In 2006, the affordable roadster segment in the United States was set ablaze with the arrival of two compelling contenders: the third-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata and the Pontiac Solstice. The Mazda Miata, long hailed as the benchmark for budget-friendly sports cars since its debut in 1989, faced a bold new challenger from General Motors in the form of the Solstice. This comparison revisits the epic showdown between these two compact convertibles, drawing insights from MotorTrend’s 2006 review and other contemporary sources to explore their design, performance, and appeal for the American market. With a focus on driving dynamics, styling, and value, this article delves into why these cars mattered and how they shaped the roadster landscape.
A Legacy Meets a Newcomer
The Mazda MX-5 Miata, often simply called the Miata, had already cemented its status as the world’s best-selling sports car by 2006. Its formula was simple yet effective: lightweight construction, rear-wheel drive, and a focus on driving pleasure over raw power. The third-generation MX-5, launched in 2005, brought subtle refinements to this recipe, including a slightly longer wheelbase, improved rigidity, and a more muscular design to shed its “cute” reputation. However, Mazda’s decision to drop the “Miata” name in favor of “MX-5” for 2006 sparked debate, with many arguing it sacrificed brand equity.
Enter the Pontiac Solstice, GM’s ambitious attempt to capture the roadster market. Unveiled as a concept in 2002 and brought to production in 2005, the Solstice was a striking, American-made convertible built on GM’s new Kappa rear-drive chassis. Backed by GM’s product chief Bob Lutz, the Solstice promised bold styling and a sub-$20,000 starting price, making it a direct rival to the MX-5. Its debut on The Apprentice in 2005 generated massive buzz, with over 1,000 orders placed within 41 minutes.
Design and Styling: Form Meets Function
The Mazda MX-5 and Pontiac Solstice took distinct approaches to design, each appealing to different tastes. The MX-5 adopted a more aggressive stance than its predecessors, growing two inches longer and 1.6 inches wider, with a 2.5-inch longer wheelbase for improved cabin space. Its design aimed to counter the “chick car” stereotype, featuring sharper lines and a beefier profile while retaining its classic roadster proportions. The manually operated soft top was a breeze to lower and raise without leaving the driver’s seat, folding neatly into its own nacelle to preserve trunk space.
The Solstice, by contrast, was a visual standout with its muscular, coke-bottle shape and dramatic overhangs. Its clamshell hood and recessed folding cloth top gave it a unique aesthetic, drawing comparisons to a BMW Z3 or even a classic Big Healey. However, its exterior detailing, such as the oddly shaped grille and lights, received mixed reviews for lacking refinement. The Solstice’s wider track and longer wheelbase (3.4 inches longer than the MX-5’s) contributed to a more spacious cabin, with a wraparound instrument panel that prioritized the driver. However, the interior quality lagged behind, with a bland dashboard and poorly placed controls, like the electric window switches, drawing criticism.
Performance and Handling: The Joy of Driving
At the heart of the MX-5 was a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine producing 170 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque, paired with a slick six-speed manual transmission (a five-speed manual and automatic were also available). Its lightweight construction—around 2,500 pounds—made it agile and responsive, with 90% of peak torque available from 2,500 to 6,700 rpm. The MX-5’s suspension, with control arms front and rear, prioritized sharp handling but was slightly unsettled by mid-corner bumps, leading to more body roll than the Solstice. Its steering was quick and communicative, though testers noted some bump steer on rough pavement.
The Solstice, powered by a 2.4-liter Ecotec inline-4, delivered 177 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque, relying on midrange grunt rather than high-revving enthusiasm. Its five-speed manual transmission (with a five-speed automatic option) suffered from rpm drop-off between second and third gears, where a six-speed could have made a difference. Weighing in at approximately 2,860 pounds, the Solstice was 362 pounds heavier than the MX-5, but its wider track, longer wheelbase, and softer suspension provided a more planted ride. It excelled in long-distance cruising, with Bilstein coil-over shocks minimizing body roll and offering superior stability over uneven roads.
