I got to get all over one at the autoshow in motion, and it wasn't at all what I expected. Like alot of you guys, I had a bit of a crush on the soltice/sky ever since I saw the pics of them. I even had myself convinced that a sky redline was going to be my next car, but after seeing and getting in one this weekend, I've lost all my enthusiasm.

With the top up, it looks goofy and is a pain to get into. You have to duck your head under top while sitting way down into the car. Once you do get in, its real tight. I'm only 5'11" and with the top up, I felt like a kid in a fort made out of his bed sheets. Its not a car for people with chlostrophobia. The nonexistant storage is kind of weak too. Theres little cubby holes everywere, but none are big enough to put anything in. The interior looks nice for GM standards, but its not luxurious by any stretch of the imagination.

This car is definalty a competitor for the Miata, but I never liked Miata's. Kinda like the new Lotus's, great car, but too small. My g/f put it best; "It feels like a little $20k convertible" It is what it is and nothing more.

 

Really? From the early reports they say that headroom is good up till about 6'4". Thats strange you had an issue at 5'11".

 

Headroom should be great for everyone...it's a convertible...

 

You get into a tiny roadster, and complain about headroom and lack of storage space? Get an SUV or something.

 

Well, what exactly were you expecting? FWIW, I personally think it looks and drives like a car that costs more than 20 grand. In terms of space, most roadsters of that size are a little on the tight side. I do agree that cargo space is lame, though my complaint is mainly limited to the trunk, which is smaller than the new Miata's. The good news with the Solstice is that there is ample headroom for a 6' 2" person like myself (supposedly Lutz and Wagoner fit, and they are both 6'4" or taller). I'm not sure about the new Miata, but I have to slouch to drive my current (1st gen) Miata when the top is up (not often). My dad used to have a 2nd gen '99 Miata, and it was a little better than mine, but still too snug. The Lotus Elise is like a sardine can!

Were you expecting it to be a $20k Corvette convertible?

 

Yes it is. But once you're in it, I've never driven ANYTHING that handles like it and that included a 550 Marnello. Getting out, that's not so fun either. My buddy has broken off the turn signal stalk like 2 or 3 times already getting in and out of it, and has a footprint on the dash next to the steering wheel.

 

I think they look fine with the top up, but like any Vert, they look much better with the top down.

slt sounds like you would be better off with the hardtop verson (if they made one )

 

Yes, they do handle well! I wasn't trying to disparage the car; I was just pointing out that all roadsters are on the tight side, and the Elise is about the most extreme example in the US. I had the chance to drive an early US spec car (with the 190 hp 1.8L engine) before they went on sale. Most definitely an entertaining ride!

 

PacerX <----- 6'3", 265 lbs.

It isn't that tight. It feels kind of closed in because there isn't a whole lot of glass area, but I was comfortable in it.

The top itself is uglier than sin. What a disaster... and yes, I'm biased, but that thing is N-A-S-T-Y.

Apart from that, it's a great little car. I'm buying one for the wife when the hysteria dies down (i.e. scuzball dealers and their "market adjustments"...).

 

Pacer, are you talking about the Elise or the Solstice? I was referring to the Elise in the post you quoted.

I'm in the "Solstice isn't too tight" crowd.

I love the car.

 

The Solstice is a great car for the money. As I posted after my Solstice ride and drive:

http://web.camaross.com/forums/showthread.php?t=384530

 

I'm referring to the Solstice, should have been clearer. Sorry.

OD'd on cider this weekend. I'm feeling loopy.

 

I guess I'm old school...I take it as a badge of honor that my Camaros and Corvette are hard to get into and out of.....to me that's part of what makes them "true sports cars"...something I'm proud of owning.

I don't want an easy chair to drive, I want a sports car....something your wear as much as sit in.....I still love to drive and expect my car to perform as an extension of me......not be a big hulk that just get's me from point A to point B.

 

SLT, I don't think it's fair to say the Solstice "isn't so great" because apparently it isn't the right car...for you. Seems your expectations may have been a bit off...this is still a small 2-seater afterall.

 

With ya on that one Doug.