The eclipse is an ugly car to me, and always has been. I think the solstice matches the xfire in style and considering its only 20g, sounds like a steal. What do you guys think?

 

The Solstice is more a direct Miata or now defunct MR2 competitor. Its really in a different class than the Crossfire. That's like people who compare the XF to a Mustang... Aside from that, I saw a Solstice at a car show this past weekend and think Pontiac may have potential to steal some Miata sales away, but I'll always think the Miata is a better car. Once they get a few on the road and on the autocross tracks we'll see.


And what does the Eclipse have to do with anything? Its already been recalled by Mitsu for problems. I'm not a fan of it either.

 

I agree with NXMX5, but I also saw the Solstice and I don't think it compares to the Miata in quality. The top is real cheap looking. I call this car a 60 footer, because when you look at it from 60 feet, it looks good. Take a close look and you will see the 20K price come to life. Eclipse, now this would be Mitsubishi's chance to derail the Mustang. I and others consider the Crossfire more of an exotic. It would be at the same comparison as Z4, 350Z, Corvette, Boxter, SLK230-350, Audi TT, maybe RX8?

 

...The Solstice is worth a drive. Apparently, it handles remarkably well and there is no doubt that it's gorgeous. Consider that it may sticker for 19 grand, but most dealers are marking them up way beyond that. The waiting list is long, and if you got on now, I would assume you would get your car around March. That's based on an article that I read, which stated that many dealers can get you a car sooner if you are willing to spend thousands over sticker. The Crossfire, on the other hand, is a slow selling car. I bought my base coupe brand new for just under $25,000. That's about six grand less than sticker, and not a lot more than a new Solstice with the anticipated extra markup. So yeah, the cars are very different in character, but close enough in price that you may want to drive each and decide which one you like better.

The Mitsu is tempting as well, with that powerful (270 hp?) V6 and less than 6 second 0-60 time. But, it's one heavy SOB, and you'll have to live with the handling limitations of RWD. It's a stale idea, in my opinion. Nobody makes sporty front-drive 2+2 sporty coupes any more, except for Hyundai.

 

The new Saturn Sky looks really nice, too. Again, not in the same class as the Crossfire, but a nice 2-seater, anyways!

 

It is always nice to see a new two seater sports car enter the market. There was a time when the Mazda Miata was just about the only true sports car under $35K in the US market. It now has alot of competition, but until the Solstice, no other car in it's price range.

The Miata has evolved over time into a really nice handling car and it sets the bar for the Solstice. The proof of the pudding is how the empty nest Baby Boomers feel about the Solstice. They have the cash to buy it on a whim. However, they pretty much ignored Ford's Thunderbird recreation.
The Solstice is in a different space. Let's hope Pontiac dealers do not screw up a potential good thing by marking up the car in the initial supply - demand imbalance.

 

As a former Mazda owner, I can attest to how good Mazda's are to drive. I didn't own a Miata, but have driven them, and will admit they are still great. According to the magazine reviews, the Solstice is a good technical match for the latest iteration of the Mazda, yet offers an emotionally superior experience.

If the Solstice's success hinges on dealer performance, then it's in the bag. Consider that Mazda dealers are lousy in nearly every aspect, blame large warranty repairs on owners routinely, require scheduled appointments for oil changes, etc. I was even given a customer service survey at the dealer, already filled out with "5" out of "5" for each item, and asked to sign it on the spot. If anything, Mazda's latest upward sales trend is in spite of their dealer network.

Even marked up three or four grand, I would argue that the Solstice is still a good value.

