Okay, here's my review of the GXP. I've got about 600 miles on it now, and the last 100 were so much fun. Not to say that the first 500 weren't, but trying to keep the speed down was tough. It's not technical, but it's just a breakdown of general impressions.
First, I should say I have the auto. I do mostly city driving, and while a manual would have been fun in the twisties, it would have been aggravating for me on a daily basis. This won't be my daily driver in the winter, but in the summer it will be.
Likes:
I like pretty much everything. Hah, I do, but let me be serious.
Transmission
The automatic is very quick to shift, and I can chirp the tires very easily if I'm not careful. I wouldn't ever want to do that. Sometimes there is a slight hesitation when you let off the gas too quickly, like a little jerk. I think it's on the downshift.
Engine
What can I say about the engine, other than it's a work of art. There is almost no lag in the power delivery, but once you get into the boost, hold on. I love the whoosh, of the BOV, when letting off of the gas. Because there isn't a lot of noise from the exhaust, it's really hard to tell how fast you're going when you stomp on it. Before you know it, you're at about 60.
Handling
I like the fact that you can pretty much think about a maneuver, and it's done. I'm not a racer, but I don't drive slow either. I love being able to take a quick turn at speed, and feeling almost no body roll. I had a C4 Vette, and I thought the handling was great in that one. I think this one is better, but of course it's a combination of a lot of factors. The C4 may have been better with newer tires, and some suspension upgrades. I love being on the expressway, and being able to pass with no drama. My other car is a Crown Vic, which can make a pass, but let me tell you that it tends to wander in the lane.
Tires, LSD, Stabilitrak
I'll mention the tires, because I've seen other reviews mention them. I like them, and I think they handle just fine in the rain. I've never really pushed it that hard in the rain, only about 65mph, but I felt perfectly at ease. More of a concern for me is the fact that it's a summer tire, and since it's very cold here, they tend to harden up, which isn't a good thing. I've hit a patch of ice in a turn, and the Stabilitrak keeps the rear in check after a slight fishtail. I'm going from driving my Crown Vic which needs a full tank of gas, and a couple bags of gravel, to get any kind of traction. So because I'm going from that to the GXP with GS-2's , I think it's a great improvement.
Styling
I love the exterior styling, there is nothing else like it. I sometimes go in the garage to just look at it. Let me say it, I love the way people just stare at the car. I've had people just stare at my car, as they are driving, while not looking at the road ahead of them. Not too safe, but at least they weren't behind me.
Audio
I've got the monsoon with the 6 disc. I think the stereo is great, although the speakers could stand to be a little better. Steering wheel controls are a plus, but I have to train myself to reach for those instead of the actual stereo.
Interior
The interior is snug, but comfortable. First time I went to back up I hit the back window, because well I forgot I was that close to the window. The gauges are very easy to read in daylight, and at night. The seats are so comfortable, although the leather is sagging in the drivers seat.
The Tick
I put the tick as a like, just because I've learned to like it. I like that it's there and that the engine isn't dead silent, because it lets you know that there is something special under the hood. I can hear it all the time, but I don't mind at all. Initially this was a little annoying, but not anymore, at least not for me.
Dislikes:
Not many, but here are a few. The window switches are ridiculous in their placement. The cup holders in the center console, I'm always opening those by accident. That's really about it. I think the trunk is laughable, but it's just one of those things that makes the car unique. I don't need to carry much anyway, other than detailing spray and a few microfibers. Even though I like that everyone stares at it, it's a little unsettling also, because it's always in the back of my mind that one day someone will scratch it, or it just won't be there. I'm paranoid I know, but I've seen many keyed cars, and I've had many a car broken into. Oh, and that I can't stop looking for upgrades, or anything Solstice related.
What I would change
I would change the exhaust, it's a little too quiet for me right now. While I don't need to hear it to know when to shift, since I have the auto, I still want to hear it. I had Borla Stingers on my Vette, and I miss the sound. I know I won't have the same thing on this one, but just a little more sound. I preordered the 3" Magnaflow, so that will help. I'd change the interior speakers, with some of a little better quality. I'd snug up the leather on the seat bottom.
Hope you've enjoyed reading my little review.
__________________
HP Tuners, Hahn I/C, Werks 3" exhaust, Dejon pipes, AEM Boost Gauge, JPM console, door handles, and arm rests
Opal Antenna, Kappashield, Painted Calipers (yellow), Solstice caliper decals, wheel center decals, Lil Chromies
License Plate - CHGO SOL
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Pontiac builds excitement... Saturn has rethought it's image...
The time has come for the enthusiasts... NASSOA
Founding Member - Recording Secretary - Northeast ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Note: I found that the auto downshifting when you lift the pedal taking some getting use to. I'm conditioned to go from the gas to the break...but in the auto, it downshifts for you and braking just slows you down too much.
Just be careful that you're not tranny braking while the driver behind you thinks all is well. I at least tap the brake and flash the "distracted" driver behind.
__________________
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Team Solstice 2008 HOT SHOT Aggressive 2007 GXP Auto-minus On*Star, spoiler, and smokers pkg. Delivered December 4, 2006
Ave mixed driving 26 mpg
2 failed pinion seals...300+ miles, and 9,700+ miles...and one more under recall at 12,636 miles for a grand total of 3!
Driver's outside door handle came apart in May 2008...repaired June 2008
Canvas top replaced June 2008.
Gas cap replaced.
All repairs covered under warranty.
Good review, You will like the Magnaflow, I have the RKSport/Magnaflow 2.5" and the sound is great.
