As some of you may know I used to (and do again) sell cars (this time thankfully just on Saturdays!). I sold my dealer's first GTO after sitting for nearly 5 months, a silver AT. The guy was in his late 40s, also owned an '86 GN with only 40k on it, and traded in an '00 SSEi for the GTO.

Later in the week we were able to swap in a red 6 speed GTO on a dealer swap for a Sunfire (yes...a Sunfire). I take it this dealer really valued having this car on the lot...

So while I never did drive the AT, I was able to drive this one seeing as how it already had 200 miles on it from the swap. I didn't come close to abusing it (to me its just wrong when a salesperson goes out and beats on a new car someone else will buy eventually) but walked away with some nice observations for those pessmists who say this car is not a GTO because it lacks hood scoops and dual duals!! The car drives more expensive than it is. The refined ride, attractive interior, unbelievably quiet LS1, nice shifting tranny and great power (I never passed 3,500 RPMs, but guess it screams from there on) from a coupe that can truly package 4 adults in it was quite a nice drive. I felt like a rock star in it, as the car got a ton of looks and thumbs up on the road. Those who say the car blends in too much clearly haven't taken one for a ride. People who know cars know EXACTLY what this thing is. Everyone from an adult in a nice 2nd gen Z28 giving a thumbs up to a kid in an SHO trying to race me proved to me this car does more than simply blend in. I hope those '05 hood scoops stay optional, because to me and people I have talked to about the car agree...adding scoops to such a nice, clean, reserved car is simply tacky.

However, I must admit that as nice as it was to drive, I did not walk away from it saying "I need this car" the way I have done with Firehawks, WS6s and even my own Z28. I wracked my brain to figure out exactly WHAT this seemingly flawless car was missing...and then it hit me...

I never realized how important to myself personally open-air driving was until I figured out the ONE thing that led me to not enjoy the GTO as much as I thought was the lack of t-tops, or at least a damn sunroof. My sales manager made the same complaint after he drove it. Half the fun of 4th gens I believe was taking the top off and letting all the sun and the fun exhaust note in the car. The GTO is very quiet too...dare I say the car is TOO refined?

Granted, I own a white and orange Z28 so maybe I am a little biased as to what excites me. At the very least however, I do know an incredible car when I see one, and the GTO is flat awesome. For me though, it does not scream "buy me" the way I thought it would. I had tossed around the idea of selling both the GP and the Z to buy a new GTO, but it doesn't get my soul stirring the way I thought it would. Maybe I just love all-out sports cars...I don't know. But I do manage to love my GP for what it is.

I sincerely hope when a 5th gen comes out, we get t-tops. We need t-tops. 80% of '02 Camaro buyers opted for t-tops. Buyers spoke, and I hope Chevy listened. A big sunroof will not cut it. Meanwhile, I love the GTO and hope that eventually the naysayers will drive the damn thing and appreciate it for what it is...a truly kicka$$ performance car that doesn't beat you up. It is not my cup of tea I guess, but this car could be the right car for a lot of people. I pray it catches on because I would love to see Pontiac make a success out of it.

 

My dealer is already putting sunroofs on 04 GTO's... it's not rocket science after all. They add about $1200 retail to the price. I operated one on a demo GTO at the lot... it's nicer than the one on my GTP, since for example it retracts into the roof instead of sticking up when open.

Thanks for the balanced review of this fine car. I got looks when I test drove one too.

 

The factory sunroof used in the Monaro in Australia is available in the US and fits perfectly I believe. Can't remember the manufacturer tho

 

Im surprised ASC hasnt stepped in, or have wanted to step in to make a sunroof for the GTO.

 

I would love to get a used GTO a few years from now, but I would definitely prefer a sunroof. And if the 5th gen Camaro looks like many are saying it does, I have a hard time imagining it with T-tops. I hope it at least has an available sunroof, though.

 

If the Monaro has a home market one available, then why the hell is it not offered here? Odd...

I am not a big fan of aftermarket roofs, at all. I put one in a new Alero and one in a new Grand Prix and both didn't have nearly the fit, finish or opening capability of an OEM roof, and I had angry customers...rightfully so. I'd have been ripping mad too if either were my car

I just hope more people stop bashing them and start driving them. I absolutely love the car, even the styling. There is just that one missing element that makes me hold back from wanting one bad enough to own it. I know its a better car than the Z...to me though, it just lacks that hardcore feel I've loved about all 3 F bods I've owned. But if one looks at it for what it is, it is flat unbeatable, and without question a better car than an '05 Mustang from what I can gather, for a few grand more than a loaded GT.

 

Jason, thanks for an unbiased view of the car.