 

I like the look of the new Eclipse, the old ones, butt ugly. Don't know about the quality but the Tangerine color on that car is hot looking. The Solstice really looks nice to me but neither is in a class with the Xfire. I agree the Solstice will give the Miata a run for its money. If the quality is good Pontiac will have a winner. I also think the new HHR will eat into the PT Cruiser business. The few I've seen are really nice looking and they are priced right. I think Chevy has a winner with that one.
Someone mentioned the T-Bird. When I was going to the bank this morning I saw 3 of them at a stoplight...more of them I've seen on the road around here than Xfires.
Pat

 

I'm a part time mechanic, sorry but Pontiac has a lot to prove to me on reliability. I have worked on too many Pontiac cars. My .02

 

JUDDZ made a very good point. To me, Mazda's have an incredibly good "feel" like their old ads said," It just feels right". I've owned a 626, MX-6, two RX-7s and currently a Miata. I really can't put it into words, but their cars are a joy to drive. FWD or RWD. makes no difference. All I can say about their dealer network is that they took care of all my warranty problems quickly, even though I was the 2nd. owner of my MX-6. Long term dependability? When compared to other Japanese cars I've owned, I'd have to say they are "down" on the list.
My biggest concern about the Solstice is GMs track record of letting its customers be the "test drivers" and do the R&D work on their new offerings. Case in point: The Allante, Fiero, and '84 Vette. Now I realize all new cars usually have some sort of "teething" problems when they make their debut, but GMs offerings always seemed to take an unusually long time to get theirs worked out. Then about the time they get the car "right" it's discontinued.
I hope with Lutz at the wheel, things might be different. I wish REDSC400s comments about dealer mark up by Pontiac won't happen, unfortunately I think we all know price gouging will be rampant. But since I've been admonished in the past by another forum member for complaining about outrageous prices, I'll just say, greed is good and not complain.
I look forward to the introduction of Saturn's Sky, it reminds me of the new Vette. Much the same way the old Opel GT resembled the '68 Corvette.

 

Traditional style sports cars are going to be RWD. If you know how to drive them, they will out handle FWD cars with no problem.

 

Whoops! I meant to say "the handling limitations of front wheel drive". There are many, including worse weight distribution with fwd, more pronounced understeer, torque steer (in a powerful fwd car), etc. Plus the brake proportioning will be in line with the less than optimal weight distribution of fwd, and if drag racing is your thing it is much harder to make a fwd car hook up. So, I totally agree with you that RWD is superior in nearly every way (except for packaging and traction in poor weather). My last post contained a typo.

 

wait till the turbo solstice comes out. that or a turbo saturn sky may be my next car.

 

all mazda's appear to be sissy cars, even their commercials are gay.

just my opinion...

 

so basically, you haven't read one article about the Miata (ever) or know anything about the way it drives. i've always said, that people who think Miatas are for girls, don't know anything about cars. not starting a war, just my $0.02

maybe i'm just touchy, because i owned one.

 

...and did you think the Celine Dion commercials that were aired to sell the Crossfire was a better pitch? Obviously, you have not driven a new Mazda. If you had, I am sure you would be singing quite a different tune. I have to agree with NXMX5. The Miata is a great drive. It's not as quick as a Crossfire, but it has a much better chassis. Better steering, too. At two points in my life, I almost bought one. Go to any local racetrack, and it's usually a Mazdafest. That alone ought to attest to the sweet chassis and great aftermarket support those cars enjoy. Chances are, some women and even some people with different orientations enjoy them as well. Good taste is not limited to us married straight men.

 

are you really 49? ever seen the mazdaspeed 6, awd, 280 hp. not girly.

 

I drove from Hartford to Cape Cod and back this weekend. Didn't see one other Crossfire (and got a LOT of attention!) three T-birds and I don't really pay attention to Mazda's or Eclipses anymore - not that they are bad looking - they are just so prominent I don't notice them anymore...

also way-y-y-y more '05 Mustangs than I could imagine - really glad I didn't buy one after all...

 

...I wouldn't mind having one of those around! When a program is critical to Ford (Mustang, F150, Explorer) they usually do a superb job on the replacement. No doubt, that's the best Mustang ever in many tangible ways.

 

I don't argue it is a great car, and I'll probably end up with one eventually. However, the Stang.net forum post issues with them, just like any new car. I'd want to wait a year or two. The thing is, I like driving a car that is unusual enough that people stop and ask about it all the time. The new Mustang did that for a while, but now they are pretty commonplace - partly because it is a great car for the money.