Pontiac GTO 2004-2006 The Modern Goat

Is the GTO really as good as videos say?

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Old 11-05-2007, 06:05 PM
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Default Is the GTO really as good as videos say?

I was watching some videos from Top Gear. Surprisingly Jeremy Clarkson actually gave the car some good reviews, and praised its simple raw handling and good price. Now given the car featured in the videos is a Monaro, which itself is a GTO anyways.

Monaro vs Chrysler 300 vs Jaguar
http://youtube.com/watch?v=l-WO1IB9Iqg

Monaro Test Drive (Part I)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=PPpaWpkwr1I

Monaro Test Drive (Part II)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=-7-IW9h8MwAve

Anyone who keeps up with the show, knows that Clarkson hates American and Holden/Vauxhall cars. While the GTO is a bit visually plain, is it really that much fun?
Old 11-05-2007, 06:34 PM
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im suprised with his reviews also... but i think that its a damn good car... i guess i also agree that its priced well... but the styling is a little off....
just my opinion.
Old 11-05-2007, 07:41 PM
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I have no complaints about mine. Its easy to drive, very comfortable, sounds great, found it for a cheap price, and is faster than 90% of everything else on the road.
Old 11-06-2007, 04:04 AM
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The "Vauhhaul Monaros" as tested by Topgear in those videos are rebadged HSV VY GTO's.
Think you'll find the LS1 model HSV's and Vauxhauls have more HP, bigger wheels,bigger brakes, better tyres and different suspension as well as more creature comforts than the US spec 04 Pontiac GTO's.

HSV COUPE VZ GTO and Vauxhall Monaro VXR had the LS2 400HP engine (same as 05+ US spec Pontiac GTO's) but also had bigger wheels, bigger brakes, better tyres and different suspension. Creature comforts may vary also.


ie: Pontiac GTO's went straight from the Holden factory to a boat bound for USA.
HSV GTO's and Vauxhaul Monaros were worked over at the HSV factory after leaving the Holden factory. They are priced accordingly.
Old 11-06-2007, 06:36 PM
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for what they cost GTOs are a steal imo.
Old 11-06-2007, 06:55 PM
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Originally Posted by ULTIMATEORANGESS
for what they cost GTOs are a steal imo.

I agree. . . .especially when you consider how cheap you can get an 04 for now. I have seen an 04 for as low as $15,500.
Old 11-07-2007, 12:07 AM
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Originally Posted by Hawk108
I agree. . . .especially when you consider how cheap you can get an 04 for now. I have seen an 04 for as low as $15,500.
Yeah, it's a damn shame considering I got mine for around 21k Last April w/13k miles.... When '05 and some '06s are going for that now.
Old 11-07-2007, 08:43 AM
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i like em!
Old 11-07-2007, 10:17 AM
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They are much nicer cars than f-bodies, and I agree that they are a super value for the price of them. The fit/finish, handling, interior, comfort, ride quality, etc... are all better than an f-body. Appearance is subjective, you can fix them up if you want to. Stock GTOs with stock wheels are boring as hell to me.
Old 11-07-2007, 10:44 AM
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Originally Posted by Nine Ball
They are much nicer cars than f-bodies, and I agree that they are a super value for the price of them. The fit/finish, handling, interior, comfort, ride quality, etc... are all better than an f-body. Appearance is subjective, you can fix them up if you want to. Stock GTOs with stock wheels are boring as hell to me.
+1

I have 18" Monaro VZ wheels that make my car look great. Completely changes the look and everyone notices them right off.

I just changed over to the stock 17" with my drag radials for the first time.

Wow, what a change. Looks like a totally different car.
Old 11-07-2007, 04:32 PM
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just watched the vids.

Testing on sand is GAY. Those guys are assclowns, as usual.
Old 11-09-2007, 07:41 AM
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Originally Posted by Nine Ball
just watched the vids.

Testing on sand is GAY. Those guys are assclowns, as usual.
Yeah, but they are the funniest assclowns on TV. I never take their American-hating comments to heart. Pure entertainment.

I find it rather funny that one of the strong points for our cars is the interior, yet they bag on it...but consider the source...coming from guys who jump "caravans" with 80's 5-liter limos.
Old 11-09-2007, 08:26 AM
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I have had 4 F-bodies (97, 98, 01 and 02), 1 Vette (97) and 1 GTO and as far as the total package is considered; the GTO has it. In stock form it is a jack of all trades, but a master of none, but with a little bit of work it becomes just as good or better than others in it's class.
Old 11-09-2007, 02:48 PM
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They are an amazing deal for the money. I got really lucky, got my with a salvage title completely rebuilt with only 25k on the clock for $10,000 Needless to say the money I saved buying this one has gone strait into mods
Old 11-09-2007, 05:16 PM
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Originally Posted by ArklaTexan
They are an amazing deal for the money. I got really lucky, got my with a salvage title completely rebuilt with only 25k on the clock for $10,000 Needless to say the money I saved buying this one has gone strait into mods
Damn!! That's crazy... Not to threadjack, but what was wrong w/the car??
Old 11-09-2007, 05:37 PM
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I wish the US spec GTO looked that good. They are great cars, the interior/ride/handling reminds me of a BMW, but its got the honkin V8 a BMW doesn't have.
Old 11-09-2007, 05:37 PM
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Originally Posted by mrtosh
Damn!! That's crazy... Not to threadjack, but what was wrong w/the car??
Guy I bought it from was military goin overseas. He bought it from an insurance company. It suffered minor front and rear end damage. It was sandwiched at a light. Air bags did not even deploy. Needed Hood, front bumper, lights, and radiator in front and rear bumper and lights in rear. I was pretty lucky since there was no frame damage and the military guy put an 05/06 hood on it.

I could not be happier.
Old 11-10-2007, 04:27 AM
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Originally Posted by hc8719
I was watching some videos from Top Gear. Surprisingly Jeremy Clarkson actually gave the car some good reviews, and praised its simple raw handling and good price. Now given the car featured in the videos is a Monaro, which itself is a GTO anyways.

Monaro vs Chrysler 300 vs Jaguar
http://youtube.com/watch?v=l-WO1IB9Iqg

Monaro Test Drive (Part I)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=PPpaWpkwr1I

Monaro Test Drive (Part II)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=-7-IW9h8MwAve

Anyone who keeps up with the show, knows that Clarkson hates American and Holden/Vauxhall cars. While the GTO is a bit visually plain, is it really that much fun?
Nice find!! I haven't seen these in a while.
Old 11-11-2007, 11:02 PM
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I just saw these vids..and it honestly makes me like my car even more now
Old 11-13-2007, 10:34 PM
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If the US spec one looked like that, they wouldnt be able to keep them on the self!

But GM ***** up once again




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