Honda and Pontiac; An Unlikely Pairing Within The Two Manufacturers

06 Mar 2016

When car companies make a compact, dedicated sports coupe, they want to make sure it’s different from it’s competitors to give the scene some interesting variety. When Honda introduced the S2000, it seemed as though it’s only true competitors were the Mazda MX-5 NC, which proved to be less powerful and poised than the S2000… The Porsche Boxster, though it had normally had a straight six than a four cylinder. The Audi TT, but it was not exactly a direct competitor and had less power.

But then, an American company known as Pontiac stepped in with an oddball car which had an unsure future. A convertible, compact non-muscle, non-V8 sports car that didn’t see much press compared to the Honda.

The Pontiac Solstice.

So, what makes this so similar to the Honda S2000? Well, both have 2.0L 4 cylinder engines, which both create 200+HP on average, both have a FMR (Front-Mid-Rear) drive layout, both have 50/50 weight distribution, and both lived out until 2009.

Both cars were also unorthodox roadsters coming from companies that have had almost no source of history making these kind of cars; Back then Honda was known for Acura and making comfortable, cheap, and reliable family cars anybody can drive. Meanwhile, Pontiac specialized mostly in powerful muscle cars of prominent reputation, like the Trans Am and the GTO. However, one of the few differences between the two was that the S2000 came in earlier, introduced in 1999, while the Solstice appeared in 2004. Also, the Honda had N/A V-TEC (yo!), while the Pontiac only had a twin scroll turbo.

Compared to the Pontiac, however, the Honda S2000 had a better start, already pushing with a naturally aspirated round of 237 horsepower, a more solid and unique platform and an initial sale success story. Pontiac, which lagged during the time due to financial difficulties and factory problems, sold less than the Japanese roadsters, had a turbocharged two liter NA and a shared GM Kappa platform, but still managed to soldier on by pushing to make more to satisfy customer demands.

Reviews from both cars had similarly positive reception; Both got a prestigious Car of the Year award, both were decreed as loads of fun to drive, and both were considered an impressive attempt of both companies’ chutzpah to make a car that marched to it’s own beat of the drum compared to other cars in the brand.

Another key difference is the aftermarket support. Even after the Honda’s discontinuation, it still has a very large roster of aftermarket supplies to satisfy many many S2000s, each to their owner’s taste. Meanwhile, the Solstice had little to absolutely no aftermarket support at all. Tuners would usually keep their fingers crossed with probably self made aero kits and commonly, LS swaps.

Its not a bad idea however, because the light platform of the Pontiac roadster and 50/50 weight distribution meant that the LS engine could provide more raw and direct power compared to the turbocharged four-banger it originally has.

Unfortunately, like a tale of star-crossed lovers, tragedy struck for both cars soon in 2008-2009, when a global economic recession hit the automotive industry hard under the belt, which made Honda and especially the already ailing Pontiac bleed out a lot of money. Even worse, Pontiac’s already failing financial platform due to GM’s decision to axe multiple car makers of it’s brand, Pontiac included, to appease the Congress in order to receive a 25 billion dollar loan, already had one more cord of it’s life support disconnected. And how little was left of their life support.

Eventually, in 2009, the two cars were discontinued, with the American brand receiving it worse. Pontiac itself has been wiped out of the car industry the following year. Although the S2000 was a moderate loss, the Solstice can be considered a swan song and the prelude to demise for the beloved GM brand.

A shame it was, indeed, for American car enthusiasts.

Like a solstice, it died as it lived: prominently.

Do you think they should have lasted a little longer and have a legitimate competition, or do you think its best that both ended up this way? You decide.

Thank you for reading this all the way! Any corrections to this article by those who know better will be duly acknowledged. I hope to provide more content for you all!

Thug Bird, out. ヾ(⌐■_■)ノ♪

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