I saw a bright red Solstice come up to the intersection I was driving by last Friday. It was quick striking to look at. At first I didn't even recognize it (as it was the first one I saw live on the road), but of course the front end gave it away.

I loved the color, I think it looks even better than the S2k in red, although I like the s2k better in silver and yellow (at least what I have seen in pictures).

I really wish the S2k was offered with a red exterior and red interior

 

We went and looked at them on friday...in my opinion they are made very cheaply there is NO trunk space when the top is down and the dealer we went to wanted $31,000.00 for the one they had which was 8 grand mark up.

 

I think the Solstice is UGLY!!!!!!!!! Particularly the front end -- cheezy!!!!!!

 

Poor fit and finish. However, they do goooooo!

Honda red much better.

 

I was to take delivery of my solstice in October of 05. The dealer called me and told me the car was on a carrier leaving Delaware and there was a recall because of leaks in the floorboard and transmission problems. It was at that point I went and bought the best car out there - my S. The Solstice is all flash and no dependability.

 

My neighbor just purchased one and took me for a ride.

My initial thoughts:

1. No trunk space at all with the top down or UP!
2. Definately softer than the S in ride quality which may make it a better commuter, but I doubt it given #1 above.
3. Seats were plush compared with the S, but still very supportive.
4. I didn't care for the manual top that requires one to get out of the car to unbutton the 2 back flaps before the top can be lowered, and buttoned after the top has been raised.
5. Didn't handle as well as the S, slower turn in even with 18" rims.
6. Not as powerful as the S (Seat of the pants estimate).

I agree that I was put off by the front end of the car. But from the rear, it sure does look sweet!

We're going to trade cars someday and go for a comparison drive... then I'll really be able to get a feel for the Solstice.

 

I also happened to see a bright red one parked on the street this weekend. So I went into the dealer to take a closer look at it and here are my comments (just looking and sitting in the car, no test drives). The model on display has all the "desirable" options: leather seats, power package, ABS, cruise, AC, LSD, floor mats. The MSRP was $25K, and the dealer was asking for $30K.

- The dials of the dash are all nested in several deep "tubes", we all know they will get dusty and dirty with the top down, and it will be impossible to clean them because they are so deep. For 5 cents, they could have put a piece of clear plastic in front of the tubes to keep them clean.
- The seats are low (just like the S2000) but the dash and the trunk lid are high, making it impossible for a short person like me to judge the front/back or the corners.
- The knob to recline the seat is impossible to operate with the seat in the normal position (i.e., slid back). You have to slide the seat forward, adjust the recline angle and then slide the seat back.
- Even with the "power package", it is a long reach to unlock the passenger door and even longer reach to open the door. There is no "power unlock" button, just like the S2000.
- The cup holders slide out from the back of the center console, interfering with the right elbow when shifting. The cup holder in the S2000 is also not usable.
- No trunk space (as already pointed out numerous times, with top UP or down).
- To raise or lower the top, you have to reach over to press the button inside the glove compartment to open the trunk lid. You have to get out of the car to raise the top, close the lid, and attach the "wings". When lowering, opening the trunk will pop the "wings", so you only have to get out to lower the top and close the trunk lid. I don't know if this is all part of the "power package".
- With the top up, the blind spots are much worse than the S2000, partly becasue of the wings, and definitely because I am short.
- The switches for the power windows are placed too far back on the door, I had to jam my left elbow into the gap between the door and the seat to operate the windows.
- With a clam-shell front hood, it will be difficult to reach the air filter. The battery is hidden under other stuff that must be removed to reach it. The oil dip-stick is impossible to reach, and impossible to replace, even if you are in bright sun-light and you can see under the hood clearly; in dim light, it is hopeless.

 

And people wonder why American car makers are hurting!

 

We looked at them a few months ago and at the time my son was really considering one (he now has a '04 S2K).

As everyone has mentioned, the top and the trunk (or lack thereof) are the two real downfalls, IMHO. From the pictures, I think the Saturn Sky is nicer looking.

 

^^We had that problem with our Nissan 350ZXTT. We had to take it in to the dealer for a battery install. It isn't just American cars that have such problems. I'm disheartened that all of you are so down on the Solstice. I think it has beautiful lines and is an extremely sexy looking car. I do think it is underpowered, but that is true of many cars. Hmmm, wonder if Honda came out with an identical looking car if you'd like it.