From almost every angle, the Pontiac Solstice GXP impresses with its confectionary red paint and sexy muscular bulges that rival Brando in his heyday. However, driving the Solstice is not as satisfying as looking at it. Start with the seating position: Sports cars are supposed to sit low, but even with my longish torso I found outward visibility to be problematic. Power delivery and shifter action was lively but impeded by an overly lengthy clutch. Putting the top down? Way too complicated. Unless you prefer high-maintenance types, life is simply better in a Miata. – Liz Kim