2008 Pontiac Solstice

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.

Class
Two Seaters
Body styles
2dr Conv RWD
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.4L 4-cyl
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
22 combined · 19 city / 28 hwy
Length
157.1 in
Curb weight
2,859 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
3 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 22 MPG combined — 18% better than the average 2008 two seaters (18.6 MPG).

Watch out for

  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2008 Pontiac Solstice is a two seaters offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 2.4L 4-cyl) and rear-wheel drive.

It measures about 157 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 95-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,859 lb.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 28 highway), 18% better than the 2008 two seaters average of 18.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,750 a year in fuel.

It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 68 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.

What changed for 2008

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 Solstice — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Solstice →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
2dr Conv RWD157.1 in71.3 in50 in95.3 in59.8 / 61.8 in2,859 lb52/48

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Solstice2.0L 4-cyl turboManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive19 / 28 / 22+18%$3,750404
Solstice2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive19 / 26 / 21+13%$3,900423
Solstice2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive19 / 24 / 21+13%$3,900423
Solstice2.4L 4-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive19 / 25 / 21+13%$3,900423
Spend $6,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.6 MPG2008 Two Seaters average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Pontiac Solstice under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2008 two seaterss

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2008 Pontiac Solstice (this car)22 MPGNot rated3
2008 Mazda MX-524 MPGNot rated0
2008 Saturn SKY22 MPGNot rated3
2008 Chrysler Crossfire21 MPGNot rated1
2008 Honda S200021 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (3)

Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification · Jan 26, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V061000 · 91,007 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. The Passenger Air Bag Suppression System (PPS) sensor may become bent or damaged within the front passenger seat, possibly disabling the front passenger air bag.
Risk
In the event of a crash, if the front passenger air bag does not deploy as intended, the front passenger has an increased risk of injury.
Fix
The remedy for this recall is still under development. A permanent remedy is currently under development. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 17036.
Electrical System › Ignition · Apr 10, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V171000 · 2,191,014 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.
Risk
If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
Fix
General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. For vehicles that were built with the redesigned ignition cylinder or had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac owners at 1-800-762-2737, and Saturn owners at 1-800-553-6000. General Motors' number for this recall is 14113 for the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement, and 14133 for only key replacements. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.
Air Bags · Feb 10, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V047000 · 2,190,934 vehicles

Problem
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
Risk
If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GM’s recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2008 Pontiac Solstice is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

68Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
1Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
2Injuries reported
46,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Air Bags59
Service Brakes3
Seats3
Structure › Body2
Electrical System2
Power Train1
Engine And Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Radiator Assembly1
Vehicle Speed Control1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
17/02: 117/03: 117/04: 317/05: 517/06: 217/07: 117/08: 417/09: 217/10: 517/11: 117/12: 218/01: 218/04: 118/05: 218/07: 118/09: 219/01: 120/07: 120/08: 122/04: 122/05: 123/04: 123/12: 125/05: 117/0217/0517/0817/1118/0418/0920/0823/04max 5

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2008 Pontiac Solstice buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Air Bags — 59 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  3. Service Brakes — 3 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  4. Seats — 3 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 46,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Pontiac Solstice. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Solstice years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2010 Solstice23–Not rated30
2009 Solstice22157.1 inNot rated321
2007 Solstice22157.1 inNot rated3165
2006 Solstice21157.1 inNot rated3125

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Pontiac. How we calculate this →