Oh! Whoa. It's a GTO. Slow? No. The GTO. Sports performance returns to the Pontiac lineup in its new GTO sports coupe, released last year. Underwhelming sales, however, were blamed on the plain styling, so Pontiac decided to add a bit of sportiness to the 2005 GTO. It also added some more performance under the hood, though the previous GTO had not been found lacking.
A new engine powers the 2005 GTO in the form of a 6.0-liter, LS2 V8 at 400-hp, 50 more than last year. The 4-speed auto tran is still standard, but most opt for the 6-speed manual. Along with the already independent sports suspension, the GTO gets bigger brakes, dual exhausts, and optional 18-inch wheels. To boost its image, two pretty much non-functional hood scoops are added. Inside, the dash gets an update as well. Traction control and 4-wheel ABS are standard on the 2005 Pontiac GTO, as are bolstered leather seats, power windows, locks, mirrors, and seats, cruise control, and audio controls on the wheels. New in 2005 is a dead pedal to rest your foot. A sunroof is not an available option with the GTO. Rear seats do not fold down for more cargo space, as the gas tank sits between the seats and the trunk.
Power, power, power. It's what owners of the 2005 Pontiac GTO love about their car. It smokes others on the road, especially with its quick pickup, surprising for such a heavy car. Braking is good and the sports suspension smooth, with little shuddering. Complaints focus on the difficult access to the back seat, the miniscule trunk, and the slow motor on the power seats. Most owners want more options, such as a navigation system. Drivers are split on whether they like the simple rounded style or want something more sporty and aggressive-looking.
4.7 Overall rating
(93 reviews)Price either needs to be dropped at least $5000 or they need to fix the defects. It needs a new transmission as solenoids for gears 3 and 5 are bad and the shifter is sloppy, has way too much play. The rear differential has a massive leak and the gears were making a lot of noise. Has rust under the body. Clips are broken on the trunk trim and the driver side window trim. When you roll down the passenger window it binds and then opens the passenger door. Engine runs rough when a/c kicks on.
I purchased this GTO as my last high performance coupe. I always have that thought, one more high performance car, but it seems it's never really the last I own. Honestly, I was intrigued with the Australian beauty with the American badging, the Holden under the GTO marque. Perhaps the first thing you notice about the GTO is that it blends in with the crowd. Were it not for the hood scoops (a feature that can be deleted in ordering) it doesn't look much different than most other mundane coupes on the road. The rear also doesn't give much away, if you overlook the big exhaust pipes looming from under the redesigned rear valance for 2005. The big dual piston calipers painted and marked GTO don't really call much attention and frankly, a side view doesn't elicit a lot of excitement. It's not until you turn the key and that 400 HP LS2 comes to life that anyone really pays attention to what this car is really all about. Then the "Thunder from Down Under" has the streets under control and you're really in the drivers' seat for a great ride. Speaking of which, the interior is one that sets the standard for which all GM cars need to strive for. The leather buckets front and rear (Yes, it's really a 2+2 configuration) re comfortable and supportive. The workmanship is impeccible and the seats are extremely comfortable and adjustable. One con is the electric movement to allow entry into the rear seat and the seat movement is slow. That speed was improved on the 2006 model, but would still be better if it were free sliding to allow back seat entry and re-engaged after the seat was upright. But the seat does have a memory after it's upright and will return to your original setting with the push of a button. The controls are well laid out and the dash is colorful and easy to see, Colors are in line with the color and trim of the car. If you order a black car, as I did, the gauge cluster is red, not black. If you order a blue car, the cluster is blue, a yellow vehicle, the cluster is yellow, silver, it's silver, etc. There are some variations, but generally that's the norm. The stereo CD player is a Blaupunkt and is top line with a 6 CD changer and 10 speakers. Lots of bells and whistles with remore entry, trip minder, all sorts of message center and reminder gimmicks, and one to tell you how much fuel it's sucking from your wallet. Hey, the car is fun personified, so if you're going to sweat a few bucks in fuel, you'll not want this, but an econobox instead, right? Transmissions are choice of a 6 speed manual or a 4 speed automatic, (with overdrive)and the fuel economy, of course goes to the manual. The auto has a rating of 12 and 16 I believe and gets a gas guzzler tax added to the sales price. The auto is standard, but the gas guzzler tax will more than offset the additional cost of the six speed manual, so if you are a driving afficionado, go for the gusto and get the manual. Either transmission will allow you to smoke the tires at will and for as long as you wish. That is if you can afford replacing those beefy treads on a regular basis, as that torque can eat that rubber really fast! This car is freaky fast. Not just fast but truly fast. The engine winds effortlessly. remember, this is the Corvette engine and does what it's supposed to do and that's propel this vehicle to wherever you wish it to go and do it quickly. Reported speed limiter settings are in the neighborhood of 152 but I can't verify that. I've seen radar readings in excess of 160 but I can't verify them with troopers either. Suffice it to say this car will run with the big dogs in most any circle. Plus, I've seen several with aftermarket superchargers that not only run with the big dogs, but bite the big dogs in the tail on the way by. Sadly, the production of this car ended with the 2006 model year. From what I understand the dies were just worn out. Remember, this was a Holden Monaro from Australia and was rebadged and massaged for us here in the US as the GTO. Maybe we'll be seeing some more Thunder soon...
No complaints with this car. It's everything you expect. Interior is top notch and 6spd trans let's the car be a great mpg cruiser or very sporty. Doesn't handle as well as say a vette but will eat 4.6 mustangs all day long.
I absolutely love this car. The driver's seat is extremely comfortable for long distance driving. The engine purrs at speed, power is immediately available when you need it. The tranmission makes smooth shifts. I've had no major mechanical issues. Complete brake job done recently. This is a fun car, subtle looks hide great power.
Likes. everything, power, performancee, and for a sports car soooooo comfortable. it drives like a luxury car when needed and when u want power, the rear end drops down for stability and it gives everything u can imagine. Cons- ummmm, none
2005 Pontiac GTO FAQs
How many 2005 Pontiac GTO vehicles in Worcester, MA have no reported accidents or damage?
11 out of 13 for sale near Worcester, MA have no reported accidents or damage.
What is the fuel economy of the 2005 Pontiac GTO?
Depending on the engine and options, the 2005 Pontiac GTO gets between 16 and 20 MPG (or MPGe).
What fuel types are available?
Gasoline engines are available.
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