wing]

Sorry 84im I no longer have the car, but I only remember seeing F1 and no other marking but perhaps it was just smaller, I'll check my full rez pics maybe I can make it out.

[wing]

No dice, sorry.

[The Mighty Duck]

The Cobalt is on its way out anyway.  Rumor is, it's successor will be Astra-based.  An Astra with this engine could easily compete with the MS3.

What's the time frame on replacement?  The Cobalt is still a relatively new design, and I was impressed with the G5/Pursuit GT I drove (though very unimpressed with the base model).  I'm surprised they're looking at a complete redesign already (especially given their history...  heh).

[Mitlov]

The Cobalt is on its way out anyway.  Rumor is, it's successor will be Astra-based.  An Astra with this engine could easily compete with the MS3.

What's the time frame on replacement?  The Cobalt is still a relatively new design, and I was impressed with the G5/Pursuit GT I drove (though very unimpressed with the base model).  I'm surprised they're looking at a complete redesign already (especially given their history...  heh).

Cobalt production will end in 2009.  http://blog.cleveland.com/business/2007/04/chevy_may_delay_2009_cobalt_re.html

[daft]

I think the new Saturn will be a rebadged Astra.

[jww]

I think the new Saturn will be a rebadged Astra.

Right you are.

[Mitlov]

I think the new Saturn will be a rebadged Astra.

What first clued you in?  The fact that it's named the Saturn Astra?

[daft]

I think the new Saturn will be a rebadged Astra.

What first clued you in?  The fact that it's named the Saturn Astra?

That's hilarious. Shows how much I care about Saturn.

[Agiledood]

I just test drove a base Solstice a couple days ago.  If I had the means, I'd go for GXP for sure, but I was pleasantly surprised with it.  I liked it MUCH more than the Miata I test drove a few months ago, although it was a 2004, but still, I thought the Solstice was a much better car overall.

The ride/handling was great and there wasn't as much road/wind noise as I was expecting.  I did find it a bit clunky, especially from a dead stop.  Once you're out of 2nd gear it's fine but there seemed to be some clunks coming from the right front somewhere.  You can tell it's a price-point car for sure but it was a 'new' 2006 that has been sitting on the lot for a year and a half.

The only issue with putting the top up and down was making sure you SLAM the trunk hard enough to make sure it's locked.   It was easy to attach but I could see how it would get annoying over time especially if you're dropping the top a couple times a day.  Didn't care about the trunk space at all, I don't think I've ever opened the trunk in my Solara yet.

I would buy this car in a heartbeat, but I wouldn't want to drive it in the winter so I suppose I'll wait until the Solara is paid for and save up for a GXP.