2004 Pontiac GTO | Retro Review
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ก.ย. 2024
- A future classic if there ever was one. Would you rather own this or a C4 Corvette?
Show 2319 | Original Airdate 01-06-2004
Want to help keep our weekly Retro Reviews alive? DONATE NOW: mptevents.regf...
Follow us on social media:
Facebook ( / motorweektv )
Twitter ( / motorweek )
Instagram ( / motorweek - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
2004 GTO was my first car. She's retired from daily driving duties now, but I still have her sitting in my garage. Don't think I can ever get rid of it.
I've had mine since '07, and I too, can't bring myself to part with it. Such a nice car.
@@jamesborek8125 Bought my 04 new 18 years ago...still looks good. 78000 miles. Keeping it for my son.
A sleeper of a car. Getting rarer to find now locally.
Oh yeah never ever get rid of it. If you wife bugs you, tell her where to go. So many guys dump their nice cars for some family hauler and kick themselves for the rest of their lives. Women are replaceable.
What state are you in
@@tientrinh943 I live in NYC. Garaging this car I no longer daily costs an arm and a leg.
Really hits with the "hopefully GM goes performance shopping down under again" when you consider this and the Chevy SS/Holden Commodore. Both were such flops but could have done so well if GM had done them right.
If GM had advertised them plenty.. But GM only cares about Camaro n Corvette sales so th as that's why..
33
GM should offer HSV GTS n Maloo with LSA V8 that would had better sales plus respect from Americans.
The car was fine.
Between Cafe bullshit and lack of advertising, of course it could have done better.
They DID do well. The problem was the 'ss' wasn't even advertised, and it's a supremely retarded name for a car that held the caprice name in cop car form.
The G8 sold amazingly well before GM pulled the plug to move to China. Even now, a V8 G8 will run you $20k. And the GXP is hitting $35k and up.
I shake my head in disbelief when people dismiss this great car as “not a real GTO” because (a) its clean, handsome styling isn't covered with tacky plastic cladding and (b) it was made by foreigners. Australians like Americans love muscle cars and have been building them for just as long and just as well. This GTO will run rings around any previous version in acceleration, handling, quality, comfort and technology. These are great used car bargains at the moment; buy one before they become collectable (they will) and prices start rising. You won’t regret it! (The same advice goes for this car’s Holden cousin, the Pontiac G8.) Both are driver’s cars in the finest Pontiac tradition.
Wasn't "foreign" that was the problem... it was the high price and Chevy engine and bland company car looks and small trunk...
The Pontiac GTO, Pontiac G8 and Chevrolet SS. Three amazing Australian cars that were let down by General Motors. The brand that made this car sadly no longer exists.
GM has let down a lot of cars. Like the camaro...twice. speaking of... the 2010 camaro was made with a very high percentage of Australian parts because they were so much better. Not sure how much of that percentage changed after the 5th gen tho.
Also the Solstice and the Saturn Sky
Unfortunately imo GM has made so many corporate errors like this they now have one foot in the grave imo. And the current management will bury them altogether.
@@smiddysmidton8313 I believe so too. Even during the bailout, they should have kept pontiac and dropped the highest trims of the chevy versions, and made the pontiac cars as the highest trim version of those cars. And on top of that, drop the lower trims of GMC and the higher trims of chevy. So for instance you could get a base model silverado, an LT, but drop the LTZ and make that the Sierra, and then have the Sierra Denali. They sell a base model silverado AND a base model Sierra...which the base Sierra is like $3k more and has absolutely nothing over the base silverado. So who would even bother looking at one?
Don't forget they were going to bring the Ute to the US too as a Pontiac.
These cars had high quality interiors back in the day. I remember being really impressed. Also the 6.0s with the Ram Air hood were pretty fast for the time!!
I've owned basically every sports/muscle car from the 90's up. The GTO had the most comfortable seats by far. Only one that comes close is the Challenger. The 6.0L was limited by the bacon strips GM called tires, but once off the line, it would run right with a bolt on LS1 Fbody or C5 corvette.
@@316Autos I've owned both and the challengers seats don't even come close to the GTOs. The Goat has Volvo level seats. I'm sure that is subjective though.
it destroyed the mustang when it came to stats gm had a golden egg and they blew it 3 times
@@LukeKraus360 GM has this really bad habit of not advertising sports cars, like at all. Most people don't even know that the 16+ Camaro is completely redesigned from the 09-15 Camaro. I am a car guy and I never knew what the Chevy SS was.
