Styling is where GM really hit the nail on the head with the Solstice. The design is excellent, turning heads wherever it goes. The Solstice even looks good with the top up. It’s low, sleek and aggressive, all the things a sports car should be. The headrest fairings on the decklid really add to the Solstice’s appearance and the 18-inch wheels highlight the car’s curvaceous wheel openings.

Where designers have room to improve is with the design of the top. The flying buttresses at each corner of the top must be individually pressed back into the deck lid every time you open the trunk, and that requires a 180-degree trip around the car. They also don’t fit flush to the bodywork, which usually results in a second or third push to ensure they are fastened. Dropping the top is easy enough but does require the driver to exit the car to complete the process. Closing the lid requires a good slam to prevent pushing on the headrest fairings, which can dent easily.

The Solstice’s interior is simple and clean with no serious flaws. I would, however, like to see the emergency brake moved from the center console to the space between the door and the seat. This would make for a cleaner design and additional arm space on the center console. The large center-mounted tachometer and speedometer are easy to read and are a welcome addition in any sports car, but where’s the temperature gauge?