Overview & Reviews
The Pontiac GTO may have been the first true muscle car, but that distinction has never been enough to assure it an uninterrupted production run. Already, the GTO has used up two lives. Originally produced from 1964-'74, the GTO was resurrected for the 2004 model year after a 30-year hiatus. There was no convertible body style this time, but the car was at least a proper rear-drive two-door coupe, courtesy of Holden, General Motors' Australian division. The new GTO (née Holden Monaro) was a definite sleeper style-wise, but in keeping with its muscle car heritage, it brought some serious under-hood heat. Unloved by consumers during its production run due to interior quirks and anonymous styling, this modern GTO now constitutes something of a performance bargain on the used-car market.
Most Recent Pontiac GTO
The original Pontiac GTO was nicknamed "the Goat" as much for its defiant, stripped-to-the-basics personality as for the letters in its name. The 2004-'06 incarnation was so much more refined and upscale that to call it a Goat would almost have been an insult. Many of the old car's charms had also been lost in translation, including its affordable price tag. The new coupe started in the low $30Ks -- hardly an attainable sum for young, cash-strapped enthusiasts. Bland exterior styling was another weak point.
Power initially came from a 5.7-liter V8, but Pontiac swapped in a larger 6.0-liter V8 the following year. The bigger engine took the GTO up to a cool 400 horsepower, but between the 2+2 coupe's high price and dull styling, Pontiac simply couldn't sell enough of them. As a result, the Pontiac GTO was discontinued after the 2006 model year.
Still, when it came to acceleration, there was no denying the reborn GTO's status as a full-on muscle car. Equipped with the LS1 V8 rated for 350 hp and 365 pound-feet of torque, 2004 models could get to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and blaze through a quarter-mile in 14 seconds flat -- quicker than any of the original GTOs. More impressive were the 2005 and '06 models, which had the 6.0-liter V8. Rated for 400 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, these models shaved more than half a second off that quarter-mile time.
Although the Pontiac GTO was plenty comfortable for highway cruising, its soft suspension really wasn't tuned to handle this much power. With its sluggish reflexes, excessive body roll and weak brakes, its dynamics were no match for the sharper-handling competitors in this price range. Had the car been priced $5,000 or so less, these faults might have been forgivable. Depreciation has mitigated this criticism, however, as used GTOs can be found for a fraction of the MSRP when new.
Past Pontiac GTO models
Introduced in 1964, the original GTO went through six generations before dying off after the 1974 model year. Always a rear-wheel-drive car, it was sold as both a two-door hardtop and a convertible with an assortment of big V8s. Legend has it that Pontiac stole the GTO name from the equally legendary Ferrari 250 GTO, a car whose name was an acronym for "Gran Turismo Omologato."
Save for the "detuned" 1973 and '74 models, just about any Pontiac GTO from the original era is considered collectible and will bring a high price at auction, provided it's in good condition and has a matching numbers engine (meaning the car still has the original factory engine). Convertibles are rarer than hardtops. The ostentatious GTO Judge model, sold in both body styles, is also less common. Among 1960s GTOs, models with one of the Ram Air packages are most prized, while the 1970 year saw the GTO's performance peak with the availability of a massive 455-cubic-inch V8 good for 500 lb-ft of torque.
User Reviews:
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torrid red - 2006 Pontiac GTO
By ed hill - November 15 - 2:53 amThe way the car drives even at slow speeds it great. Most people have no idea what it is at first then the original GTO folks all of a sudden do not care for it.. The aussies did a fine job on the car only gripe is going from a z28 to GTO is the seat does not go low enough but i am fine with it now. The more new style muscle cars the big 3 build the better//
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back again - 2005 Pontiac GTO
By jay - November 13 - 10:00 pmI had 2 1964 gtos forget the "not retro" nonsense! This is one terrific car!! Get one before they are gone!!
