Anyone test drive a 2004 GTO here?

[LaSarita75]

I love my GAGT, don't get me wrong...but am curious about the new GTO. I'm a power freak....and a Pontiac girl....so if you've driven one or know someone who has one, let me know!!

Thanks,
Sarah

[ladiesmanga]

Marry me. You used the words "Pontiac", "GTO", and "Power" in the same sentance, and you're female. Marry me.

Anyway, sorry, don't know anyone who drives one. They don't seem to be too popular, for some reason. I've never seen one on the road. I for one would rather have that car than any BMW, Ferrari, Porsche, Mustang, etc.

I've heard some really good things. In a magazine I was reading, the tester compared it to the Mustang Cobra, but said the GTO was more comfortable.

[LaSarita75]

Sales for them have been HORRIBLE, and I think it can be attributed to the "bland" body style, mildly-high sticker price, and lack of incentives. I'm hoping that if poor sales continue, they'll start rolling out good deals to move them....I want a 5.7L V8!!! I adore my GAGT like I said before, and I think it's better looking than a GTO, but can you really pass up sick power like that???

[Riley1123d]

Do you really want a 5.7L V8 with these gas prices?

[Old Guy]

I've driven two of them, an auto and a stick. Both ran very well, but the 6 speed definately has an edge. I'd say they run pretty close to the old 60's GTO's that had a 389 in them, but they handle much better. Let's face it, technology has come a long way.

As far as sales.....the car was targeted at the baby boomers. Every guy I've spoken to between the ages of 40 and 55 say the same thing, "Why didn't they make it look more like a "Goat??"
They could have incorporated the nose, hood scoops, back tails.....at least something to make it stand out. It looks too much like a Grand Am with a Grand Prix front end. Besides that, although the dual exhaust is a true dual, the could have split it out to each side.

One of my best friends is a dealer here. He has 5 on his lot....hasn't sold one. He made me a great offer last week...DEALER INVOICE! And to that I said.....no way. I would rather take my money and buy a real GTO....say a 67... :)

The dealers will deal on them.......he said sales have been "less than anticipated" ;)

[JoeyK]

Originally posted by Old Guy
I've driven two of them, an auto and a stick. Both ran very well, but the 6 speed definately has an edge. I'd say they run pretty close to the old 60's GTO's that had a 389 in them, but they handle much better. Let's face it, technology has come a long way.

As far as sales.....the car was targeted at the baby boomers. Every guy I've spoken to between the ages of 40 and 55 say the same thing, "Why didn't they make it look more like a "Goat??"
They could have incorporated the nose, hood scoops, back tails.....at least something to make it stand out. It looks too much like a Grand Am with a Grand Prix front end. Besides that, although the dual exhaust is a true dual, the could have split it out to each side.

One of my best friends is a dealer here. He has 5 on his lot....hasn't sold one. He made me a great offer last week...DEALER INVOICE! And to that I said.....no way. I would rather take my money and buy a real GTO....say a 67... :)

The dealers will deal on them.......he said sales have been "less than anticipated" ;)

AMEN! I'm w/ you. not really a GTO to me. It's an impessive car, don't get me wrong, but I think they should have named it something else or styled it to look somewhat like a GTO & Oh ya,... make it an American made GTO.:D

[Themeneea]

i dont like look either. pontiac seemed to be losing its good looks. i almost decided that my next car would not be a pontiac, until i saw the solstice

[ladiesmanga]

Originally posted by Old Guy

As far as sales.....the car was targeted at the baby boomers. Every guy I've spoken to between the ages of 40 and 55 say the same thing, "Why didn't they make it look more like a "Goat??"
They could have incorporated the nose, hood scoops, back tails.....at least something to make it stand out. It looks too much like a Grand Am with a Grand Prix front end. Besides that, although the dual exhaust is a true dual, the could have split it out to each side.

I agree with that.