@@316Autos Very true. They barely advertised the 4th gen F-body and those were the sleek performance bargains of the planet. Basically some ads in 1993,1994 and 1998. The GTO and later Chevy SS were almost hidden.
I miss my 2006 GTO M6. What a wonderful car, thank you Australia!
22
As an Australian, I wish my country still produced such cars.
As an Australian, this makes me proud
Australia doesn't have auto industry anymore
@@ricomartinez2869 Thanks Sherlock, this was from 2004, thus we did.
Nice !
6
Yes, very proud!
But we didn't really like the GTO nose or rear spoiler, and thr VY SS rims in 17" didnt work either.
I had one of these and regret selling it. It was such a smooth riding vehicle, with plenty of power. I liked how no one knew what it was. Often mistaking it for a Grand Am or Grand Prix.
45
I wished I owned one, and wanted to buy one around 2004, but the look is why it flopped.
I swear people must only know those 2 makes of pontiac.
@@theforgottenorg I love the look, but I guess it’s because I’m more into import sport car styling than American muscle
You liked how people thought it was a Pos Grand Am/Prix? 🤔
I own and still daily drive my 2006 Pontiac GTO.
115,000 miles and holding up rather well🤗
I had an '05 Goat loved it. Unfortunately the 4L65E tranny was the weak spot. Had the dreaded no 2/3 shift.
You are correct about the Automatic transmission. Mine failed at 32,000 miles when the AT cooler which runs through the radiator leaked antifreeze in the transmission. Put in a new radiator and had the auto rebuilt by a professional and so far so good. Here in Scottsdale Arizona I like the 6.0 GTO because it looks so ordinary but it's like a USA/ Australian M3🙂
That's awesome. While not a DD, I have my '05 sitting around 56K. I'll never part with it. I have other fast cars and such, but that one is my special one. I know that IF I did part with it, I'd regret it haha. You probably already know this but, find an extra rear-end for the GTO on eBay before they're all gone. I had to replace mine, but more because it did sit for a bit.
@@pjcornell9691 It's a classic for sure.
32
Thank you for once again sharing more GM footage. It is often appereciated. You miss Pontiac and Holden after watching this.
13
Holden was only killed off two years ago but it feels like ages.
I ordered a 2005 in 2005, with the autocross kit. Had to wait until early 2006 to take delivery. I still have this car , it sits in my garage with a battery maintainer etc.
Drive it..
40
@@P71ScrewHead I have 56K on it. I do drive it. Sparingly. 😁
@@stephenmontgomery5807 Sounds good man, kick that gas pedal..lol
@@stephenmontgomery5807 how much would it be to get rid of it? Or put it in auction?
Back in 2004/5 , my favorite Need For Speed Underground 2 car , good times!
19
Yup!
@@aidaaliten8817 what are all those numbers you are throwing out for?
YES!
I purchased one back in 2004 when I was 19. A lot of road trip memories were had in this car. I had a phantom black/ red interior M6. It was fun, but I was mostly surprised at 29 mpg highway! A real performance bargain at the time.
At 19? Damn, how was that insurance?
@@thefuzzypickle8277 Insurance was stupid expensive! But cheaper than some other performance alternatives at the time. Like the 03 Cobra, Evo 8 to name a couple.
I’m sure that was a fun car for 19. My first car at 16 and had until I was 21 was a Volvo 850 GLT😂
Even though it's a rebadged Holden Monaro from Australia mate.
@Spectacular Spectacular Since it's made in Australia and it's technically a Holden Monaro and not a real GTO like the originals.
Very very happy with my 2004 M6 with Blue on Blue! 120,000mi and still feels brand new, rides great, and has excellent build quality!
42
@@aidaaliten8817 huh?
Wrong video bro.
@@MitchZero9 🤡 He's in the right place.
@@aidaaliten8817 Marked for spam.
I had always wanted the GTO, but I was a early 20's broke boy, so i just ended up with beaters. I now, at almost 37 have a '17 WRX, but I'd still trade it for a GTO. Those seats and gauges were amazing, even today.
I'm in my early 40s. I remember wanting one of these when I was in my 20s, and I still do. Maybe one day
youre better off with the wrx I promise
@@jordansimon6070 I do love my WRX so much.
