2006 Pontiac Solstice

Pontiac promised that its Solstice roadster would be affordable, and it certainly is, with a base price of just under $20,000. OK, you have to pay extra for features that are standard on most other cars-such as air-conditioning and power windows-but the base spec is pretty compelling. The rear-wheel-drive Solstice is powered by a 2.4-liter in-line four-cylinder making 177 hp and 166 lb-ft of torque, mated to a five-speed manual. The car has a control-arm independent suspension all around, standard eighteen-inch wheels and tires, and four-wheel disc brakes-ABS and a limited-slip differential are optional. The Solstice is neat-looking, inside and out, with a manual folding top. We've driven prototypes and reckon this is the most exciting car to come from Pontiac in some time.