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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  Long term review - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Todd Wilkinson - December 16 - 7:13 am

  Ive owned my GTO for 5-1/2 years now and its still the best GM car Ive ever owned. Over 86,000 miles on it and still no squeaks or rattles. It hasnt needed anything but minor maintenance. Its still as fun to drive today as it was the day I brought it home.

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  Best car Ive owned - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By 75bluejs - December 15 - 6:30 am

  For those who are looking for world class speed without paying the exotic price, then look no further. Its just amazing that GM put a 400hp Corvette engine in this vehicle and is selling it for under 35K. Interior, and overall build quality is the best Ive seen in a GM vehicle. It even seats four adults in great comfort!

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  So far so good - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By zero - December 3 - 1:23 am

  So far so good. No real problems. A couple of defects upon purchase. But nothing crazy or unable to be repaired by myself. 4500 miles and nothing has changed. I know its not a lot of miles. But I havent had it long enought to foget those problems i might have had in the beginning.. which happen to be none in this case. the styling is the styling.. think of it what you will. I think its very euro GT. Gets great mileage for the engine class, but thats not really an excuse for running an average of 20 mpg back and forth to work.

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  Just awesome - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By mike - November 30 - 1:43 am

  This car can smoke 95% of the cars o the road. Comfort, mileage, performance. Very impressive, very happy with my purchase. For a stock car, this thing is VERY fast.

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  A classic already - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By scott fuller - November 28 - 7:23 pm

  This car is amazing. It is fast, easy to drive, handles great and looks terrific. Lets hope GM keeps the GTO as long as it is worthy of the name. Too often it kills off cars too soon and never allows any brand or model loyalty to develop. This is one car that lives up to its name. It is a true classic right now. Great value for the money. Six speeds, true dual exhausts, classic sound, neck snapping acceleration. I love it !

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  The new GTO, is it really back? - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By GTO GIRL - November 15 - 10:00 am

  I have purchased many new vehicles with out any problems but this one has had me in the dealership twice so far. Battery replacement and now speedo gone hay wire. what is next?

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  Damn nice car - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By nikivee - November 10 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the nicest news cars Ive bought it years. The fit and finish is like nothing GM has sold here in the past. BMW like quality abounds. Plenty of power to boot.

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  The review - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By tom_ - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Why have we not imported australian cars before. They rock. Nothing compares to there cars, especially not the cars produced in America.

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  A white knuckle experience! - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By Robert Spinden - November 6 - 2:40 am

  This car is nothing but amazing! With its 400 horses under the hood waiting to go it deffinately has some "get up and go." The best part about the car is nobody has one! Ive never seen on the road. Its a sleeper, nobody knows whats under the hood. People point at red lights and ask you about it at the gas station. They recommend premium, so it can be a spendy trip! My buddy had his 2005 GTO up to 156 mph and he said it was still climbing. It handles great around the corners, and is truely a great ride! Dont buy one! So there are less GTOs out there for people to drool on!!!

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  Love this car - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Stefanie - October 31 - 12:50 am

  This car is awesome. Not only does it have massive power, but its sleek style makes for a surprise off the line. Not a lot of people know about the new GTO, and are always amazed by the performance. This car is unique and stands out from all the different kinds of powerless Mustangs on the road. Ultimately a blast to drive and worth every penny.