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:

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  An owners perspective - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Reddemon - December 19 - 10:00 am

  The acceleration and smooth shifting 6 speed are incredible and have to be experienced. I find myself turning down the stereo so I can listen to the exhaust note while running through the gears. The leather seats and trim are luxurious and comfortable but thatÂ’s where the impressive interior stops. The stereo isnÂ’t very clear and not very loud (even for factory). Also the Heat/AC knobs have that cheap, fragile feeling. The steering column is plastic and pops out of place when being adjusted (tilt/telescope). Over all it is a great ride and way too fun to drive. I just wish people would go to the dealer and stop chasing me down to look at it!

• 

  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!

• 

  GTO is awesome - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By JB - December 12 - 7:20 am

  If you love HP, you will love this car. It left my AMG55 in the dust!!! My friend just bought a new STI.. NO CONTEST!!! This cars quality and workmanship is one to beat for the price. Sure it doesnt have all the bells and whistles that some luxury cars do, but for the price I am saving on the sticker I can have those things installed, customized, and still beat them on the street and the price. I LOVE THIS CAR!! AND I LOVE DRIVING IT!! IT gets looks wherever I go.. Probably because they hear me coming!!!

• 

  Australian GTO - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By Rick Jenkins - December 10 - 11:33 am

  One of the best value for money deals out there. The Pontiac nose detracts from the look of the car when compared to the original supplied by Holden on the Monaro, but all in all a beautiful car that looks significantly better in the skin than in any photo. Brilliant power and terrific handling if you like to take your corners faster than the posted speed. Great brakes, decent shift quality from the 6 speed box. A little heavy at 3700 lbs or so, but thats the price you pay for the creature comforts that come standard with this car. All in all, a great overall package.

• 

  What the GTO really is.... - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By Its a Monaro - December 8 - 1:36 am

  What Americans need to know is that the GTO was originally created by Holden (Australia) for Australian drivers tastes, in terms of design. The clean low lines (minus that useless rear wing is what aussies want in a big V8 RWD coupe. Pontiac never had any design input when the car was designed. It is Pontiac marketing people that got it wrong by trying to relive the Goodol days, not the original designers that got it right! Pontiac insisted on smaller and uglier wheels, the pontiac grill and bonnet nostrils, the add on rear wing and the lack of climate control, all to fit U.S taste and budget contraints. What american buyers must face is that they are buying a Monaro, badged as GTO

• 

  Torrid Red - Streak - 2004 GTO - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Rockets Red Glare - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I am very impressed with the performance, build quality and ride. This is a BIG automobile with a real (comfortable) back seat. A true 2+2 sports coupe. I choose the six speed version to avoid the "gas guzzler" tax and because I prefer a standard transmission. The design is clean and contrary to most opinions, I like it! The color, Torrid red, really pops! GM also offered $3500 cash back with 2.9% financing for five years. Altogether, I was able to reduce the price to $25,200.00 from $33,179.00. What a deal, world class performance for the price of a family car!

• 

  I love my gto - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By JYCSJDG - December 6 - 12:56 pm

  I just drove my gto 3,000 miles to florida. Handling through the mountains was awesome, i felt i was in a nascar race, and best of all i got 19-23 mpg. The interior is so comfortable, no stiff legs at the rest area. I love my goat and even had alittle fun against the new mustang on international drive. Thanks pontiac ihad a 68 and always swore id by a new one if i could and thanks to you i did and i am lovin it. I also have lots of pontiac drag racin friends and they could not believe how fast, how nice the engine compartment was (user friendly. And the quality of the workman ship. Though i have one downfall. Quick disconnect, lost one on the way home for trans line. They are gone now!