2006 Pontiac GTO Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Expert review
Built for aging Baby Boomers nostalgic for a different era, the 2006 Pontiac GTO employs the traditional muscle car recipe of a big engine, two doors, and four seats.
Like the original, the modern 2006 Pontiac GTO puts a big engine in a midsize coupe. This time around, the GTO is based on the Holden Monaro, the only suitable rear-drive model in the global General Motors product arsenal. It’s built in Australia and shipped to eager Pontiac performance aficionados in America.
out of 10 expert review
Look & feel
A hallmark of GTO design has always been subtlety. Aside from hood scoops, bigger and flashier wheels, and, for a time, “The Judge” stickers, the Pontiac GTO has been what’s commonly referred to as a ‘sleeper,’ or a performance vehicle that looks like anything but. That’s true of the 2006 GTO, too.
The car looks good, wearing a tastefully restrained body kit, chunky 5-spoke aluminum wheels, and Pontiac-signature honeycomb grille inserts. Visually, it conveys the muscle lurking beneath the scooped hood without ripping off its shirt, flexing until its veins pop, and screaming with menace.
Inside, the GTO displays a level of quality and design detail missing from other Pontiacs, giving the car a look and feel commensurate with its price tag. The plastic on the lower portion of the cabin is somewhat glossy and inexpensive looking, but the rest of the 4-seat cabin is done right.
Performance
Pontiac equips the 2006 GTO with a 6.0-liter V8 engine generating 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. A 4-speed automatic transmission is standard, powering the rear wheels with the help of a limited-slip rear differential. Acceleration to 60 mph takes about 5.5 seconds, and if you know how to use a clutch pedal, a 6-speed manual transmission is available.
In addition to the monstrous motor, Pontiac tunes the GTO’s suspension for improved handling, upgrades the brakes for more rigorous duty, and installs 17-inch aluminum wheels with fairly aggressive rubber wrapped around them. A set of 18-inch wheels is an option.
Like GTOs of the past, the 2006 version is best when used in a straight line. When the road gets kinky, the car’s 3,725-pound curb weight combine with a rather soft suspension and dissatisfying steering to make it a bit of a mess to drive. However, the buyers who are most likely feeling nostalgic for the original GTO will love how effortlessly this big coupe drives on the highway, how forgiving it is over crumbling roads, and how comfy the oversized leather seats feel.
Form & function
When you buy a 2006 Pontiac GTO, there are two options: bigger wheels and a manual gearbox. That’s it. Everything else is standard. Highlights include remote keyless entry, 8-way power-adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, and a premium sound system with a 6-disc CD changer.
Because it’s a coupe, long doors can make it harder to enter and exit the car in cramped parking situations. Once they’re in, the people sitting up front will be quite comfortable. The back seat is designed for just two people, and the more generously dimensioned they are, the more unhappy they’ll be. Trunk space is meager, measuring just 7.0 cubic feet of volume.
Clearly, this car is meant for people without children and who travel light.
Technology
Safety
Important safety features are also missing in action. You cannot get stability control on a Pontiac GTO, a feature that some of this car’s drivers will undoubtedly require when they run out of driving talent. And if a crash does happen, there aren’t any side-impact airbags or side curtain airbags to help protect occupants.
Unfortunately, given the GTO’s low production volumes, neither the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) nor the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has performed crash tests on this car.
Cost-effectiveness
A 2006 Pontiac GTO costs $31,990 and is EPA-rated to get 16 mpg in combined driving (18 mpg with the manual transmission). That makes the GTO more powerful and more affordable than luxury sports coupes like the BMW 3 Series and Infiniti G35. But both of those vehicles feel more refined and are better to drive when the road is curvy, rather than straight, and they get better gas mileage.
In terms of its retro-themed muscle-car mission, the GTO’s closest direct competitor is the Ford Mustang GT Premium, which starts at just over $27,000 and gets 18 mpg with either of its two transmissions. Are the 100 extra horses, fully-loaded equipment list, and exclusivity of the Pontiac GTO worth thousands of extra dollars? Only you can decide.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2006 Pontiac GTO overwhelmingly praise its incredible power, acceleration, and sporty handling, making it a thrilling car to drive. Many love its unique design and comfortable interior, which stands out compared to other cars. On the downside, some owners mention drawbacks like limited backseat space and average gas mileage, as well as a lack of modern amenities. Nevertheless, most agree that it's a fantastic muscle car that provides a fun driving experience."
The car looks great and is definitely a classic. It was a great re-introduction of the GTO.
May 22, 2026Best car I have ever owned. I could never go back to driving anything less than a V8.
