There are few better things in this world than hitting an open stretch of highway in a high-performance convertible, with the top-down, the sound of the engine roaring in... January 5, 2011 by Viknesh Vijayenthiran 6
With the amount of green sports or sporty cars available on the market, just how bad is the fuel efficiency of old fashioned gas powered ones? Going to fueleconomy.gov... March 24, 2010 by Todd DeMeza 5
General Motors’ announcement back in April that the Pontiac brand would be phased out by the end of the year and Saturn sold off, many of the automaker’s top... July 29, 2009 by Ralph Hanson 5
Though bankruptcy is looking more and more like the way General Motors will go, the company is fighting to preserve its most adored models - one way or another. In the case... May 11, 2009 by Nelson Ireson
The 2.0L turbo engine internally known as the LNF has been one of GM's unsung heroes over the past several years. Lying at the heart of the Pontiac Solstice GXP, Saturn Sky... December 18, 2008 by Kenneth Hall 3
General Motors says that shoppers typically won't consider both the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky, but the comparison is inevitable.
The Solstice starts several thousand dollars cheaper than the 2008 Saturn Sky but has more basic appointments; for instance, it doesn't include power windows and locks or keyless entry.
But the Solstice, in standard or GXP (equivalent to Red Line) models, offers comparable wind-in-hair performance for less money.
Admittedly, the Saturn has a superior interior, with a more attractive instrument panel design and better controls.
But nearly all else is the same.
Otherwise, the Honda S2000 may be the closest competitor to the Sky Red Line and Solstice GXP; it brings an incredibly rev-happy, 237-horsepower, 2.2-liter VTEC four-cylinder and six-speed manual that doesn't match the Red Line for straight-line performance but beats it for the tactile experience.
A quick drive in the Mazda Miata also reveals what's lacking in the base Sky roadster: the basics.
The Miata covers all the necessities with a certain tactile charm lacking in the Sky; the shift action, super-direct steering feel, and sound of the modest engine powering the balanced, lightweight roadster are still unbeatable.
But for those seeking more power, the torquey Nissan 350Z Roadster is also worth a look.