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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  One Great Automobile - Is it really a GM?? - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By Bill Ziebarth - February 21 - 9:03 am

  Before I picked-up the car, I thought it would be great. After I drove it for just a 100 miles I knew it was great! It gives the "off the line" performance of a 1963 Chevy "409". The handling as good or better than a 1969 Camaro Z28 . And top-end speed that leaves you breathless. I have had trouble with General Motors cars that were built for only those that are beyond middle age. This one is Not. I drove back to Seattle vis Idaho, Nevada, California, & Oregon. The GTO got an average of 24.7 miles to the gallon. Now, that pretty good for a car with 400 HP and the air-conditioning on the entire way. The GTOs interior is just a work of art, all in all its better than a 10

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  Amazing car - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By branj70 - February 14 - 11:25 am

  I have an 06 6-speed in Spice Red and this is by far one of the nicest cars GM could have offered. The interior is as comfortable as a new Cadillac, and very original. NOTHING on the inside was borrowed from any other US GM cars, since its Holden. The only problems Ive had are the junk stock struts and theyre not difficult to replace. Also, its difficult to get replacement parts since you can only get them Australia, otherwise if you find them here in the US, youll pay through the nose. Its an absolutely amazing and powerful car, just take care of them!!!

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  MY 2005 GTO - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By Brian - February 8 - 8:06 pm

  By chance, visiting my wifes family in Marion, Va. I spotted this Impluse Blue 05 GTO, sitting at the front of the lot at an auto store .. I walked over and bought the GTO on the spot (without even a test drive) & drove the GTO back to our home in Horse Shoe, NC. It now has 1385 of the most enjoyable miles I have ever put on a vehicle. Wife & I love this car! NO I am not having a midlife crisis and YES, I do remember the GTOs of the 60s / 70s.. but, the NEW GTO has them beat--performance, ride quality, & comfort.

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  baaaaad ls2 goat - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By thegovnr - January 23 - 10:33 pm

  I have a 6 spd manual and I have to say its the best car Ive ever owned and Im putting this against past cars of mine such as 91 mr2 turbo, 96 Impala ss, 95 infiniti g20 and 00 Lincoln ls v8. It rides better than the Lincoln and has more power than the Impala. On one hand it doesnt handle like an mr2 but for what it is its fun to push into the corners and bring out with 400 ft. Lbs ! Sideways. The tires are cheap to replace because of size. Exhaust tone is better sound to me than the very nice 6 disc blaupunkt stereo. Bose should have been the choice on that. Service is easy. With 20k for miles when I bought it for 18k its a steal ! Avg mpg is 24 and thats from stop and go to 75 mph highway.

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  Great fun! - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By GTOTina - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Tight handling, very responsive and comfortable seating.

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  Too Good to Lose - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By GTOgirl - December 26 - 8:43 am

  Bought this beast in Mar 06 n then I wrote a review in Dec 06. Since then, Ive had a baby and because of the almost impossible feat to get into the backseat (esp holding a newborn) I was forced to sell it. I cant say enough about this car. Im still unable to find the words to explain how awesome it is. Thick, solid, muscular, fast, sexy, sleek, smooth, low key but at the same time eye catching. Unbelievable

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  2004 Pontiac GTO - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By William D3 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I have been impressed with the build quality, handling, and power of the GTO. I have driven G35s, BMW 3 series and Mustangs and the GTO is the best value for the money. Overall I am very happy with my vehicle purchase.

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  GTO is awesome - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Todd Bandrowsky - December 21 - 12:46 pm

  I took one drive in the GTO and loved it. Pontiac needs a new photographer because this car is absolutely gorgeous in person. It is beautifully understated and the interior is exquisitely crafted. If you drive to work in this car, youll immediately think your job is worth it. Few cars will cut you off while getting there, youll be able to merge by going faster than everyone, no more stuck on the onramp. Yep, this is a car that makes driving a sheer joy.

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  Awesome - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By GRF - December 19 - 3:20 pm

  This is the best car Ive ever owned. I sold my BMW 330i to get this car with no regrets. Its better than an M3. The quality of the interior, the power, handling (with some minor upgrades), and the ability to carry 4 adults in comfort. Ive put 20K miles on my car in the last year. I still get over 23 mpg on the highway and put down over 440 HP at the rear wheels (with a few small mods). Plus, you dont see yourself at every stoplight unlike some other "performance" cars.

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  Long Awaited GTO - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By Daryl - December 13 - 3:30 am

  Sat in my first GTO in 1968 when I was 13 and for my 50th birthday my wife brought me a 2005 Cyclone Grey GTO and surprised me with it. After 37 years I think the wait was worth it. Its a great car, performs magnificently and puts "muscle" back into the car business. A normally aspirated engine void of turbo chargers etc. it gets up and goes. A true pleasure to own and drive. With that said, wonder when someone is going to mess up and stop producing the GTO again!