__________________ Aggressive GXP at $25,995.00 shipping of $600, Manual Transmission.
Options:
Air, $960; Chrome Wheels, $545; PCQ, Premium Package (Leather), $525; Radio, 6-Disc with MP3, $495; Monsoon, $395; Premium Acoustic Headliner, $150; and Sport Metallic Pedals, $115; all totals $29,180.00. No XM/OnStar and NO Spoiler. MODS (RKSport/Magnaflow dual exit exhaust system, K&N filter, Ventureshield.
First 1000. Aggressive with everything, NO XM/OnStar. SOLD
~~~~~~~ NASSOA
Founding member
~~~~~~~
Location: Yuba City, California .... The BIG Cowpie!
Thanks for the detailed review. I absolutely loved reading it.
Am I the only one that is over the console cupholders???
The constant and annoying problem of them popping open could be fixed with a small sliding plastic lever in the front of the assembly that engages a tab to keep the cupholder closed until you slide the lever to the "open" position? They are using a friction method to keep it closed and it is clearly not working? This fix could be instituted by next weekend.
Again, thanks for the detailed review.
__________________ Solstice GXP Coupe You still don't need a trunk to haul ass...
even at Red Rock Canyon in Las Vegas!
Am I the only one that is over the console cupholders???
I think it is made more worse in the GXP by the fact that when you get on it you have to shift really quick from first, to second. to third ... seem to remember like 5 or 6 seconds ... anyway that tends to make you catch them with your elbow while you are trying to quick shift
__________________ #118042 11/18/06 GXP Mean Darkside loaded wo On-Star
MODS: ED IC Pipes, Dejon IC, Magnaflow Catback
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Pontiac builds excitement... Saturn has rethought it's image...
The time has come for the enthusiasts... NASSOA
Founding Member - Recording Secretary - Northeast ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Location: Rosamond, CA - Home of Willow Springs Raceway
Quote:
Am I the only one that is over the console cupholders???
You're not the only one. It really is an odd place to put them but I've only bumped them on a couple of occasions. Even more oddly is my arm seems short enough to be able to use them if I had to. My wife prefers the one by her leg. Honestly, I don't use them enough for it to be annoying. I prefer not to drink in my car or even carry drinks in it for that matter.
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2007 Cool GXP with Darkside Top, 5 spd, Ebony Cloth, Monsoon with Single CD, Sport Pedals, XM, A/C
Mods - Solo Street/Race Exhaust, K&N Drop-in Air Filter, EDAL
Thanks everyone for the comments on the review, glad you liked it.
I forgot to mention the air bag light, really annoying and I've seen some good ideas on the forum. I decided to do this, not sure if anyone has posted this particular covering yet. I like the idea of covering it with some kind of plaque or emblem, but I couldn't figure out which one. I didn't want it too big, or something that would catch your eye like it didn't belong. Well here is what I decided to buy.
I'll have to trim a little from both sides, but it's almost a perfect size, and I don't think it will look too bad.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bradsol
Thanks for posting.
Note: I found that the auto downshifting when you lift the pedal taking some getting use to. I'm conditioned to go from the gas to the break...but in the auto, it downshifts for you and braking just slows you down too much.
Just be careful that you're not tranny braking while the driver behind you thinks all is well. I at least tap the brake and flash the "distracted" driver behind.
Good tip, I'll make sure to do that.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jimbo
Thanks for the detailed review. I absolutely loved reading it.
Am I the only one that is over the console cupholders???
The constant and annoying problem of them popping open could be fixed with a small sliding plastic lever in the front of the assembly that engages a tab to keep the cupholder closed until you slide the lever to the "open" position? They are using a friction method to keep it closed and it is clearly not working? This fix could be instituted by next weekend.
Again, thanks for the detailed review.
I'll have to see if I can attempt something like this. It's just hard, because I'm trying not to make anything permanent. I'm thinking of maybe something like a C shaped shim, to hold the cupholders in there. I would want it on both the bottom and top, to not angle the cupholder in either direction. It would have to be tight to keep the cupholder in. May or may not work. I'll try to figure something this weekend. I don't even use them, because it's so awkward for me to reach for them. I actually use the one on the passenger side instead, whenever I have anything to drink in there.
__________________
HP Tuners, Hahn I/C, Werks 3" exhaust, Dejon pipes, AEM Boost Gauge, JPM console, door handles, and arm rests
Opal Antenna, Kappashield, Painted Calipers (yellow), Solstice caliper decals, wheel center decals, Lil Chromies
License Plate - CHGO SOL
My only negative comment about the GXP is the steering wheel controls. If you think about the natural course of driving the radio controls should be on the left and the cruise control on the right. You have to shift with your right hand, so one cannot drive and adjust radio at the same time. Plus when would you use the cruise control? after you are in 5th gear so now your right hand is free to play with the buttons.
One more point your right hand normally on or around the shifter is in reach of the radio. why would you reach up to the steering wheel to adjust the radio?
I also found this to be an odd choice. I tend to use the Head Unit controls more myself for the reasons and logic you expressed above.
Cheers
__________________
_
Team Solstice 2008 HOT SHOT Aggressive 2007 GXP Auto-minus On*Star, spoiler, and smokers pkg. Delivered December 4, 2006
Ave mixed driving 26 mpg
2 failed pinion seals...300+ miles, and 9,700+ miles...and one more under recall at 12,636 miles for a grand total of 3!
Driver's outside door handle came apart in May 2008...repaired June 2008
Canvas top replaced June 2008.
Gas cap replaced.
All repairs covered under warranty.
Sometimes there is a slight hesitation when you let off the gas too quickly, like a little jerk. I think it's on the downshift.
over the console cupholders???
... anyway that tends to make you catch them with your elbow while you are trying to quick shift 