@@jordansimon6070 lol
@@renobloodworth5601 Head gasket
They fell short with the exterior but the interior of these was really nice. Especially when compared to other GM cars of that era. The performance and handling was also really good
I owned a 2005 - and the interior was really solid, very compariable to a Cadillac CTS. That's what I owned back to back to back, a 07 CTS -> 05 GTO -> 08 CTS (new model), and the GTO held up really well in ride and quality. As for handling, it was fine for a car like this, again, I'd compare it to the CTS, which isn't a bad thing if you know anything about the CTS, but I certainly wasn't going to think I was in my Corvette or later BMW M-sport. Overall I really liked the car, I just got bored of the styling, it was so bland, I just bored looking at it and got another CTS.
I loved the exterior, and I think it's aged nicely. Very undersated which was nice after so many years of fwd base model pontac family sedans that looked like they wanted to scream at you going 100mph but could only manage a polite "excuse me" as the struggled to hit 80. Just really cool to finally see a pontiac badge on something fast and clean. The later GTPs G8s G6 and the 05 bonnevilles all cleaned up really well too for that matter.
@@BigWheel. if you love this exterior, you probably think a Camry is too stylish for you. But I will agree it's aged well, it doesn't look as generic now as it did at the time. Again, I owned one, really liked it outside of the boring looks.
@@BigWheel. Its still a rebadged Holden Monaro from Australia mate
I own a 03 Cobra and want one of these someday. 6.0 and 6 speed. I agree the interior is very good compared to most back then.
I had the 04' M6 with LT headers, full exhaust, CAI and tune and I absolutely loved it! what a blast to drive and race with. I sold it back in 2012 when I moved down south and I still think about it from time to time.
30
how many hp does it put into the dyno?
@@americantrucking6843 its rated at 400 bhp with an ls2. Anywhere between a 15-20 percent drivetrain loss would be 350ish whp
I drove one of these before I knew it was an Australian Holden. After having driven plenty of Pontiacs before, I could tell by the feel of the interior and the warning chimes that something was different about this car. Wasn't sure if they just gave it a bit more attention because it was the infamous GTO or what was going on, but now I see... it was a Holden all along. Recently almost bought one of these instead of the car I have now. Only reason I passed on it was cause the car I was looking at was a bit too rough around the edges for what I was looking for. Passed on a Marauder for the same reason.
If you're looking to get one, find some facebook groups to join. Peeps sell decent ones there all the time.
My grandma has a 2004 marauder that has 8,500 miles and is mint. She is looking to sell it for the right price 😏
@@Dave-dh7rt Hope she gets it sold for the right price, that is one MEAN car, I was REALLY close to pulling the trigger on the cheap one I was looking at, despite it having a collapsed air suspension, high miles, and a rough paint job and interior. But I'm happy with my Ecoboost Lincoln MKS which is basically just a Taurus SHO in a tux.
@@man_on_wheelz And still as every bit as overpriced as a Tarus Sho.
@@CJColvin When it was new it was pretty expensive, yeah, especially for 10 less HP than the SHO but it is admittedly a really nice and nicely equipped car for a 2010, which I bought well used, so it didn't cost me all that much in comparison. However, unlike the SHO, my car is more of a sleeper since nothing about it's appearance screams "I can go from 0-60 in 5.4 seconds" unless you get the one with the Ecoboost appearance package which mine does not have.
This car was so dope, the 6.0 just made it even better.
Right! gm has a bad habit of fixing what's wrong with a car right at the end smh lol
A bland jelly bean.
12
@@mikek5298 I doubt anything made in the USA at the time was any better
@@mikek5298 that’s why I liked it. Sleeper.
This is the first car I really dreamed about, the 04 model was great, but the 05-06 were truly beautiful.
The 2005 Mustang retro styling was this car biggest problem, the aerodynamic GTO couldn’t do much against the squared Ford nostalgia, the 2005 hood redesign, twin exhausts and 6.0L V8 helped but it wasn’t enough.
In a perfect world, GM would still be building these as a larger than Camaro, Challenger-rivaling muscle car/grand tourer.
I bought a new GTO in '04, test drove the Mustang when it came out and was disappointed how little torque it made compared to the GTO.
@@IceTTom The ugliest Mustang ever made, now with a voided warranty!
@@joconnell3473 The New Edge is the ugliest Mustang? Have you seen that rebaged 1974 Pinto they tried to pass off as a Mustang?
@@hakeemsd70m but that was technically a Mustang II, I stick with my claim.
@@joconnell3473 Doesn't matter what they call it, it was still a Pinto coupe, a firecracker piece of sh!t. It was ugly, slow, and the Cobra II could probably be outran by a Country Squire of the same vintage.
