Since its debut in 1989 at the Chicago Auto Show, the Mazda MX-5 (aka “Miata”) has ruled the roost as the affordable roadster. No more. 
The Pontiac Solstice has beaten out the Mazda MX-5 Miata as America’s favorite budget two-seat sports car according to Automotive News and Autoweek. It is the first time the Miata has not been favored first since 1989.
Both cars were introduced in 2005, so 2006 is their first full year head-to-head competition. The on-line resources state that 18,361 units of the Solstice were sold compared to 15,873 units of the Miata through November, with the Solstice selling 1,305 cars in November alone to the Miata’s 995.
Our take? Things could be very interesting in 2007 when the high performance 260 hp Solstice GXP (pictured)is available and Mazda will be offering its MX-5 with a folding metal roof. Stay tuned!!
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Via Auto Week
skt57,
whoa. that’s interesting. thanks!
This is a straw horse for Pontiac. The Soltice is eye-catching outside, but plain-Jane inside. It looks like the same engineers who designed the Grand Am interior were on this project. Wait until owners get a dose of lowering/raising the top. I almost ordered a GXP, until one of the sales reps. commented (accidentally) the frequency of repair (body work) needed on the back trunk panel. It’s difficult to latch rear panel. The added hand pressure to latch both locks can force “dimples” into the sheet metal. Doh!
It’s a shame this car wasn’t better designed. The top will be it’s demise.