The 2009 Pontiac Solstice is a two-door convertible sports car that is available in three different trim levels. The Solstice seats two passengers and features an elegant, modern exterior. The model is a carryover from the prior year. With two engine choices and a great number of standard and optional interior accessories, the 2009 Solstice stands out from the crowd. Also, the 2009 Solstice's exterior is elegant enough to attract the mature buyer, but sufficiently avant garde to appeal to the younger consumer as well.

Under the hood, the Pontiac Solstice can be equipped with either a 173 horsepower 2.4L I4 or a 260 horsepower turbocharged 2.0L I4. Buyers should be pleased with both the amount of power and range of options. A five-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, but buyers can upgrade to a five-speed automatic. With the base model producing up to 167-lbs per foot of torque and the GXP trim reaching 260-lbs per foot, the Solstice is close to the top of its class.

The Solstice's European-inspired exterior is complemented by the available leather-clad bucket seats and 18-inch aluminum performance wheels. A wide range of packages can be added to the 2009 Solstice for an additional fee like the Preferred Package and the Premium Package. The Preferred equips the Solstice with power windows, door locks, side mirrors, and also includes a remote keyless entry system. The Premium Package features leather seating, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and accessory controls built into the steering wheel.

With 19 city MPG and 25 highway MPG, the 2009 Solstice has higher fuel economy than most other sports cars on the American market. Also, the model features a free one-year subscription to OnStar, a safety program implemented throughout almost all General Motors vehicles. OnStar comes with instant accident alerts, turn-by-turn navigation provided by a customer representative, and airbag deployment signals.

Being that the 2009 Pontiac Solstice's GXP trim has more power than a Porsche Boxster and costs significantly less, sales should skyrocket for this model year. With a base MSRP of $23,250, the Solstice is both stylish and affordable, a hard combination to find in the current automobile market. While the 2009 Solstice is not a great pick for families, individuals who want to save money and look hip will find that this sports car is an excellent choice. However, there has been some questions regarding the quality of the model's construction, so potential buyers will need to thoroughly examine the materials before purchase.