I don't see why A car company doesn't just come out and release a TRUE retro-style car. The PT Cruiser vaguely looks like an old car. The new Mustangs they're coming out with have some slight 60's influence. I don't see why a car company doesn't take an old classic, and simply update it? Why do all cars have to look the same. Why doesn't Pontiac take a 67 GTO, leave the body essentially the way it is (with the obvious updates of headlights and interior and what not), and then add a modern engine to it? I think that would sell quite well myself.

I get almost sick to my stomach when people refer to the new Dodge SRT-4 as a "21st century muscle car"....it has a Mitsubishi turbocharger on it....anything with the word "Mistubishi" on it can not be called American muscle. Rather, why doesn't a car company make a more true muscle car? Bring BACK the fastback, the flat front grills, the big engines, everything that made the muscle car so great to begin with?

[Old Guy]

Originally posted by JoeyK
..........but I think they should have named it something else or styled it to look somewhat like a GTO & Oh ya,... make it an American made GTO.:D

I've been saying that all along. It doesn't deserve the GTO badge. If they had named it something else it would have been accepted.

[Colin]

The only thing i like about it is the engine ! , otherwise it's pretty uneventful . In keeping with GM's ideology , the brakes blow . And the styling doesn't reflect the GTO image . Too bad they have to try and cash in on the name . :(

[HighwayProwlerz]

They changed it too much from the orginal and it's just not the same. I'd rather spend my money on a nice classic myself.

[HighwayProwlerz]

BogeyStar bought a new red GTO.

[Travis]

It's new, retro looks only go so far guys. This is 2004, quit living in the 60's and 70's and pick something you like today :thumbup:

[AznGA]

The new GTO looks very close to 2 door Grand Prix. I dunno, Mustang Mach 1 performs as good as GTO for less money. But GTO is more luxourious for sure.

[wiccanferret]

I think the new GTO is just plain boring. The interior looks and feels cheap, as does most of the exterior. It could be a Mazda 6 with a few slight detail changes. The power is great, but not much of an update from Trans Ams/Z28's. The price is horrendous. Keeping it for any length of time is out of the question as there will be few parts in 7-10 years, and all of them will be extremely expensive. GM still hasn't realized that warranties are selling cars now.

Why the hell did they import an Australian car and slap the badge "GTO" on it? Not to mention the dual exhaust...it looks like single, but it's dual? Isn't that a bit backwards? You realize that every other Pontiac car is going exactly the opposite? They look like duals but they're single? WTF kind of marketing strategy is that!?

That's my feelings on the new GTO. Apparently they're shared by quite a few if they're not selling. We know the baby boomer generation has the money...why is GM betting that they're retarded?

[Grand_Damn]

i want a GTO, but with the GTO, Grand Prix, and G6 all looking the same (almost exactly now)...i might just stick with my less expenisve, less power GA.

[Old Guy]

Originally posted by Travis99GT
It's new, retro looks only go so far guys. This is 2004, quit living in the 60's and 70's and pick something you like today :thumbup:

It may be 2004 but badging a car just to sell it is another thing.
The GTO didn't "evolve" into what it looks like today, it was discontinued and reintroduced so people didn't gradually get used to the styling changes. The Mustang evolved, but still kept the basic concept. When Volkswagon reintroduced the "bug" they kept the basic concept. MoPar tried to reintroduce the Road Runner a few years back as a something totally different and it also flopped.

Now no one is downing MoPar for building the Viper, Prowler, Pt Cuiser or any of their other cars that are different. But could you imagine what people woul say if the had badged the Prowler as a 'Cuda, or the Magnum as a Road Runner??