When these were going out of production and things were slowing down for Pontiac in general, I had a dealer offer me one of the later LS2 versions, new, for $30K even, before tax, tag and title. I wish now that I'd gotten it.
You can get a nice used one for about that price, that's practically new. They've been stagnant in price for years thanks to other muscle cars coming out.
@@Lrules364 wdym? They have shot up in the past year or 2 lol
@@sling__sh0t909 the 04s go for high teens low twenties for low mileage ones
@@musclecarenjoyer I know I bought a 06 about 7/8 months ago
Always really liked these. Great looks and decent interior. I read the 6.0L made this car better to drive.
I owned and '05 and the interior was excellent - and I've owned Caddy's and BMW's, so I know what a good interior is. Excellent, big, heavy, thick leather seats. The headunit is just a radio, so in today's world, you pull it out, put it in the closet and install a Carplay unit and you got something that feels very modern. The exterior is why I traded it in on a CTS back in 08, because it was just so boring looking, like a big Grand Am. It's aged decently, but mainly because all the Grand Am's have broken down and are in junkyards, so you don't see them everywhere. Had Pontiac made these look more interesting and special, they'd had sold a lot more. On the engine, I wouldn't say the 400hp 6.0 made it 'better' to drive, as a heavier engine pretty much always means worse handling (slightly in this case), but the extra 50hp and 50tq made a very noticeable difference once you were moving.
Bought one off the showroom floor in December 2004. It was an automatic with the Yellowjacket color. It was 1 of about 700 in that color combination. I took it several days later and had a sunroof cut in; my car was the second GTO in St. Louis with a sunroof cut in. Car was quick. Ran 14's at Gateway Raceway across the river with me driving. Fun car!!
Dropping the 5.7 in 2004 and then the better more powerful 6.0 just one model year later was a HUGE slap in the face.
34
Yes, it kinda was. But I'm thankful they did it when they did. Because we had 2 full years of LS2 goodness before GM stupidly pulled the plug on their only muscle car at the time.
Here in Australia the Monaro initially came out with the 5.7 in 2001 so that is the reason why you only had the 5.7 for a year. It just happened that you got the GTO late in its first generation cycle.
I miss my 2005 cyclone gray GTO. It was my first V8. The 05-06 GTOs looked more aggressive with the updated hood and rear end. I bought it for about 15k back in 2015 and had so much fun with it. RIP Pontiac :(
Except the 04 to 06 GTOs we're rebadged Holden Monaros from Australia not made by Pontiac like the old school GTOs were.
@@CJColvin dk why that matters so much. holden is gm. chevy is gm. pontiac is gm. therefore, gm still did their shit w this car and ofc failed the ppl w marketing
@charles synowiec Then why didn't it revived the Pontiac brand then?
I can't think of any other car that offered a manual as an UPCHARGE option. And this was still during an era where manuals were produced fairly regularly.
I believe that mostly had to do with the importing of parts. Not something GM was proud of at the time.
Might have ended up being cheaper if it meant avoiding the gas guzzler tax
There's others. Challenger is a current example.
I bought an IBM 2004 GTO back in 2009 and I still have it with 97,000 mi on it. It's in the midst of a nose to tail refresh and upgrade blitz. A friend of mine thinks I may have the best maintained one in the country for its mileage. There is no rust on my undercarriage, all sensors have been replaced, the doors have been cleaned out and rebuilt etc etc. If I was going to list everything that's going on with this car it would take up 10 paragraphs, at least.
Holden did some silly things with the engineering of the car and I have worked those out. I think when I'm done it should weigh less than 3600 lb.
Someone gave me a ride in one of these, threw me back in my seat. Was stupid fast but looked so understated.
I had an 09 gt with exhaust and 4.10s. I use to give this guy a good run with a 6.0 gto. I would jump him off the line and hold him out for a good bit but that 3v just can't compete with the ls2 top end. He would run me down for sure. The pontiac GTO, Grand Prix GXP, and bonneville GXP was some of the coolest cars in the mid 2000s.
Except the GTO was a rebadged Holden Monaro from Australia 🇦🇺
If GM would’ve made those GXP/GTPs, Monte Carlo SS, and all those 5.3/3.8sc fwd cars rear wheel drive they would have been so much more appreciated, they’re practically forgotten now and it’s tough to keep a damn transmission in them lmao
So nostalgic. This guy is the voice of my childhood.
