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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  Wolf in Sheeps Clothing - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By nac4life - April 14 - 9:16 pm

  What more can you say? 400 HP. Quiet, smooth ride, handles good and can take off like a rocket in a heartbeat. Sure the y could have done more with the appearance but thats what makes this car such a good package. Yeah some people may have bought a bad one and come on here and rip the car, but youll have that with any model. Take it for a spin, you wont be disappointed. I sure wasnt.

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  amazing - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By paul_johnson_gto - April 14 - 7:23 am

  my car is the best car i have ever bought. i love my car. i would never trade it for another car. this car is smooth looking and gtes up and goes. it a great car for the price.

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  Driving is fun again - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By BILLMAN - April 10 - 10:00 am

  As an owner of many of the late 60s early 70s muscle cars, I was one of the many that were a bit leary of the release of the new gto. Most of us said the same thing..."Well, it sure dont look like a GTO." But after many months of shopping for a new car, I found myself repetedly returning to the Pontiac dealer. After several test drives, I just couldnt get enough! It may not have the reto look, but after driving one for 5 months, the gto has earned my respect. It has the muscle and grit I remember of the gtos of the old days, with the agility and grace of modern technology. For me, this GTO has renewed my faith in GM, and, made driving fun again!

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  GTO - Outstanding value & performance - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By Dave McCloskey - March 24 - 5:30 am

  The press has hammered the GTO design from day one. Personally I dont think they get it. In my opinion the GTO exudes American muscle and the same time has an understated Euro look that will hold its visual appeal well into the future. The fact the car is made by Holden in Australia only adds to its value and appeal. The GTOs fit and finish is far better than its American competitors (Mustang GT, Charger) and is equal to Japanese sports coupes I have driven in this price range. Performance on the other hand is no contest. This car will get it done!

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  GTO is an awesome car - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By jeffster - March 11 - 11:56 pm

  I have had this car for 2 weeks now, and I cant wipe the smile off my face every time I sit in the drivers seat. Why more people havent discovered this car I dont know, but better for me because its that much more unique. Has undescribable power from the Corvette LS2 V8, great balanced handling, most comfortable seats in any car I have ever owned, good size back seat (better than a mustang), great interior design. GM finally got this car right for 2006 and now they arent making them anymore. If you are thinking about buying one, just go test drive it. This is your last chance because they stopped making them last month. No wonder this car is an icon in Australia!

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  Awesome car! - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By JohnnyGTO - March 10 - 12:03 am

  Ive had my 2005 GTO for almost two months now and added on almost 6000 miles. I have owned two Corvettes, Trans Am WS6, 2002 Camaro SS, and other American Muscle. This car has, by far, been the best of the bunch. The build quality isnt like any other GM car. The car is extremely powerful, but has a lot of weight to tug around. The styling could be a bit more aggressive but its a style you love after being around it and seeing it in person daily. I certainly have plans for it... just need to wait for a Twin Screw for the GTO. =)

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  The Legend Lives and Doesnt Disappoint! - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By Bret Salsbery - March 4 - 11:20 am

  I have owned my new 2006 GTO for a week now and I can honestly say it is the the most fun car to drive that Ive ever had. The acceleration is unbelievable for a four seat coupe. I am one of the few I guess that actually likes the exterior design. Lets face it, the original GTOs were not exactly ground breaking in exterior design, but who cared? You buy a GTO for one reason, performance!! Luckily, though, this car offers so much more! The interior is awesome and comfortable. The stereo is very nice. The programmable dash is great as well. The day after I bought mine I had performance mufflers installed and they just make this thing roar!!!! Do yourself a favor, get a GTO!!!!!!

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  04 GTO - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Kyle - February 24 - 1:03 am

  Excellent fit and finish. Fun performance from an understated package. Great low end torque with smooth, quick trips to 6000 rpms. Simple air, heat & audio controls. Super stereo.

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  GTO the way to go. - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By Delton - February 7 - 9:36 am

  I have had this GTO for about 7 months and I drive it daily. It is still a joy to drive. I cant say that for a lot of vehicles I bought that became stale afterwards.

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  06 GTO best one ever - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By GTOJeff - February 6 - 7:20 pm

  I have owned 6 GTOs over the years (1965-1971) and I was sceptical when I first drove the 2006 version but after only a short distance I could tell that this car was NOT a 60s musclecar it was better...more power and torque better brakes and superior handling The build quality of this GTO is superb and the interior is the nicest I have seen in all the cars I test drove (Mustang GT ,Mazda RX8, Dodge Charger) I seriously doubt you could get a better car in the 30K range with its 400hp,6 spd trans and independent rear This car is a pure blast to drive and not every boyracer in town has one