You'd think Pontiac would have learned something when they changed the GTO last time and based it on the Ventura body stlye. GM should have built this new Holden based car....and then badged it as something new

[JoeyK]

:agree: You & I share the exact same views on the subject. No need for me to comment. I'll just give your thoughts my nod of approval.:)

[XtremeGrandAm]

Ive test drive both the automatic and manual also. I personally loved the GTO it may be a little plain but I kinda like it because you surprise people when you take off down the road. I'm actually thinking about replacing my car with one next spring. But the price needs to come down to around 29,000 for me to do that. But I agree with old guy I think the GTO is great but shouldnt have been called the GTO

[30thAnnGAGT]

Originally posted by LaSarita75
Sales for them have been HORRIBLE, and I think it can be attributed to the "bland" body style, mildly-high sticker price, and lack of incentives. I'm hoping that if poor sales continue, they'll start rolling out good deals to move them....I want a 5.7L V8!!! I adore my GAGT like I said before, and I think it's better looking than a GTO, but can you really pass up sick power like that???

Actually from what I have been told, sales have been very good. That's why GM is not offering incentives. Plus as an imported vehicle there's definately more cost to GM.

I've driven 3 GTO's. 2 Autos and a stick, and I must say, if the finances work out right. I'll own one in 2008.

It's a car you can modify, beat up on the track all day, and be comfortable driving home.

You'll see cosmetic upgrades with the '05.

As for seeing them on the road. Take a ride up here to Michigan. They're all over the place! :)

[digital-d]

I work for a Pontiac dealer so I got to drive a red one and a silver one....both auto. :( I was the first person to drive one in my county and the second time I drove an '04 GTO they let me take it for gas. I floored it and it went over 80mph like it was nothing. I got it almost to 120mph. So far we've had 4 GTO's shipped to us 2 in jan and 2 in april (3/4 sold).

[Colin]

Originally posted by digital-d
I drove an '04 GTO they let me take it for gas. I floored it and it went over 80mph like it was nothing. I got it almost to 120mph. Nice that you're " breaking in " someones new car like that . :roll2:

[Toutsuu]

Yeah really... that's why I don't like to buy off the lot unless they give me a REALLY good deal like I got on my Grand AM. All my options for free and .9% financing.

I went to a dodge dealership and they tried to sell me an SRT-4 they had sitting on the lot at full sticker price with no incentives and 20% interest. The guy even told me it had to be brought in for service after someone took it out and floored it. Needless to say I was unimpressed with that offer.

[ladiesmanga]

Originally posted by Travis99GT
It's new, retro looks only go so far guys. This is 2004, quit living in the 60's and 70's and pick something you like today :thumbup:

Because new cars suck. There isn't one, ONE new car that i've said "Damn, I want that car." to in a long time (aside from cars I can't have, like Porche's and Ferrari's). The older cars just look so much better. New cars are all pretty "bleh" to me. The only company with decent styling nowadays, IMO, is Cadillac. And if I were going to get a Cadillac, I would absolutely not get anything post-1980.

For me, I only want the GTO for the name.....I think it's an ugly car (I like the interior though), but I really just to rock a GTO. I'd rather rock an old one, but more practical matters tend to sway me towards the new one. It may not be what it once was, but they claim it's a GTO, which is enough for me. I like muscle cars...the GTO is the closest thing I can reasonably get that I like....Mustangs are far, FAR too common (every other car is a Stang..), Corvettes are way out of my price range, I don't like the newer style Camaro's, the SRT-4 is a fast Neon, etc.) I'd love to have a 2-door Grand Prix GTP, and even that I don't like the current style. The previous style was better.

[92CamaroRS]

to some people its about looks. to other its about performance. me im performance minded. hell id kill to have Kelly's old pinto. hell id drive a civic as long as its got a SBC under the hood.

[OhioGrandAm]

I like them but as of right now I cannot afford them. would make a good second car to the GA

[Old Guy]

Originally posted by 92CamaroRS
hell id kill to have Kelly's old pinto.....

Bet he'd sell it to you for $33K!!! :lol:

For the price they're asking for the GTO there has to be little more than performance to make me part with that kind of cash.

Why buy a 2004 for $33K when you can have this for less than half that price??

http://cgi.msn.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2480937419&category=7244

http://i22.ebayimg.com/02/i/01/e9/3e/8e_1.JPG

But if you didn't care about the numbers matching....this will probably go pretty cheap! With a 455 H.O. and the drivetrain this has in it I would venture to say it would be just a tad faster than the new "Goat"

http://cgi.msn.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2481418837

http://carad.ebayimg.com/i11/01/a/01/c1/34/6b_4.JPG
Now this is what a GTO is supposed to look like!!!!

