http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ine.promo.1g.*

The writer of this review did not like the Solstice.. He really preferred the Miata.. Especially the ragtop..

also, accel times, Miata wins out.. but roadcourse testing, they had both the same times.. although the reviewer wrote the Miata felt more agile and fun to drive..

2nd opinions section, puts it in a better light. Basically, the Solstice is NOT a Miata. Its bigger, more comfortable and softer.. even stated approaching the limits in the Solstice was easier..

 

Yeah, it kinda sucks because some reviewers are so hard-up on performance and 'fun' factor that they forget that the people who own these aren't just buying them to beat on them for a day and move on to another car like the reviewer is - they have to LIVE with them for the next several years, so comfort, safety, practicality... all those thing matter a lot too.

Personally I hate the Miata on many different levels including the interior quality - or at least the way the used ones have held up that I've seen. It's disappointing to hear that they felt the Miata's interior was superior to the Pontiacs mainly because if the Miata's interior isn't so hot to begin with, what does that say about the Pontiac's? Oh well, just one opinion out of many more to come.

I'm sure the performance variant of the Solstice will blow that Miata out of the water... but then again there is a Mazda-speed turbocharged version of the Miata as well, so who knows...

 

You know, on a similar topic what's even crazier to me is seeing somebody like Car and Driver do a review of 55-80k dollar flagship luxury cars and then give the 7-series top marks because it handles the best. Sheesh... how many 7-series owners are taking their car through the twisties at high speed again? OK and how many of them just want as super stable, quiet, and soft ride again? So who are you recommending the 7-series to over the competition? The minority or the majority?

 

so, its better to cruise at 4000? damn, I was pretty sure that my cars 75 mph cruising rpm of 2200 was pretty good, but apparently Im only halfway there.

Personally, I just can NOT get into the looks of the new miatain pictures or in person. It just looks odd to me. the only view of it I find appealing in the slightest is the rear end, which I kinda like. The Solstice, however, exudes beauty. from the front, the back, the side profile, any angle, the car is just hot, Heres my point, though. If one were to be looking at cheapish 2 seat roadsters, theres three in the market if you're buying new (2 currently, one next year with the sky)
most of the drivers of these cars, like threxx pointed out, will NOT be beating on the cars. they will not be complaining about the car feeling disconected at the limits. what they will be looking for is the best looking, most stunning deal on 4 wheels.
the only area of argument I can totally agree as being a factor with any convertible buyer would be wind with the top down. if its as bad as theysay, pontiac may have to look into some kind of wind deflectors for this thing.
edit: just noticed that out of the nice gallery of pictures they have from this comparo, there are a total of 2 of the solstice, and both are with the miata.

 

Hmm, that's weird, cause there's a bunch of Solstice pictures on page 3

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ageId=65747#22

 

Yep, just one opinion. I'm inclined to think these days, if it's an American-built anything vs. an imported anything, the imported anything will receive vastly better marks for its interior. Interiors seem to be the newest thing people cling to since the mechanical quality gap appears to be shrinking among manufacturers across the board.

 

My main critisism of domestics has almost always been interior materials, and build quality/durability of the interiors... the mechanicals for the most part (with some exceptions) have been very comparable.

 

Sorry, I'd take the Solstice for the non-ugly factor alone. The lines are clean and classic, and the interior is simple and elegant. The Miata is about as exciting and passionate as a refrigerator.

I'm admittedly biased towards great design, though.

 

An excellent point and precisely why I stopped buying car magazines after 20 years of loyalty to a local mag. The journos just seem to confuse the intent and purpose for which the vehicle was designed.

Let's face it, your average Japmobile is always gonna be smaller than the equivalent US designed vehicle. There's a good reason for that, your average American frame is larger than the average Japanese. More to the point, the Mazda has the handling edge because it is the smaller/lighter vehicle. The journo should take that into account in his reviews and not mark that down as a 'negative' point to the bargain priced Solstice.

For the respective turbo versions, however, the journalist can go 'open slather' as these performance vehicles are supposed to be little compromised for their intended purpose.

Now, to read that article...

 

That wouldn't be a problem if you overlooked the Miata and went straight for the Solstice.

Would you rather be seen in a good car that turns heads everywhere or a 'great' car that is growing decidely 'old and wrinkly' in today's world? I guess it's a question of image and sex appeal... IMO the Solstice wins in both departments hands down, especially when viewed side by side.

For my hard earned money, I'd take the Solstice in a heartbeat. When I'm not drivng it I'd be cleaning it... such would be the personal pride in my investment.

 

I think automotive journalists often take the easy way out. They draw less attention to themselves if they always say that the japanese car is better than the american, or the bmw is better than everyone. Some journalists probably want to stand out in a crowd, and express their opinion, no matter how radical, but alot of them probably realize they have a good job with good pay, and they get to drive around in great cars, so they don't rock the boat and take the easy way out.
Anyways, which car, the new miata or the solstice is about to cause a sensation in the U.S. (regardless of what some journalist says)?

 

PS 'Fun to drive factor' in automotive journalism is just like 'artistic merit' points in competitive figure skating. It is a bull**** way to give extra marks to the side you want to win.

 

I've been drooling over the Solstice since the concept car. I want one!
That being said, I want one mostly for the looks... I think the Solstice will do VERY well and should really help Pontiac.

I wish the Solstice were a few hundred pounds lighter... Like the Miata. I wish it had a more usable trunk... Like the Miata... I wish I had confidence that the Solstice will be built as well as the Miata...

I am happy that the Solstice has a bit more room for the driver... I think it might be the best looking car to come out of Detroit. Some don't but I really like the simplicity of the interior...

I'll probably replace my Z vert with a Solstice next year, but I will also give the new Miata a serious look...

 

I liked this quote:

"The Solstice is sexy as hell. Park it next to the Miata and only the president of the local Miata Club will notice the Mazda."

Nuff' said.

 

In that case, the Solstice isn't winning any votes with its less practical trunk. And I'd wager fun is pretty high on the desired quality list for a car like this.

That said, it's not much of an indepth review. A lot of people and reviewers are finding the Solstice plenty fun and picking it over the MX5.