I was looking at an 06 gto. I'm old now and went with a g8 gt. No regrets!! Awesome car
When this first came out I thought it was generic looking as hell. Loved the performance but good lord, BOOOOOORING looking.
17ish years later, this car stands out on the road now. Not the greatest looking but it does look sleek and I’d be proud to own or be seen in one. Very cool car!
Funny, I bought an '05 late that year and thought the same thing. Now when I look at pictures of my goat it looks better than ever. Funny how times and taste changes.
But not as cool as the Old school GTOs considering this is a rebadged Holden Monaro from Australia mate.
@@floridaman2528 Still looks bland and boring compared to the original GTOs.
@@CJColvin The 1966/67 GTO is pretty much unbeatable in the looks department IMO
@@rickhunter6513 Yep you got it brother.
I’ve owned quite a few different cars and my 04 GTO is probably still my favorite I had.
Ahhh I love the GTO. One of the best musclecars of modern days. Sleek, powerful, reliable, cheap, so much fun.
Yet still a rebadged Holden Monaro from Australia mate
@@CJColvin Hey the Monaro was a damn good car.
@@hakeemsd70m We already know that but all I'm saying is this is a Holden Monaro from Australia 🇦🇺 not a real Pontiac GTO.
@@CJColvin according to my title it reads Pontiac gto and i'll refer to it as such, its not any less real then your ego. please continue to let everyone know what they already knew its a great car plagued with people that love to call it out particularly keyboard warriors. If you were a real stickler you would have informed people that it was built in Elizabeth Australia by holden but that would still be common knowledge as it's clearly stated on the door vin sticker and its a dead giveaway vins that start with a 6.
@@LouieTH-cam Whats the vin number between the Holden Monaro and GTO mate!!!!
2004 was a good year for Pontiac....I loved the Bonneville GXP with the Northstar that was also introduced for 2004. That thing sounded wonderful with the low rumble and was pretty quick for how large it was. Loved the suede/leather combo seats. I liked both the GTO and Bonneville but I'd take the Bonneville for the space
YoloSwag no one really knew much about that Bonneville. It was huge with a million buttons on the dash but it was a sweet car nonetheless. Engine was nice but very unreliable. If I could find one with low miles I'd buy immediately
@@kevinharris1462 A 2004 Northstar should be way more reliable than earlier versions. 2004 is the year GM fixed the head bolt issue. I would do anything to find a clean 2004-05 Bonneville GXP. They are rare cars, as are all final-gen Bonnevilles, because GM only sold 12,000 Bonnevilles period from late 1999 (for the 2000 model year) to 2005.
@@hakeemsd70m I agree bro. I had a 04 GXP in Metallic Gray and I had no issues. Unfortunately they only let me keep it for a month and then I had to take it back and get something newer. Got a 07 Monte Carlo same color with only 16k miles in Jan 08
The only problem was that the Ford Crownvic and Mercury Grand Marquis were more reliable and robust than the Bonneville with the Northstar V8 and plus the Bonnevilles from the 2000s never looked as beautiful as the Bonnevilles from the 1960s.
I always thought it was odd that they put the Northstar in the Bonneville and the bigger, more powerfull LS4 in the smaller Grand Prix which they then paired with a weaker transaxle.
I worked at a Pontiac dealer back in 2006 for the summer during college and remembered riding and also driving one of these Pontiac GTOs. I really liked it. It was a sleeper and was a well made car. I wish GM used more from Holden in the US like the Caprice and Commodore. I know there was the G8 and the Chevy SS but more of the family sedans.
Could imagine Americans would be boosting all the v6 base model commodores with the buick v6 3.8L 😂
The Caprice was sold as a fleet vehicle at the same time they were selling the SS
I miss Pontiac so much. I drive a Pontiac Vibe everyday.
If all goes well, my 2005 Vibe will be good for another 10 years. 😁
We all do man. We did what we could to try to save the brand, but obams, his car czars, and 'new GM' all had their hands already in china's honey pot, and Pontiac was an American brand that stood for freedom. Can't have that when the NWO takes over with it's Chinese money.
No, you drive a Toyota Matrix
They had a chance to really make a splash with this and they came up short with styling, really short. It had that late 90's oval styling.
23
Well, thats how the Monaro was designed for its market (Australia) and its still gorgeous today.
That platform and basic design goes back to 94~ish as a Opel/Vauxhall before Holden done their thing with it and released it as the VT Commodore in 97.