April 6, 2022There has been a lot of disinterest in the GTO since it was reintroduced in 2004. They criticized it for its lack of retro styling like the new generation Mustangs. People called it a "Cavalier on steroids." Some say it isn't "American" enough to be called a GTO. But what do they know. I was personally a fan of the new GTOs when GM reintroduced them in 2004. One look at the GTO 5.7 Litre emblem on the front quarter panels and I knew that it was an incredible machine. At the time, I was driving a 2000 Hyundai Sonata, which was a reliable and practical car for me at the time, but I had always wanted something a little more special. Even before I was old enough to drive, I always wanted a fast, sporty coupe that would be fun to drive and eye-catching as well, and I got all of that and more with my 2006 Pontiac GTO. If there is any question about power, the 6 Litre Corvette-shared LS2 V8 should quiet any skeptics. At around 400 horsepower and torque, this car will get from 0 to 60 miles per hour in about 4.6 seconds. With the help of its traction control system and stout suspension setup, handling is very stout for a car of its class despite the immense rear wheel horsepower. The car also keeps a very smooth ride with the stiffer shocks. The new generation Pontiac GTO is actually not built by Pontiac at all. These cars are made by Holden in Australia and are designed with extremely high quality. I have not noticed any squeaks or rattles with my GTO. While most skeptics of the GTO criticize it for its bland styling, I happen to really like the way it looks. It is unique and I don't see loads of other GTOs on the road (unlike the dime-a-dozen Mustang). If driving a muscle car is a new experience, gas mileage is going to be a real bummer for some. However, this car actually gets remarkeable gas mileage in proportion to the size of the engine. With a 6speed manual, it gets between 21 and 23 on the highway depending on driving style. Lots of city driving will bump it down to around 16 to 17 mpg. As far as maintenence goes, I haven't experienced any issues after about 8,000 miles of driving it and I am not aware of any other GTO owners having major issues with the car. I really enjoy this car. It is comfortable, affordable, and very sporty. All of my friends are crazy about it and some are even talking about buying their own! This car will not leave its riders disappointed. However, the unfortunate rice rocket/Mustang foolish enough to try to race it might be... By the way, for all of those naysayers who criticize the new GTO for not being American enough, the letters GTO were originaly taken from the Ferrari 250 GTO, which stands for Gran Turismo Omologato.
June 26, 2008What owners say
The car looks great and is definitely a classic. It was a great re-introduction of the GTO.
May 22, 2026Best car I have ever owned. I could never go back to driving anything less than a V8.
April 6, 2022There has been a lot of disinterest in the GTO since it was reintroduced in 2004. They criticized it for its lack of retro styling like the new generation Mustangs. People called it a "Cavalier on steroids." Some say it isn't "American" enough to be called a GTO. But what do they know. I was personally a fan of the new GTOs when GM reintroduced them in 2004. One look at the GTO 5.7 Litre emblem on the front quarter panels and I knew that it was an incredible machine. At the time, I was driving a 2000 Hyundai Sonata, which was a reliable and practical car for me at the time, but I had always wanted something a little more special. Even before I was old enough to drive, I always wanted a fast, sporty coupe that would be fun to drive and eye-catching as well, and I got all of that and more with my 2006 Pontiac GTO. If there is any question about power, the 6 Litre Corvette-shared LS2 V8 should quiet any skeptics. At around 400 horsepower and torque, this car will get from 0 to 60 miles per hour in about 4.6 seconds. With the help of its traction control system and stout suspension setup, handling is very stout for a car of its class despite the immense rear wheel horsepower. The car also keeps a very smooth ride with the stiffer shocks. The new generation Pontiac GTO is actually not built by Pontiac at all. These cars are made by Holden in Australia and are designed with extremely high quality. I have not noticed any squeaks or rattles with my GTO. While most skeptics of the GTO criticize it for its bland styling, I happen to really like the way it looks. It is unique and I don't see loads of other GTOs on the road (unlike the dime-a-dozen Mustang). If driving a muscle car is a new experience, gas mileage is going to be a real bummer for some. However, this car actually gets remarkeable gas mileage in proportion to the size of the engine. With a 6speed manual, it gets between 21 and 23 on the highway depending on driving style. Lots of city driving will bump it down to around 16 to 17 mpg. As far as maintenence goes, I haven't experienced any issues after about 8,000 miles of driving it and I am not aware of any other GTO owners having major issues with the car. I really enjoy this car. It is comfortable, affordable, and very sporty. All of my friends are crazy about it and some are even talking about buying their own! This car will not leave its riders disappointed. However, the unfortunate rice rocket/Mustang foolish enough to try to race it might be... By the way, for all of those naysayers who criticize the new GTO for not being American enough, the letters GTO were originaly taken from the Ferrari 250 GTO, which stands for Gran Turismo Omologato.
June 26, 2008Best Car I have ever had and fastest for the money.
June 9, 2008The power is amazing, gets up and goes quickly!! The car looks awesome. Its very comfortable both front and back, fuel economy sucks, 13ml per gallon. The price was excellent for the car. If you had to use as a family car it would be ok, but it is only 2 door. Its very reliable, except for snow or rain..
October 22, 20112006 Spice Red Pontiac GTO (1 of 632) 400HP/400TQ STOCK 6 Speed Manual Trans. 6.0L V8 0-60= 4.7 Seconds Diablo Sport Predator Tuned (+20HP) Super 44 series Flowmaster Axle-Back, Res-Delete (+15HP) K&N Cold Air Intake (+15HP) Est HP after mods=450HP
May 22, 2010This is a very comfortable and fast car. Based on the Holden Monaro but made for the US market. The optional 6 speed makes for a very enjoyable experience as well. Many owners will say the seats in the gto are the most comfortable of most cars in this class.
April 23, 2014This is by far my most favorite car I've ever owned. I put roughly 20,000 miles on it a year because I just can not stop driving it. I have a few modifications done and currently it has 502 horse power (430 rwhp). I still see 27.2 mpg on the highway! Over all it is a perfect car, and is a true bargain for what you get for the price. I would recommend this car to anyone who wants rear wheel drive v-8
August 19, 2009Performance - Acceleration is comparable to a c6 corvette, if not faster... Braking is very tight and responsive. This car has a new suspension package so the handling is awesome with little or no body roll. Build Quality - Nothing wrong yet. Appearance - Exterior looks very much like an average coupe.. in other words, it is a 440hp sleeper. Interior is very nice, feels sort of like a mercedes.
May 24, 2009I got this 2006 GTO in June of 2006. Since then, it has held up the beating pretty well. Lots of people comment on the car and say how nice it is. Many thumbs up. Overall a nice car and don't mind paying the $500 a month for it. If it was manual it would be 10x more fun though.
January 31, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $31,990 | Seating 4 |
Engine 6.0L 400 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 7.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 16 | Drivetrain RWD |