[Stephen's GA]

I test drove a GTO awhile back not much difference between it and my 97 T/A except my TA has double the power thanks to ATI but anyways i wasnt excited. Now body wise i can see us younger people having some fun with it the autocross GTO is beutiful to me and once again we would have a new breed of show car which in a way would bring the old GTO herritage back remember how when the 1st GTO came out it was different maybe next yr pontiac will hold onto its promise of letting out a more retro style body then i could see it wearing the GTO badge, right now i see a v8 GP not a gto. But thats my opinion.

[99GrandAMSE]

Originally posted by Old Guy
It may be 2004 but badging a car just to sell it is another thing ...

:agree: ... same idea as bringing back the 'HEMI' name :(

[99GrandAMSE]

Originally posted by Old Guy
http://carad.ebayimg.com/i11/01/a/01/c1/34/6b_4.JPG
Now this is what a GTO is supposed to look like!!!!

:bow:

[JoeyK]

Me Pappy hadda '67 triple balck tri power goat. She was a mean machine.:) That's the GTO I know & love.

[ladiesmanga]

Originally posted by Old Guy

Why buy a 2004 for $33K when you can have this for less than half that price??
[/SIZE]

Practical concerns....if I bought it, i'd have to drive it. A 30 year old car is likely to be rust bucket...if not now then soon....I'd *LOVE* to have it, so much so than the new GTO, but it's simply not practical as a driver.

[75thAnnGT]

Alot of people I talked to at Pontiac Southern Nationals are holding out for the 2005:

PONTIAC GTO
What’s new for 2005
LS2 6.0L engine replaces LS1
400 horsepower (295 kw)
395 lb.-ft. of torque (546 Nm)
Available hood with twin air scoops
Revised rear fascia incorporating outlets for new split dual exhaust system
Polished exhaust outlet tips
Larger brake rotors and calipers
Red-painted calipers with GTO logo on front caliper
Driver foot rest
Two new colors: blue and grey
Model Lineup
Engine Transmissions

6.0L V-8

6-spd man-O
(Tremec T56)
4-spd auto-S
(Hydra-Matic 4L60-E)


Key:

Standard
s

Optional
o



2005 PONTIAC GTO: THE NEW GOAT GETS MORE MUSCLE
GTO – the original muscle car – was re-introduced last year and returns with more power and style for 2005. A new LS2 6.0L V-8 engine replaces the LS1 5.7L engine, bringing with it an increase in horsepower and torque.

The ’05 GTO packs 400 horsepower (295 kw) – up from 350 horses (261 kw) – and 395 lb.-ft. of torque (546 Nm), up from 365 lb.-ft. (495 Nm). Transmission choices are the same as the ’04 model’s: The Hydra-Matic 4L60-E four-speed automatic is standard and the Tremec six-speed manual is optional. GTO’s more powerful engine should lower the 0-60 time to less than 5 seconds.

Enthusiasts will immediately spot the brawnier ’05 GTO, thanks to new badging and a revised rear fascia that incorporates a new dual-exhaust system – it splits the GTO’s two outlets, routing them to opposite sides of the rear fascia. The exhaust tips are polished for a more refined appearance.

Also available is a new hood design incorporating a pair of stylish air scoops. The scoops draw fresh air in to the GTO’s engine compartment.

The badges identifying the ’05 GTO’s bigger V-8 include a “6.0” badge on the trunk lid and revised “GTO” fender badges, which now incorporate “6.0 Litre” designations. The original 1964 GTO also wore “6.0 Litre” fender badges, but at a time when almost every other American manufacturer referenced engine size in cubic inches.

Along with the GTO’s power increase comes improved braking performance from larger brake rotors, calipers and pads. The calipers are painted red and the front calipers feature the GTO logo.