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You wont believe this - 2005 Pontiac GTO
By Mark - November 10 - 9:46 pmWell, Love the GTO..except that the motor blew at 2800 miles. Pontiac said it was our fault...seems like it uses oil like an old lawnmower. Actually folks, the secret internal memo to Pontiac tells them to warn customers of GTOs to check the oil every 500 miles. And, yes folks, this GTO even with a new motor (and thats a whole other story) burns 1 quart of oil every 500 miles. So check your dipsticks regularly. The big thing now is that there are NO part available for these Holdens. An unfortunate incident left my GTO damaged in the front and it has been in the body shop for 3 MONTHS now while they try and find parts. RIGHT NOW there are NO front struts available for any GTOs in the USA...
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A great Car - 2004 Pontiac GTO
By benjordan2 - November 8 - 2:00 amI love this car. I was kinda worried about the price, but it was well worth it.
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Nothin But a Good Thing - 2004 Pontiac GTO
By Vader953 - November 4 - 1:26 pmIm soooo impressed. Ive wanted one for a year now. Found a black one with Red Int./6 speed for a STEAL. I have a Vette and am in a Vette club, and this car is equal in performance. The inside sold me as much as the performance. I am in love. I look forward to going to work in the morning now. Im most suprised about the build quality. Just like an import. Handling is amazing for a non- Vette. Ride is a bit rough, but well worth it. You have to be an acrobat to access the rear seats, but they are roomy and usable once inside!
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Best Car Ever - 2006 Pontiac GTO
By Dan - October 30 - 10:10 amMy 2006 Pontiac GTO is my first new car. When I realized they were going to stop making then after 2006, I just had to have one. I ended up driving 6 hours to get the exact car I wanted. I drive the car everyday, and love every minute of it. I love having everyone comment on how much they like the car. This car is a steal at 30k. If you can find a new one buy it, if not get what you can find on the used market. The interior rivals many high end luxury cars, minus a few frills, and will run with just about any sports car. I just wish I could buy another new one when this one is paid off.
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First feel evaluation - 2004 Pontiac GTO
By Gary Sr - October 23 - 10:00 amStill "new" but a great car so far...Rides and drives great, corners fine for what it is. It has plenty of "gitty up" and it seems to stop on a dime with no brake fade. I think it is a real kick to drive. It handles good and It looks a little deceiving then you mash it and it becomes this other car. Fit and finish is really good and my cars paint is flawless. I pretty much love it so far.
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Sweet Car - 2005 Pontiac GTO
By jarred - September 11 - 8:36 pmThis car is the most fun Ive ever had on 4 wheels. I love speed and this car delivers. It has plenty of power and I think it handles great for the size and weight of the vehicle. My friends all love it as well. I recommend this car to anyone who loves raw horsepower.
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2005 GTO - 2005 Pontiac GTO
By Keith Gander - September 7 - 7:23 amThe fit and finish on this car is great. The best Ive seen on a GM product. The LS2 engine is a dream come true, 400hp right off the lot, and it was $25,000 to $30,000 cheaper than a Corvette. The suspension reminds me of a Bonneville or Park Avenue (to soft). I had Hotchkiss sway bars installed front and rear, plus JBA headers, Borla exhaust, and a K&N intake. This car is performance bargain!
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The Great One - 2004 Pontiac GTO
By Lera - August 26 - 1:33 pmGM service was friendly and helpful, not pushy or annoying. This was the third GM dealer Ive worked with and they all have a consistency for low key sales push which is wonderful for a consumer. The vehicle purchased was manual yellow jacket with antracite interior and I couldnt be happier. It is a 2004 model and yet has all the power one could ask for.The vehicle has one of the smoothest rides youll encounter. Corners amazingly. Stereo is loud and clear, picks up reception well even in difficult spots.True dual exhaust sounds wonderful; there is always a nice humm while crusing without stops. Idle sound purrs. Windows tinted perfectly.Leather quality fantastic. Clear coat superior.