Australia didn't like the GTO treatment either. It screwed the lines.
It reminds me of the 1990 Chevy Beretta on the outside.
The car that its based on, came out in 97, so no surprise that it looks like its from the 90's.
Yep you got it brother and not to mention that it nothing but a rebadged Holden Monaro from Australia as well (meaning not a real Pontiac nor a real GTO like the old GTOs were).
I’ve got a black one! My aunt got it new when it released and it’s still just as fast and beautiful as back then!
I Love everything about this GTO, especially the Halogen Headlights !
Never had any trouble seeing exactly what I needed to see in the dark AND was almost never blinded by LED headlights and LED Eye-Piercers on nearly every single building. We're talking penitentiary grade lighting which is overkill.
A few random thoughts. The original 1964 GTO was rather plain compared to later versions as well. The 389 was not a small block. I can’t believe it’s been 18 years already. Thank you for sharing.
These cars made lots of noise back in the day! With all the goodies, I almost bought one!! I was holding out for my current BABY,, GT500, these cars are starting to come up in value!! Rest In Peace Pontiac!!
39
They're actually a rebadged Holden Monaro from Australia mate and they're made in Australia as well.
@@CJColvin ok ok ok we get it it's a rebadged holden monaro from Australia smh
@@CJColvin Yessssss I knew this,, still a great rebadged product!! I wanted a blue one soo badly!! It had a 6.0 !! Thanks
@@ricardocorbie6803 Nice, just not as beautiful looking as the original (considering it isn't a real Pontiac).
Been waiting on this from the official MotorWeek channel lol
21
Ahh fond memories of my 2006😁😁. I had the LS2 6.0. It was always in Launch mode. When you put it in drive the suspension would squat so it could hook up and blast off. You will not find a better interior in any car. Thank you Australia!!!!
I bought an '05 IBM in late '05, loved the car but was not crazy about the styling. I modded with a TVS supercharger, heads, blower cam, CF drive shart, 1,000 hp axle stubs and hubs, detroit true-track, pedders track suspension, and more. Daily drove it for 72k miles, and never had an issue. Sold it in 2013. But I think I like the styling better now than when I had it.
Actually, it does look better now. I did like the styling then too but when I see one now It just looks good next to all these boring ass cars and suv's lol
I had an 04… very cool car. GM has made too many mistakes over the years to ever get my $ again.
41
This car was (and still is) my Go-to car in need for speed underground 2!
That's the reason why I bought mines 😌
Still have my 04 with only 32,000 miles. Love it
These are still loved and sought after here in the Gulf countries.
Although they're called the Chevy Lumina SS Coupe.
Great retro review.
Real pity that GM got out of RHD countries, and killed off the Holden division in Australia.
Commodore production ended at the factory in
Adelaide, South Australia, in late 2017…
After the GFC in 2008, things changed in a huge way, due to the Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in 2009.
After this, GM USA were a different company, and some poor decisions were made.
Holden Australia had great ideas etc, which often involved exporting to many OS locations, but these were sadly, frequently killed off, and not supported or funded by GM USA… 😩
Same can be said for the European Opel and Vauxhall, both brands shared a lot with Buick in recent years and even Pontiac, Chevrolet and Cadillac in the past, selling them to the French PSA that same year was a suicide move, unless lower sales in Europe was GM's ultimate goal....sad.
GM owned Opel since 1926 or 29 !
Had an 05 PBM and it was nothing but problems...broken motor mounts, saggy rear springs, alignment issues with bad radious rod bushings, drive axle and rear end issues..interior started falling apart..I have very different memories of this car...sold it cheap..still have a custom car cover and rear Holden lights for it..thanks for the reminder to sell them..
54
Crazy, I had an '05 PBM, modded the heck out of it but never had one issue over 72k miles. Who knows.
My dad borrowed one from work when I was in 1st grade (he always got gm company cars), and I remember being really excited when we took off from stop lights. It may not have been the strongest attempt, but it was a really cool car to 1st grade me.
Truly hated this car back in 2004 !
It's was so frustrating to see Pontiac discontinue the Trans Am & 2 years later throw this in our faces...
that trans am was a piece of shit compared to the gto
@@orion5813
Why do you think that ?
A guy I worked with had an 06 6.0 one of these. He put a supercharger on it. We’d go to lunch in it every now and then. That thing really moved.
Thank you Holden for making great cars
Agreed. Thank you Holden and Pontiac for making these outstanding cars!