Before the GTO even was mentioned as coming over here, I drove a Monaro CV6 and rode shotgun in a CV8 (I als had use of an LS1 Commodore about 3 years ago) and they are in fact fantastic cars. With the GTO pushing 350 horses over Monaro & Commodore's 300, I knew GTO was going to be a winner.

The ride is fantastic if you cover alot of miles annually as I do, the handling is great (we aren't talking Z06 Corvette, mind you), the ride is 1st rate, the quality of interior materials & assembly is as good as it's ever going to get in a car at this price, and [i]the car is engineered for some pretty rough Aussie outback conditions, meaning it's probally going to outlast a good many (if not most all) other US cars coming out today.

I can why some people dislike the styling, and I can respect that. The car's a sleeper, and sleepers don't have anywhere near as big a fanbase today as it had just 15 years ago. But some so go far overboard that they get pretty confused. They trash the entire car using when the issue is styling to the point you think they'd be happier with a 4 cylinder Grand Am or a Grand Prix sedan.

It's nice to see another review from someone who has actually taken the time to check it out.

 

Thanks for the compliments, guion.

What has made me even more of a supporter of this car is the fact that everyone complained Pontiac had no performance car after the Firebird...so GM did what they could to bring us one only a year after the Firebird died, when it had no plans originally to do so. I give Lutz and Company credit for recognizing a great car that would ENHANCE Pontiac's image, not detract from it.

Plus, the car is truer to GTO's roots than probably a 4th gen Camaro even was. It is a true, semi-upright, RWD high powered V8 coupe with an available stick that LOOKED LIKE A PONTIAC. And for barely $1,000 more than a loaded '02 WS6?? People here need to realize that while no stripper models are available, this car is hardly what I would consider overpriced.

It scares me how unpopular this car has been, and makes me wonder if GM will abandon the GTO idea altogether. I pray it does not. While I love Firebirds and my father is the extremely proud owner of a Sunset Orange '02 Formula I ordered for myself and later sold to him (can't part with the 30th ), I think it will benefit Pontiac and GM to NOT have a second pony car. A car like a GTO fills a different niche than the Camaro. A Camaro guy may "grow up" to a GTO as he needs more room...not a bad thing at all.

I don't know how many of you may already subscribe to Hemmings Muscle Machines, a fairly new magazine. It is flat-out the best car magazine I have seen in the past several years, and the latest issue tests a GTO. The theme throughout the article is, why is everyone whining over the GTO? I like the last line of the test...if this car came to market as a Pontiac Monaro, people would whine because it was NOT called a GTO.

To drive such a refined car with a T56 and an LS1 was amazing. To think it will have an LS2 this fall is even more insane. And to think that this car is not selling like hot cakes kills me...I thought all 18,000 would fly off lots this year...I already have 2 leads on our new red one.

One drive was all it took for me to realize this car has a place, a purpose, is a true performance machine worthy of the praise the rags give it, and I sincerely hope those tacky hood scoops and dual duals help bring the car more popularity.

Me? I'm holding out for a 5th gen stick with t-tops, thanks very much But I will admire every GTO rumbling down the road by me...

 

I agree 100.00%.

 

Alot of people don't like the new GTO...fair enough. Alot of people think the GTO doesn't have compelling styling...again, fair.

But the reason that GTO doesn't "fly off the shelf" is simple....dealer greed.

There are only so many "suckers" that will pay $38K for a $28,000 car. I understand that GTO currently has a two thousand dollar rebate.

Look, the GTO is a neat car...it's not perfect....but pretty neat. But these Pontiac dealers have completely screwed the pooch on this one. This is a GTO for heaven's sake....not the "only one in the state" Ferrari Enzo!

What the fock were these dealers thinking!!!!

 

quick note to NJ'ites that might be looking to purchace a 04 GTO. A local dealer has them for 2k off sticker. 1 yellow M6, 1 red A4
33 is a good deal
30 is an awesome deal
28k is a STEAL!
below that, you should be arrested.

 

Well put.

 

I saw an add in the paper for new 04's going for 27900.....I just about fell over when I saw it. Thats more like it IMHO. I'll be damned if I'm going to spend MSRP on any vehicle.


Colin

 

Nice review Jason. Only in the USA, eh? Pity!

 

A very good unbiased review of the car.... hmmm, maybe it should posted to some of the GTO sites/boards for digestion.... assuming that the diehard opponents (at least the vocally stupid ones) populating the boards could get their heads out of their asses and go try one on. It's time to get over the fact that it doesn't look like a GTO - whatever that means - go drive it; then rant.

Personally, I was sold on the car before it ever hit the streets and I can't even drive or own one. Still on the outside lookin' in so to speak. Dang bumper standards..... a good, honest review though. At least you looked, liked and gave very honest/credible reasons why you wouldn't buy one.