INSIDE LINE

[HarleyEarl]

Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2006


Most Significant Vehicle of the Year

Most Significant Vehicle of the Year: Pontiac Solstice

GTO. Firebird. Fiero. The history of Pontiac is peppered with nameplates that helped establish the brand as a legitimate performance division within GM. Whether they were ramming air, making a chicken scream, or putting the engine behind the driver, the folks at Pontiac always had something interesting to draw enthusiasts into the showroom.

That all ended in 2002 when the Firebird flamed out. Not only was the division's pony car dead, but there wasn't a rear-wheel-drive model to be found in the entire lineup. So much for "building excitement." The "new" GTO (from Australia?) tried to revive the brand's image in 2004, but it's the all-new 2006 Solstice that has returned a sense of thrill to Pontiac showrooms — and created customer orders that far exceed initial supply.

Beyond its arresting appearance and rear-drive chassis (GM calls it the "Kappa" platform), the Solstice features a four-wheel independent suspension, standard 18-inch wheels and a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The price is right at just under $20,000, but if you want power windows, cruise control, or even air conditioning, you'll have to pay extra.

Of course, you can't say "Solstice" without someone saying, or at least thinking "Miata." That car is all-new for 2006 as well. But with a 16-year history of making a sporty two-seater, Mazda's redesigned Miata isn't as significant. But GM going from concept to reality in 27 months on a two-seat roadster? A roadster that looks as good as the concept while offering an entertaining ride and attractive interior for less than $20,000? Beyond redefining the low-priced roadster market, the Solstice also revives the company's image. For 2006, there really is some excitement at your local Pontiac dealer. Now that's significant.

[regfootball]

good job. once folks see these things en masse out in the streets, the whole PR effect of this car will start to trickle in. The image boost for Pontiac and GM will be huge, but its full effect will take many months and likely 2-3 years. Edited January 3, 2006 by regfootball

[HarleyEarl]

I agree, it will have big ripple effect. Pontiac will be the new buzz....it get's in people's minds and conversation.....it's been awhile since people were talking about Pontiac.