Nice 1/4 mile test numbers Motorweek!
One of my favorite cars of all time. Sadly I was never able to obtain one but still see a rare few on the road
Red and yellow are my favorite exterior colors on these. The exterior styling was aggressive, but was a bit too aerodynamic for the GTO name. These are bound to become popular collector cars in the next 5-10 years.
still one of my dream cars, despite it not being anything like the original and my friend claims it looks like a Grand Am or Grand Prix....
Bought my 2004 in 2006 with 6k miles on it. Still have it 16yrs later w/41k miles and will never part with it. Yes it is understated in the looks but I like that about it. Most people have no idea what it is. The value is also climbing because there aren't really that many. They are imho the last simple V8 powered coupe made. Today you have so many modes and nanny's that get in the way. The GTO has traction control but it is either on or off. That is it.
Bought my 04 in early 2008. Still have it 14 years later. Modified to my liking. Original owner had a sunroof installed when new.
I was in middle school when these came out , I saw one in a dealership and fell in love with em.
I was sleepin on these during my teenage years, having been smitten by the Cobras of that era. The fact that the ls2 is putting out as much power as the supercharged 4.6l is astounding. Take my money.
Man I miss reviews like this. As straight-forward and informative as it gets.
I bought my 04 GTO Impulse Blue 6 speed manual about a year ago and I’ve loved every minute behind the wheel.
I had a red 04. I hate I ever sold it. You can build the heck out of the ls. It’s bullet proof.
It was a shame these didn't really take off in the US. Still it was good to see people there appreciating an Aussie car. GM and the powers that be over here pulled out of manufacturing over here and Holden having an Aussie built car on their list of vehicles. As much as people loved Holden here they weren't having that. Holden tried to keep going as an outlet for imported cars, mostly from Korea, it went down like a lead balloon. The brand was closed down about a year after that. GM is still here in a much reduced capacity, I think they sell their large pickups, Camaro and Corvette here. Or try to.
Well if it had retro styling to match its performance then it would've sold servely well mate.
I owned a 2004 Pulse Red with automatic. I racked up 90,000 miles in four years without any issues with it. One of the best cars I ever owned.
I miss my 2004 GTO ... I was able to push my 2004 GTO to a 13.7 @ 106mph at Atco ...
I wish they would have brought the Holden UTE over. I do believe it would have sold well.
Bought my GTO new in 04 and still have it. Love it so much! Getting all the upgrades now. Paid 600 a month then, now I refuse to pay that for a new car 😂
My pops still has his 05 GTO M6 in this same red. Definitely still gets attention when he takes it out.
I love the G8 GTO siblings. Smooth and fast!!
16
They're rebadged Holdens from Australia mate
I remember buying a 6M limited color leftover in early 2005 for 25,500 brand new. Now you can't get much for 30k
I still daily drive mine, 2006 m6, got it brand new Dec. 2nd, 2005. Has a little over 214k on it now.
How has reliability been over the 214k miles. I had mine for 72k miles and never had one issue.
@@floridaman2528 Over the years it has done regular maintenance, when it was closer to 200k had the transmission rebuilt, cracked radiator, have recently replaced worn out bushings, and recently put a new water pump in it, etc, but overall it has been super reliable! Biggest hassle was when it was new and no one really knew the suspension sucked stock, so took awhile to figure out how to dial that in, after multiple warn out tires. Overall, a solid LS car! Can be a little tough to track down some parts as they do not make them anymore also, such as the power steering rack, had to find a used one when it needed to be replaced.
Always loved these. I still want one, but the prices are going up again.
When I was training in the US Navy, I promised myself if I completed the training, I could use my enlistment bonus as a down payment on a sports car. I ended up getting the 2004 Pontiac GTO in black with grey interior and the 6 speed manual transmission. 6 traffic stops including one arrest later, it was the best car I have ever owned.
The 389 wasn't a small block. It had the same basic block as a 455, 400, 428, 421, 326, 350, even the original 287. And while a 60's GTO will not handle with today's cars it was considered to be one of the best handling muscle cars from the era, just behind the 442. My son owns an '06 and I own a 69. Both are beautiful cars. Parts are getting a little hard to find on the 06 though.
I want to go back to the early 2000's so bad that it's unreal.
Pontiac and Holden don't exist anymore but they left us good memories!
I would love one of these. At the time it was so fast!