Track tests revealed a close contest. The Solstice achieved a 0-60 mph time of 6.94 seconds, slightly edging out the MX-5’s 7.04 seconds. In the slalom, the MX-5 was faster (7.11 seconds at 47.0 mph vs. 7.13 seconds at 46.9 mph), thanks to its quicker steering, but the Solstice posted a better skidpad number (0.90 g vs. 0.87 g) due to its grippy all-season Goodyear tires and neutral handling. The MX-5’s ability to steer with the throttle made it a favorite for enthusiasts, while the Solstice’s progressive understeer was more forgiving for casual drivers.
Interior and Comfort: Practicality vs. Personality
Inside, the MX-5 offered a snug but well-crafted cabin. Its longer wheelbase improved legroom compared to earlier Miatas, though it remained tight for drivers over six feet. The seats were supportive yet comfortable, ideal for both spirited drives and long trips. High-quality plastics and a simple, driver-focused layout, with a perfectly placed shift lever, earned praise. However, the fuel-filler release, tucked between the seats, was a minor annoyance.
The Solstice’s interior felt more spacious, with more legroom and headroom (especially with the top up). Its wraparound dashboard created a driver-centric feel, but the use of lower-quality materials and a parts-bin approach disappointed reviewers. The lack of a central locking button and poorly positioned controls detracted from usability. While the seats matched the MX-5’s in comfort and support, the overall interior quality fell short of Mazda’s refinement.
Pricing and Value: Bang for Your Buck
Pricing was a key battleground. The Solstice started at $19,995 (including destination), with the tested model, equipped with Power, Convenience, and Premium packages, plus air-conditioning and ABS, reaching $23,785. The MX-5 Grand Touring, loaded with standard features like a Bose audio system, started at $24,995. Adding a premium Monsoon sound system to the Solstice narrowed the price gap to under $1,000, making it the better value on paper. However, the MX-5’s superior build quality and included features justified its slightly higher cost for many buyers.
|
Feature |
Mazda MX-5 Miata |
Pontiac Solstice |
|---|---|---|
|
Base Price (2006) |
$20,435 | $19,995 |
|
Tested Price |
$24,995 (Grand Touring) |
$23,785 (with packages) |
|
Engine |
2.0L I-4, 170 hp, 140 lb-ft |
2.4L I-4, 177 hp, 166 lb-ft |
|
Transmission |
6-speed manual (5-speed manual/auto opt) |
5-speed manual (5-speed auto opt) |
|
0-60 mph |
7.04 seconds |
6.94 seconds |
|
Weight |
~2,500 lbs |
~2,860 lbs |
|
Fuel Economy (EPA) |
24 mpg combined (22 city/30 highway) |
21 mpg combined (19 city/25 highway) |
|
Skidpad |
0.87 g |
0.90 g |
|
Slalom |
7.11 sec @ 47.0 mph |
7.13 sec @ 46.9 mph |
|
Key Features |
Bose audio, 6-speed manual, quick steering |
Bilstein shocks, spacious cabin, bold styling |
Sources:
The Verdict: Which Roadster Reigns Supreme?
The Mazda MX-5 Miata emerged as the enthusiast’s choice in 2006, thanks to its lighter weight, crisper handling, and refined interior. Its “jinba ittai” philosophy—harmony between driver and car—delivered a pure, exhilarating experience that resonated with those prioritizing driving dynamics. The six-speed manual’s slick shifts and the car’s agility on twisty roads made it a favorite for autocrossers and track enthusiasts.
The Pontiac Solstice, however, was no slouch. Its bold design, comfortable ride, and competitive pricing appealed to buyers seeking a stylish cruiser with American flair. It shone on long drives, with a planted chassis and forgiving handling that suited less aggressive drivers. The promise of a turbocharged GXP model (due in 2007) hinted at even greater performance potential, but the base model’s heavier weight and less refined interior held it back.
Legacy and Impact
The MX-5’s dominance continued, with Mazda selling over 720,000 units by 2006 and further refining the model in subsequent years. Its reputation for reliability and fun cemented its status as the go-to affordable roadster. The Solstice, despite its initial buzz, faced challenges due to GM’s financial struggles and the Pontiac brand’s eventual demise in 2010. While it gained a cult following, it couldn’t match the Miata’s longevity or market impact.
For American buyers in 2006, the choice boiled down to priorities: the MX-5 for pure driving joy and refinement, the Solstice for bold looks and value. Both cars brought excitement to the roadster segment, proving that affordable sports cars could still capture hearts in an SUV-dominated world.
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