2004 Pontiac GTO Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Back after a 30 year absence, the legendary Pontiac GTO returns as a rear-wheel drive two-door coupe based on the Australian Holden Monaro,...
Back after a 30 year absence, the legendary Pontiac GTO returns as a rear-wheel drive two-door coupe based on the Australian Holden Monaro, a GM subsidiary. More rounded than muscular, and with simple smooth lines and a barely noticeable rear spoiler, the 2004 Pontiac GTO might be mistaken for a less powerful coupe than it really is. What it lacks in sporty looks, it makes up for under the hood.
The 2004 GTO has a throaty 5.7-liter, 350-hp V8 engine that hits 0-60 in 5.3 seconds. That good enough for you? Sitting low to the ground on its independent sports supension, the 2004 GTO comes standard with a 4-speed automatic (why?) and a 6-speed manual is optional. Lacking the hood scoops and trims of the Firebird, the GTO goes for simplicity inside and out.
Uncharacteristically for Pontiac, the dashboard is uncluttered and straightforward. The 2004 GTO comes standard with power adjustable leather seats, remote entry, tilt and telescopic steering, and audio controls on the steering wheel. Traction control and 4-wheel ABS are also standard. Though jarring at first, the interior stitching and gauges are tricked out in the same color as the exterior. Despite its name recognition, the 2004 GTO did not sell well, either because of poor marketing, a bland design, or better prices from competitors. However, GTO owners loved its awesome power and surprisingly smooth ride and responsive acceleration. The car felt stable, yet without sacrificing fun. They also liked that it's somewhat unique on the road, with so few having been sold. Some sticking points are the cramped access to the actually roomy backseat. The trunk is much too small since the gas tank is housed between the trunk and the rear seats, taking up storage space. Others complain that the power seats move too slowly.
What owners say
"Drivers are generally enthusiastic about the 2004 Pontiac GTO, praising its powerful LS1 V8 engine and smooth performance. Many enjoyed the high-quality interior and overall comfort, especially for long drives. However, some drivers noted concerns about finding replacement parts, occasional maintenance issues, and the car's weight affecting handling. The styling received mixed reviews—some found it understated and lacking in sporty appeal, while others appreciated its unique look."
Amazing car. 340 rwhp with 343 rwtq. Interior is awesome quality. Full exhaust through the LS1 V8 sounds like a beast.
April 9, 2008great gas mileage, 17/29, 6 speed T-56 Tremec Manual, 350HP stock LS1 V8 346ci small block. Blistering acceleration for a stock vehicle. gas mileage is phenominal, could use exterior modifications. Handling is very much up to par, and TONS of fun to drift.
February 29, 2008It has more than enough power only drawback is the braking. The brakes could be improved greatly. The cost of ownership for me has been great as I have not had any problems with maintenance of this vehicle. Very reliable transportation.
November 6, 2009What owners say
Amazing car. 340 rwhp with 343 rwtq. Interior is awesome quality. Full exhaust through the LS1 V8 sounds like a beast.
April 9, 2008great gas mileage, 17/29, 6 speed T-56 Tremec Manual, 350HP stock LS1 V8 346ci small block. Blistering acceleration for a stock vehicle. gas mileage is phenominal, could use exterior modifications. Handling is very much up to par, and TONS of fun to drift.
February 29, 2008It has more than enough power only drawback is the braking. The brakes could be improved greatly. The cost of ownership for me has been great as I have not had any problems with maintenance of this vehicle. Very reliable transportation.
November 6, 2009350 hp Corvette engine/manifold for a non-Corvette price...what could be better??For some added fun, I've added a Flowmaster exhaust, so it sounds even better. Only wish it had more options to put on it. Comfort, speed, accceleration, power, & American muscle! Couldn't want anything else..except maybe the 400 engine. Oh, yeah, and mine's purple!
July 29, 2008Good Car overall Acceleration if you had it super charged would keep an edge out on evo's and sti's without problem cornering is a whole nother ball game though and the car is one of the most fun cars i have had the chance to drive it is very tail happy gas mileage was ok 25 mpg what i saw and it could get you about 500 miles on a tank maintenance was expensive but not that of a japanese or german car
April 17, 2012Performance is great. Only thing I would change is the wiring. My controls are messed up sometimes. Had to replace the BCM. But other than that I havent had any problems with it. Its a lot of fun to drive and handles very well. Definitely a car thats going to stay in my driveway!
December 2, 2009This car is really great. It combines the best parts of European and American cars as they did it in Australia. Performance: Nice torque, solid power, not as explosively fast as my other coupe, but more comfortable. Build quality is adequate, there are some gaps where they aren't supposed to be, but that is not that important to me. There are some design problems in cold winter weather, like the heater needs to be adjusted as it lacks heat to the windscreen and side windows in the same setting and heated seats and mirrors for example. Trunk space is poor as the gas tank is situated inside the trunk instead of the original placement under the trunk. It is also difficult to get into the rear seats. Styling is nice, how they changed basically the styling of Opel Omega into something special, it's based on the same platform, but it's wider, lower and sleeker. Cost of ownership is irrelevant. Gas mileage is a bit poor, but this car is not for anyone who is interested in that. Spare parts can be a problem as the car was never sold officially here in continental Europe and the car is pretty rare here as every car is privately imported. Fun factor is 100+ even I also own an another car with really good fun factor which is even faster than this and has better gas mileage. This is more reliable. The late model Pontiac GTO (and Holden Monaro already before) has been my dream car since 2002 when I saw the first photos of the car. It still is now when I own and drive one.
January 2, 2009Great car that handles well, turns tightly, and can throw you back in your seats.
April 28, 2008Fast and very reliable. Lots of fun to drive.
April 28, 2008If you can find a manual for under 15k in good condition Id hop on it. Dont bother with the 4l60e (auto). The 04 has the ls1 compared to the ls2 in the 05-06 which is a little quicker but not by much. The sky is the limit with these ls motors. The suspension is super soft GT style, some bushing upgrades and coilovers could be used. Its heavy but super comfortable (most comfortable GM car for the time). If you dont know how to work on vehicles I would buy yourself a Prius or a V6 mustang because these cars need care to be quick, fun and reliable. These LS motors are very sought after in the performance market and the GTOs are becoming more and more rare. Jump on it.
May 12, 2020Trims & specs
Base MSRP $32,495 | Seating 4 |
Engine 5.7L 350 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 7.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain RWD |
