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July 16, 2009
  2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP (top, by Chris Chase); 2007 Saturn Sky Redline (by Laurance Yap. Click image to enlarge |
My suspicion is that a problem with overheating engines – mostly in turbo cars – is the reason for CR’s negative ratings of these cars in the engine and cooling system categories. Many owners complain of engine temp readouts that will suddenly spike but then return to normal levels. A radiator thermostat that sticks closed is the suspected culprit, but at least one poster at SolsticeForum.com says that in his car, the problem is only a false reading from the engine coolant temp sensor. Here is a trio of threads from SolsticeForum.com on the issue: one; two; three.
Click here to download a list of Technical Service Bulletins related to the Solstice (and Saturn Sky).
Overall, Consumer Reports gives both the Solstice and Sky a “much worse than average” overall used car reliability rating. It seems to me, though, that aside from the rear differential problem, these cars don’t suffer from many problems that would cause catastrophic failures.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Solstice and Sky four stars all around (driver and passenger protection in frontal impacts, and side impact protection) in its tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) didn’t test either car.
Used values range from $19,375 for a 2006 Solstice, to $28,975 for a 2008 Solstice GXP, or $32,900 for a Sky Red Line. (Values for 2009 models weren’t available at the time of this writing.) Given the Sky’s higher MSRP when new, and consequently higher used values, I’d choose the Solstice if I were after one of these cars.
But aside from being less expensive to buy than Miata, and the allure of that punchy turbo engine, there’s not much to recommend a Solstice or Sky over the more reliable and more practical Miata.
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Pricing
Black Book Pricing (avg. retail) July 2009:
Online resources
Recalls
2006-2007: On certain vehicles, the drive axle differential seal may leak. Reduced lubrication may cause the differential to become noisier. Continued use may cause damage to bearings and other differential components. Three conditions could occur: 1). When the vehicle is stopped and shifted to reverse, the differential may jam and prevent vehicle movement. 2). the damage can cause drag that will feel like the parking brake is applied; or 3) the differential could jam and lock the drive wheels while the vehicle is underway. Should the latter occur, it could result in a loss of vehicle control and a crash, causing injury or death. Correction: Dealers will replace the drive axle differential seal(s).Transport Canada Recall Number: 2007312; Units affected: 33 2008: On certain vehicles, the inboard seat stud fasteners may fail to comply with strength requirements of CMVSS 207 – Anchorage of Seats, and CMVSS 210 – Seatbelt Assembly Anchorages. In the event of a crash, the seat and seatbelt assembly may not restrain the occupant as intended and could result in injury to the occupant. Correction: Dealers will inspect the inboard seat studs, and if necessary, remove the stud and install a bolt.
Crash test results
Used vehicle prices vary depending on factors such as general condition, odometer reading, usage history and options fitted. Always have a used vehicle checked by an experienced auto technician before you buy. For information on recalls, see Transport Canada’s web-site, www.tc.gc.ca, or the U.S. National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA)web-site, www.nhtsa.dot.gov. For information on vehicle service bulletins issued by the manufacturer, visit www.nhtsa.dot.gov. For information on consumer complaints about specific models, see www.lemonaidcars.com. |
Related posts:
- What’s New: 2009 Pontiac Solstice
- First Drive: 2006 Pontiac Solstice
- Buyer's Guide: 2006 Pontiac Solstice
- Test Drive: 2006 Pontiac Solstice
- Day-by-Day Review: 2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP
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