15
Love John’s MC Hammer pants
business casual JNCOs
9
I can't believe all the love for these cars today. When they came out there was a lot of hate at the time. I kinda wanted one but only because you couldn't buy a trans am.
This really was a much better car than sales numbers would have you believe. It’s a shame we will never see cars like this again. And it’s because everyone snubbed their collective nose at it in 2004. And only because GM couldn’t turn the clock back to 1969.
This truelly is a drivers car, german engineering, american engine, manufactured in australia, marketed in usa. Alright. :)
10
@ICEYOU The car is actually an Opel, before it becomes a Holden.
Ever heard of Opel Commodore, Opel Insignia?
How about Opel Ascona? another car, another Holden was based on?
Holden was never a truely Australian car.
my friendjust got a yellow one with 77K, he drove 2hrs to get it… im happy for him
Finally...... They did a retro review on the GOAT!! I've been waiting!!! 😁👍
I love my 2004 Monaro. It can whip muscle cars from the 60's and 70's, is smooth and comfortable, and is free of excess electronic interventions.
I loved mine. Sold it for something more practical. But still a gem. And they have held their values. I’d like another one. I prefer the 2004 5.7. I don’t like the hood scoop
I miss Holden Australia.
The 2005 and 2006 were better. The mild exterior was a big miss for most people back then. If it started out like the 2005 it might have been a bigger success. Though you could still find new 2006 models for sale on the lot 2 year later.
I liked them all and am still sad that Pontiac is no more.
I guess the car was good to drive but just didn't look good. If people looked at the book past the cover, they would've liked the car right?
I love how the purists and fan boys carry on about how boring this body style was. The rest of the 04 Pontiac line-up was so awesome and desirable. I'll take a Aztek, Bonneville, Grand Am, Grand Prix, Montana or a Sunfire thanks.
😆
😂
Grand Ams are rust bucket junks. I've had 2 still have a 2002 GT that has the rear bumper rusted out from the frame, might be the end of the line for it at 93k miles.
It's amazing how far transmissions have come since 2004. My 22 VW Arteon is heavier and only has 300HP yet goes 0-60 in 4.8 seconds thanks to launch control and an 8 speed, dual clutch automatic. This GTO has 350 HP, is lighter, and only goes 0-50 in 5.4 sec.
Damn this brought me back. I bought the 2005 400 hp. I miss the car though it did have problems with the rear wheels. I ended up getting the wheel and rim warranty from the dealer and it didn't disappoint. I think I replaced the rear left tire 4 times during ownership. Other than that loved it. If I had to buy it again I would have def went for the 6 speed not the 4 speed.
And eighteen years later, you can pick up a hot hatch four banger that’s just as fast and has far superior handling. My how times have changed
I own a 2004 with a LS3 forged 418 that will be going up for sale in a few month..sadly. I am the original owner and love this car. But I am 54 and it’s a gnarly NA beast now. 563/508 and time for me to move on. But I sure did enjoy the last 18 years.
How Much you selling it for? Do you live in Cali?
@@slowgoat6089 I live in Little Rock, Arkansas. As far as price. Well I say this…I still have a mishimoto radiator, Tuff Stuff water pump and DSS 1000 hp axles. Plus going to get Aussie gears and replace those. Installing new leather seats, arm rest and steering wheel leather and headliner. Then I am repainting the car but not until I weld/fill the trunk holes. Get my rims cleaned up/ fix curb rash. So as you see..I have some work to do. I just installed a complete brand new top end and cam in November 2021. So price would be a private matter until see what I think it’s worth if you get what I’m saying. But it will be going up for sale and someone will get a damn good GTO.
18 years ago wow 2004 feels like it was only yesterday time really files
i love how the intro just shows a Pontiac Grand Prix
And yet for less money- the '04 VW R32 was sooo much of a better can in soo many ways. With a few simple mods- intake/cams/ecu/exhaust- could run 13.1@105mph all day long. Resale values show it as well. Several R32 owners sold- bought a Porsche, then sold the Porsche and re-bought an R32.
But would those mods add cost then?
@@zzoinks Sure- but the R32 was cheaper than the stick GTO from the start.
Totally different driving experiance that I doubt anyone cross shopped.
My dad was selling cars back when this came out, we test drove it, and I was to young to understand how dope this was. It just looked way to Pontiac to really make it stand out. After our modern day Renaissance with the retro muscle remakes, like the challenger, charger, camero, a new gto would be dope. And with the new GM motoros, this thing would be such a great sleeper.