Additional changes to the ’05 GTO include two new colors (blue and grey), as well as driver foot rest. A line of regular production accessories (RPAs) based on the 2004 GTO Performance Plus SEMA concept vehicle is scheduled for start-of-production availability. The accessories include a tall rear spoiler, front and rear fascia extensions, rocker molding extensions and grille inserts. As part of GM’s RPA program, the accessories can be ordered and installed on the vehicle prior to delivery.

LS2 details

Compared to the Gen III-based LS1, the 2005 GTO’s LS2 V-8 incorporates several significant changes to help improve performance. The block is an all-new casting with cylinder bores measuring 4.00 inches (101.6 mm) in diameter. The cylinder heads and camshaft are revised, too, to deliver the airflow necessary to complement the engine’s larger displacement. Other changes include:

New aluminum block casting with revised oil galleries and provisions for external knock sensors – external sensors improve serviceability
Camshaft lift increased to take advantage of increased cylinder head flow
Camshaft sensor relocated from the rear of the block to the front of the block provides room for new oil galleries
Flat-top piston design with lower ring tension reduces friction
Piston floating wrist pins help quiet the engine
More efficient ignition coils require less energy to provide a comparable spark
Compression raised to 10.9:1
Larger, 90-mm single-blade throttle body
Reduced-mass water pump design with improved sealing capability
Engine “redline” raised to 6500 rpm
Revised and more powerful engine controller incorporates all electronic throttle control functions.
Balanced environment and safety
The new GTO is a contemporary performer. Its traits include impressive cornering abilities, a smooth ride and surprising comfort. The drivetrain rides on a 109.8-inch (279-cm) wheelbase, with a low stance that enhances the wide-track feel behind the wheel. The front track measures 61.4 inches (156 cm) and the rear track is 62.1 inches (158 cm) wide.

The fully independent suspension features MacPherson struts in front and a semi-trailing arm design in the rear, with specially tuned strut valving and spring rates. Direct-acting stabilizer bars and a variable ratio power steering system also are tuned to provide a sporty feel and increased driver feedback. Seventeen-inch alloy wheels and performance tires are matched to the performance-tuned suspension. Traction control and a limited slip differential also come standard.

The GTO’s premium interior is accented by a harmonious blend of details, complementing its dynamic driving experience. All-leather seating, as well as a leather-covered steering wheel and shifter knob, immediately conveys luxury, while items such as stainless steel sill plates, metallic-look steering wheel styling, satin nickel-look accent trim, and racing-inspired drilled metallic pedals add sportiness to the environment.

The front and rear sports seats are configured in a traditional 2+2 configuration, with side bolsters and the “GTO” name embroidered on the front seats. Interior seat and trim colors may be coordinated to the exterior color, with red, blue, purple and black interiors available. This splash of color extends from the seats to the door inserts to the lower part of the instrument panel to the gauge cluster.

Every GTO comes well equipped with a thoughtful package of interior amenities and safety features, including:

Air conditioning
Blaupunkt 200-watt audio system with six-disc in-dash CD changer and 10 speakers
Console with storage compartment, accessory power outlet and two cupholders
Cruise control
Rear defogger
Power door locks with lockout protection
Programmable keyless entry with laser-etched key for added security
Eight-way power adjustable driver and front passenger seats with power-assisted rear seat access feature
Tilting and telescoping adjustable steering wheel
Power windows with driver and passenger express-down feature
Daytime running lamps with automatic headlamp control
Theft and content deterrent system.
The integrated driver information center located below the instrument cluster includes readouts for average speed, average miles per gallon, trip odometer, trip time remaining, trip distance remaining, fuel used and instant fuel mileage. There’s even a stopwatch feature and a user-programmable overspeed alarm.

Safety belts remain the primary and most effective form of occupant protection. All seating positions in the 2005 GTO have three-point safety belts. Retractors for front outboard seating positions have built-in load limiters that allow a controlled amount of give in the belt, thereby reducing the peak load on the chest during the “ride down” in a crash.

