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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  awesome!!! - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By krssgto - September 6 - 2:00 am

  At first I thought it was a Grand AM on steroids, but after looking over the car from the engine to the detail of the interior, this car is absoulutely beautiful. At the turn of the key, you know you have a great thing. The way the engine growls and the power to force you back into your seat is a very welcomed feeling. Thank you for such a great car. Also, thank you for making them affordable because I now have one and absolutely love it!!!

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  Pure American Muscle w/ a Plush Interior - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By Nick - August 23 - 4:26 am

  If you are looking for a car with great performance and a reasonable price tag, look no further. The 2005 GTO is nicely equipped with an LS2 400hp engine, and a very "plush" interior. It has the best of both worlds, Performance and Comfort. ...And the truth is that the GTOs naturally aspirated engine will smoke an 05 GT and keep up with an 04 Mustang Cobra!

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  Awesome Car - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By Tracy - August 13 - 1:56 am

  I was always a big fan of the Mustang until I drove this car. What a dream and it looks really nice to. I have heard the comment, "It looks better in person." So if you havent gone to see it or test drive it, it is an absolute must. Great handling, pickup is DEFINITELY there when you need it. I wouldnt trade it for a Mustang ever. I absolutely love this car.

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  This Car is a Wolf in Sheeps Clothing - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By GOAT Dude - August 12 - 11:43 pm

  The Holden boys get it. Big engine with great styling and quality goodies inside. No wonder Bob Lutz looked at this car and brought it to the states. Other than the Vette GM does not have clue when it comes to building a performance automobile. My initial thoughts about the car in 04 was that it looked like an extended wheel base Grand Am with a 5.7 liter engine which was just OK. By 06 the Aussie brain trust got it right. True dual exhaust, hood scoops and a 6.0 rocket engine under the hood. Mine is a red on red six speed pavement pulverizer. Gimme a break this is a 13 second car out of the box. Its a vette with a back seat and trunk with a high quality cowhide interior. None to the GOAT. RIP GTO.... The Pontiac / Holden boys need to develop a G8 coupe to compete with the 2010 Camaro and Genesis coupes. Hopefully GM will allow the boys from down under to make another great muscle car with a six speed and only two doors.

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  performance bargain - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By challenger340 - August 10 - 8:56 pm

  Purchased my 05 Quicksilver GTO in May 2006 with 3200 miles for $25,000. I am really, really pleased with the performance, handling and comfort of this Austailian/Chevrolet/Pontiac automobile and am convinced that a car with similar qualites from Mercedes or BMW or Nissan (M45) or Chevtolet (Corvette or SSR)would cost upwards of $45,000.00 - $60,000.00. I belive that it compares very favorably with the SRT- 8 Charger and 300C SRT-8 which cost arouind $ 10,000 more and can out perform some even more expensove cars. Its a pretty unique and rare vehicle that not many people know about or want but in summary, to drive one is to have to buy one, buy one before theyre all gone, trust me.

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  Why the GTO is a sleeping Giant - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By mock52 - August 9 - 9:20 am

  In, my opinion the 2004 Pontiac GTO is very underestimated. The Car exudes inpressive performance for the price and the interior is spot on. There is no other way to discribe it. Many people argue that its not a muscular as they wanted. My question to them is have they actualy driven one? Now i agree that it seems as thought it could have a faster 0-60 time or that the engine could have put out more, but and this is a big but if you could ever take one out on a track you would see where Pontiac was trying to go. It seems as though you and the car are comunicating with one antother. It was one of the best track cars for the money i have driven. It gets a big two thumbs up from me.

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  Does what a GTO should - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By Darrell Burns - August 6 - 8:13 am

  Kept driving past the dealer looking at it. Put off driving it for a couple of months, but after a test drive the car sold itself. The 2006 GTO is well styled, extremely solid, very comfortable, and handles smoothly. The interior is attractive, yet appropriate for a muscle car. I drive it daily, and the only negative aspect is fuel economy. I get 16.5 based on half highway, and half stop and go driving. As far as the small trunk goes, this car is built for driving, not utility.

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  Dream car for under $29,000 - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By Doug - July 30 - 3:40 pm

  Just got an 05 cyclone grey w/ 6 speed- -it rocks! Ive had Mustang GTs, a Z- 28, Grand National and other "enthusiast" cars, none are even close to a GTO in performance, comfort and overall enjoyment. Apologies are in order to the motorists Ive no doubt scared w/ the outrageous passing power and noise, but thats about the only downside Ive seen yet. It is also cool how much respect this car gets, lots of looks and compliments and people asking what 400hp feels like. Traction control and abs allowed for a real fun ride recently in the rain, which was a big suprise recalling other muscle cars complete inability on the wet. Gas mileage well over 20 on a recent tank w/ mostly hiway miles.

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  Gto performer - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By MIKE TESINSKY - July 19 - 3:40 am

  Great performace vehicle. Well built,with no problems after 9,000 miles. Fun to drive.

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  a true sleeper muscle car - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By PJNLS2 - July 12 - 7:30 am

  All I can say is go test drive one and you will know all there is to know. Dont be afraid to get on it when test driving. This car dominates the road. I love when the imports pull up on what they think is some regular everyday car only to see the tail lights disappear into the night!!