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:
Showing 351 through 360 of 540.00-
Beyond All Expectations - 2004 Pontiac GTO
By USA ZR-1 - August 30 - 2:00 amI put a deposit down on this car 18 months ago without even seeing a picture of the new GTO. Were just thrilled with the actual vehicle. The fit and finish are supurb as is the quality of the interior. It is as exciting to drive as my first GTO was in 1964. The six speed is very smooth. The car is exceptional in all respects and Bob Lutz should be commended.
-
WOW - 2004 Pontiac GTO
By TJthrows - August 30 - 2:00 amAnyone who complains about this car must not have drove one. I bought mine and love it. Smooth but responsive ride and loads of power. Not many cars advise you to shift from 1st to 4th if you are not getting on it. Interior is superb. Exterior styling is sleek and looks great. I know it is not the eye grabbe the trans am was, but at every stop light, people stop and looks at what i am driveing. I have no complaints.
-
Bringing the fun of driving back - 2006 Pontiac GTO
By Stang Killer - August 28 - 12:40 amLiving in one of the most traffic congested in the country, I have forgotten what its like to have fun while driving until I purchased my Goat. This car is a true sleeper. It doesnt look like a muscle car but surprise. I have raced a stock 06 Vette, Charger SRT8, and numerous Mustangs and none of them can get me off the line. All the power you ever wanted is one mash of the gas pedal away.
-
Awesome! - 2005 Pontiac GTO
By DAM - August 15 - 6:50 amThis is just an all around amazing car. As much power as any ordinary driver would need. The interior is extremely comfortable and there really IS room for 2 adults in the back, though getting back is the difficult part. I gave fuel economy less than 10 simply because I havent been able to reach the numbers advertised (perhaps totally my fault). But you dont buy this car looking for fuel economy. Oh and Boo automatic, Yay 6-speed.
-
Comfort with "musclecar" power! - 2006 Pontiac GTO
By Walt - August 2 - 6:23 pmJust bought mine a few weeks ago. The engine is awesome, with a smooth, broad power band that lets you just drive around everyone else without a fuss. If you really open it up then hang on, because the GTO is FAST. The seats are top rate, the interior is very nice with excellent fit and finish. To me the suspension is a good balance of performance and ride comfort. The exterior is a bit bland, the trunk is small and the back seats are hard to get into, but none of that matters to me. Good hwy gas mileage, but uses fuel at a phenomenal rate if you romp on it around town. The GTO makes a very comfortable daily driver thats a blast to drive if you are into raw power.
-
Great Vehicle - 2005 Pontiac GTO
By CharlieJ - July 28 - 11:36 amAn outstanding review. Handles nicely and very comfortable to be in. I take it everywhere. Puts the Mustang GT to shame.
-
It was perfect - 2004 Pontiac GTO
By Dave Peterson - July 24 - 2:00 amThe riding was flauless. Ive always grown up in a AMerican made family and the Pontiac GTO has had nothing but improvements from its older models. It can still live up to its standards.
-
Can You Say .....Sleeper - 2004 Pontiac GTO
By Bruce k - July 18 - 2:00 amDont let the tame exterior of this car fool you. I am very excited with the performance and handling of my new GTO. This car drives like a true dynomo Everything from the the nice deep rumble sound to the wheels burning rubber. I also think that this car can be an everyday driver as well. Perfect combination for me!
-
Fantastic Car - 2004 Pontiac GTO
By rick hughes - July 15 - 12:50 amGot a great deal on the car and could not be happier. Worth way more than what I paid. About 9000 miles on the car and no problems. By far the best car Ive ever owned. Great handling, greater power. I am costantly being stoped and asked about the NEW GTO. A friend has a 2004 Corvette and the GTO is pretty darn close in fun factor.
-
what a car - 2004 Pontiac GTO
By ilovemuscle - July 7 - 10:00 amNot only is this car fast and powerful, but it is one of the funnest cars I have ever driven. There is no other car u can get for 30 Gs that gives you the speed, comfort, and nice interior of the Pontiac GTO.