Dual frontal air bags are standard and GTO is equipped with child seat anchors.

# # #



SPECIFICATIONS
(See GM of Canada section for Canadian product differences)

Overview
Model:
GTO

Body style / driveline:
4-passenger, front-engine, rear-drive coupe

Construction:
unitized body frame, 1- and 2-sided galvanized steel

EPA vehicle class:
midsize coupe

Manufacturing location:
Holden Elizabeth Plant, Elizabeth, Australia

Key competitors:
Acura CL 3.2, BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G35, Chrysler Crossfire, Mazda RX8, Nissan 350Z, Ford Mustang GT Premium/Cobra, Dodge Charger


Engine
Type:
6.0L V-8 (LS2)

Displacement (cu in / cc):
364 / 5970

Bore & stroke (in / mm):
4.00 x 3.62 / 101.6 x 92

Block material:
aluminum

Cylinder head material:
aluminum

Valvetrain:
OHV, 2 valves per cylinder

Fuel delivery:
sequential-port fuel injection

Compression ratio:
10.9:1

Horsepower (hp / kw @ rpm):
400 / 295 @ 5200

Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm):
395 / 546 @ 4000



I like the dual exhaust much better, waiting to see the final on the hood.

Ann

[Old Guy]

Hmmmm....they'll have to give away the 2004s!

[AMRAAM4]

Wow, a lot different reception here of the GTO than on other N-body sites. Good to see the more open and realistic view of the GTO here. It is a very nice car, and I would own one, but as stated I think the marketing of the GTO name was 100% wrong. I have been thinking of getting the GTO, but now I here about the 2005 version and feel I should wait...but then again 2004s will sell for cheaper :???:

Has anyone heard when the 2005 model years can be ordered? (I guess this relates to any model also)

[digital-d]

Originally posted by Colin
Nice that you're " breaking in " someones new car like that . :roll2:

you don't know what goes on behind the scenes or should I say you DON'T want to know. :eek:

I can't wait for the '05 GTO. I think they're comming out with a version that has the ls6 motor or at least that's what I've been hearing.

[AMRAAM4]

Originally posted by digital-d
you don't know what goes on behind the scenes or should I say you DON'T want to know. :eek:

I can't wait for the '05 GTO. I think they're comming out with a version that has the ls6 motor or at least that's what I've been hearing.

it will be a 6.0L LS2. Switching over most likely due to the GM trucks and C6 using a similar built engines. It doesn't make good financial sense for GM to use the LS1 in only the GTO.

[digital-d]

Originally posted by AMRAAM4
it will be a 6.0L LS2. Switching over most likely due to the GM trucks and C6 using a similar built engines. It doesn't make good financial sense for GM to use the LS1 in only the GTO.

I said LS6 (the Zo6 motor) or are they developing a new engine for the next gen z06?

[92CamaroRS]

Originally posted by digital-d
I said LS6 (the Zo6 motor) or are they developing a new engine for the next gen z06?

seeing as there will be a new vette they are not using the same motor. the base motor is going to be a 6.0L LS2 which is replacing the LS1. no LS6 in GTO

[Colin]

Originally posted by digital-d
you don't know what goes on behind the scenes or should I say you DON'T want to know. :eek:
I've worked in the auto industry for years and i've seen a few things over that time . :D

[RiderOnTheStorm]

Originally posted by Riley1123d
Do you really want a 5.7L V8 with these gas prices?

Sure. I've gotten up to 33 mpg out of my Camaro SS on the highway and it has a 5.7L LS1 V-8.(Same engine that is in the GT) Make sure you get the six-speed.


I don't know about the GTO but LS1 engine is underrated. At least in the Camaros/Firebirds. They are usually putting out over 300 rear wheel horsepower at the dyno, which equates to about 360 flywheel horsepower.

A very good driver can get a Camaro SS to 12.9s in the 1/4. Average drivers are in the low 13's.

I imagine the GTO won't be quite as fast since it has a IRS and won't hook to the track as well.