
The base Solstice is just that, with hand-cranked windows, manually adjusted outside mirrors and finger-powered door locks. The urethane-clad steering wheel has a tilt adjustment. The six-speaker stereo receives AM and FM and plays a single CD. The shift knob wears leather, but seats and door panels are covered in cloth. The back window is defogger-fitted glass.
Instead of a multitude of models, Pontiac offers a plethora of individual options and option packages, inviting buyers to outfit a Solstice to their individual whims.
The Convenience Package comprises cruise control, an information center, fog lamps and steering wheel-mounted controls for the cruise and information center functions ($465). Next up is a Power Package for windows, door locks and outside mirrors that also has a keyless remote fob and body-color paint for the mirrors ($625). Last, in the form of groupings, is the Premium Package, which covers the steering wheel, seats and door panels in one of two shades of leather ($590); this package, however, is conditioned on also buying the Convenience Package.
Options include air conditioning ($960); a string of stereo upgrades adding, first, an MP3 capability ($195), then an MP3 capability plus six-disc, in-dash CD changer ($495), then a seven-speaker-with-subwoofer Monsoon system ($395) that's not available with the base stereo, and finally an XM Satellite Radio system with a three-month trial subscription ($325), which requires the Monsoon system; polished aluminum 18-inch wheels ($495); chrome 18-inch wheels ($695); limited-slip rear differential ($195); floor mats ($60); and a smoker package with lighter and ash tray ($40). OnStar is slated to make the option list before the close of 2005, a five-speed automatic transmission in the spring of 2006.
Dual-stage front airbags are standard. Optional antilock brakes (ABS) come with dynamic rear proportioning, which electronically balances force front and rear to maximize braking while avoiding rear wheel lockup ($400), similar to electronic brake-force distribution or EBD.
NEXT - EXTERIOR