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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  Great Performance Car - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By John Fischer - May 26 - 1:03 am

  This is the best new car Ive ever bought. No issues to date, and its 7 months old. This car is a blast to drive, and puts a grin on my face every time I start it up. I know the car has been blasted by critics for its looks, but I think the 2005-06 models look great. Sometimes its nice to be driving a sleeper :)

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  Return of the G.O.A.T. (GTO) - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By Sailmaker - May 20 - 2:16 am

  This car is amazing. The raw horsepower makes it want to scream out of every gear shift. To have 400 horsepower out of dealer is remarkable.

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  The Goat is back! - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Robert Hutchins - May 11 - 10:00 am

  I had to choose between a Corvette and the M6 GTO. While the Corvette definately looks better, it has one thing working against it. It looks like a Corvette. The GTOs non-flashy styling will probably save me a couple of tickets. The interior: I find it simply amazing that GM was able to create something so awe inspiring and functional. I can easily seat 4 adults comfortably. Although the gates are a little questionable and the shift is a little long it is not unreasonable. Nothing a short shifter cant fix! The drive shaft/Axle halves could stand to be a little larger. Wheel hop is a mild problem as is on most independent rear drive V8s.

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  Amazing car - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By GTOfan - May 9 - 5:56 am

  The GTO is all about the driving experience. Incredible car, comfortable and most handsome interior in class, seats 4. Is a rocket ship with the Corvette LS2. This car has been overlooked by many but is an amazing value.

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  I love my little Billy - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By aplvn - April 30 - 7:06 am

  I bought this car brand new from the dealer in 2007 even though it was a 2006. I love the power, and the looks. I added an aftermarket sunroof (it wasnt an available option). My first time at the drag races in anything worth racing and ran 13 flat in an automatic. Even though I love the car, I would never buy another one. I have had nothing but problems with this one. Current mileage is 14911. Last week a sprag in the transmission went out. A/C broke twice, plastic chromes on console and steering wheel bubble from heat, glove box snapped, makes clicky noises all over that dealership cant fix. Floor mat clips are bad design (replaces 6 times), needs a convertible seat, Blaupunkt stinks!

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  My fast, fun purple goat - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By patty - April 21 - 3:53 am

  I love my GTO. It is fun and I feel very safe in it. It is a head turner and a get way to start a conversation with other fast car lovers.

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  WOW - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By Goldenrod - April 3 - 9:43 am

  Waited for the 6.0. well worth the wait.Looks better than the 04. I sell GM products. Compared to vette both great cars but for the money I preferred the GTO, 4 seats smoother ride.Very powerful car with great handling. Australian car with american Drive Train works very well.The only complaint I have is that the Key is too big. You Gotta Drive One!!!!!

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  it goes fast and is sooo comfortable - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Depdoug - April 3 - 2:00 am

  about all I can say is this car is awesome. megga power and so comfortable. I love everything about this car. the mustang cobra svt may be a tad faster but when you sit in a gto and then get into a mustang there is no comparison. the mustang feels like a cheap econo rocket.

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  The GTO is Back, baby! - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By ScottieDogFLA - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Waiting over 30 years for a "real" GTO, the wait has indeed been worth it. No Pontiac in recent memory gives more bang for the buck. Fun, fast, comfortable; all of the pluses of my old T/A with none of the vices.

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  What A Car! - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Goaty - March 29 - 10:00 am

  What a great car. I traded in my 02 TA WS6 for this beauty and I am in no way disapointed. It blows the TA away in every aspect. The GTO has superior performance, handling and comfort. OK, it may not have the looks of a TA but I prefer the understated look. The engine note is wonderful. I have the Torrid Red six speed manual.