2005 Pontiac GTO New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2005 Pontiac GTO?
Pontiac dumps 50 more horsepower and 35 additional lb.-ft. of torque into the 2005 Pontiac GTO, bringing totals to 400 and 400. This extra oomph is courtesy of GM's LS2 V8 engine, displacing 6.0 liters and powering the Chevrolet SSR and Chevrolet Corvette. Also, quickly responding to critics of the GTO's styling, Pontiac has made a hood with twin air scoops optional on the 2005 GTO. Other changes include red-painted brake calipers, polished exhaust outlets, and a subtly restyled rear bumper with split exhaust outlets. Inside, a driver's footrest has been added. Blue and gray are the new colors for 2005.

Advantages of the 2005 Pontiac GTO:

• Sophisticated, well-balanced, rear-drive chassis is a brilliant match for V8 strength
• 25-mpg fuel economy when equipped with the manual transmission
• Room for four adults
• Extensive standard features list

Objections to the 2005 Pontiac GTO:

• Gas-guzzler tax when equipped with automatic transmission
• High price tag
• Hefty curb weight

Editor's Advice:
Pontiac resurrected the GTO muscle car of the 1960s for a new generation of power-hungry performance junkies. Eschewing its iconic American heritage, the Pontiac GTO is built in Australia by Holden, which is a subsidiary of General Motors. With stout underpinnings, dynamic handling characteristics and, most importantly, a 400-horsepower, 6.0-liter V8 (sourced from the Chevrolet Corvette) that should rocket the GTO from zero to 60 mph in less than five seconds when mated to the six-speed manual transmission, the Pontiac GTO puts some excitement back into GM's performance division. Unlike the deceased Firebird's use of an archaic solid rear axle, the GTO rides on a fully independent suspension fortified by stabilizer bars and a limited-slip rear differential. Gone is Pontiac's usual, overwrought exterior body cladding and bizarre interior layout with its myriad of tacky badges; simple and sparse seems to be the buzzword with the GTO, which sports attractive if staid exterior sheetmetal and a Germanic, no-nonsense cabin. The car is exceptionally competent, a blast to drive, and has – in our humble opinion – taken an unfair drubbing by both consumers and the automotive press. The 2005 Pontiac GTO is a modern "American" classic that can easily compete against retro rods like the Ford Mustang and sophisticated luxury coupes like the BMW 325Ci alike.