Content overview: “2007 Pontiac Solstice vs 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder: The Best Miata Alternatives?”. The Mazda MX-5 Miata has long been the default answer for affordable, lightweight, rear-wheel-drive roadster fun, but not everyone wants to follow the crowd. Two compelling alternatives from the used market are the 2007 Pontiac Solstice and the 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder, each offering a distinct take on the open-top sports car formula.
The Solstice, with its bold American styling and 2.4-liter Ecotec engine, delivers 177 horsepower and a more muscular presence, while the MR2 Spyder takes a different path with a mid-engine layout, 138 horsepower from its 1.8-liter four-cylinder, and razor-sharp handling that purists adore. Both cars have their quirks—the Solstice's cramped trunk and awkward top, the MR2's limited storage and twitchy limit behavior—but they represent intriguing choices for enthusiasts seeking something beyond the ubiquitous Miata. The full version stays on the original page, which this listing opens directly.