What do you guys think of the Pontiac GTO? The 05 model is going to have the same specs as the V and it is 20k less!!!

I test drove it on Saturday and I have to say that I was thoughly impressed.

The GTO has no "toys"(navi, xm, etc.) but does have the most comfortable seats I ever sat in, in ANY car.

I have a deposit on a 05 v but I am thinking of changing over. Your thoughts?

I'll tell ya...I really like the interior of the GTO...leaps and bounds nicer looking than the CTS (hint to GM, yet ANOTHER complaint about the ugly interior of the CTS). I've read many sources that suggest the V is more nimble, plus I like the exterior styling more. SO are you ready to pony up an extra 20K for a similar car? For '04, the GTO was differentiated enough from the V to give Cadillac stellar sales of all Vs produced. In '05, that may be a different story.

If you want a pure muscle car, GTO. If you want an American M5, CTS-V.

You can get your kids to soccer practice alot easier in a V. :D

It all depends on what you want. Just remember, there will be a GTO in every town in America (probably lots of GTO's). As for the "V", does the term "blue moon" mean anything to you.

So yes you pay more, but you get all the extras and exclusivity. ;)

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned styling yet.
The CTS has it in spades. The GTO is like everything else... very bland bodystyle.

When you add the goodies on the V that simply aren't available on the GTO, the V is a bargain in comparison. 14" 4-piston Brembos, tire pressure monitors, moonroof, navigation, On$tar, heated seats, LS6, StabiliTrak, g-meter, etc.....

The GTO is arguably a worthy replacement for the Camaro/Firebird but it is not in the same German sedan fighter class as the V.

For the record, I must be one of the minority that likes the V interior since everyone else hates it. :suspect:

I just got my reflash done today at the local GM dealer and they had a black GTO w/ a 6spd. there. So I'm waiting in the service area shooting it with the tech's and I ask all about the goat. Now these guys see every GM performance car out there and in there opinion the V is leaps and bounds better than the GTO. I guess it comes down to what you prefer, basic cable or digital with the ultra deluxe package????
-Sean

gotta agree with gothicaleigh
its a suped up neon
if you want to save 20K, go for it tho
hell the srt-4 will even go 0-60 under 6 sec.

Come one.. the GTO is a great looking car...
http://www.chevrolet.com/cavalier/images/gallery/Exterior/popup_ext_gallery01.jpg

:histeric:

Thats not far off. Just a little shorter. I checked one out at the local cruise. Great interior. Really tough to get in that back seat. Just like a camaro, a little more leg room though.

If performance specs are all you care about, then the GTO is a better value for sure. That said the GTO rides on a chassis that is a whole generation older than the CTS-V (The old Catera platform actually), and as mentioned above lacks all the goodies and features that make a CTS-V a good value. The GTO's trunk is worthless, the back seats are impossible to get into, and despite being a two door, it weighs almost as much as the V too. The V has a nicer interior (higher quality materials that are more firm and solid to the touch), and comes standard with everything that a GTO doesn't even offer as an option.

I do like the idea of a 2005 LS2 GTO, but the V still appeals to me as the better car all facts considered. AS for styling, I can't say that I love the look of the CTS-V, but a least it makes some sort of s statement, while the GTO just fades into the background and begs to be ignored.

The GTO is a good car, don't get me wrong, but I think the CTS-V is worth the price premium. I think the only thing I can really fault the CTS-V on is the stigma of driving a Caddy, and the fact the interior, while nice, isn't as nice as the Merc CLK or audi S4. Minor criticisms to be sure.

-Adam

"" the stigma of driving a Caddy ""

There is a stigma of driving a Caddy? Would that be a "good" stigma or a "bad" stigma? I dunno, when i was in my 20s & early 30's I aspired to
own & drive a Cadillac. That dream came true in 1988, again in 1993. Then, well I sorta went off to Lincoln, as I wanted RWD. Still own, drive, show and pamper my 9,000 mile '93 Sixty Special, so, I am not aware of any negitive stigma. Maybe positive... :hmm:

i say that both cars are fine. i like the GTO's price range and performance, and i like the CTS' stlying and refinement. both are fine looking in my book. and i should also mention that both cars are exellent performers on the road. but in the end, i would go for the caddy... :D

guys, I must say the the GTO does blend in and to me kind of (I say kind of because this pains even me to say)...looks like a Cavelier or even worse.... a Hyundai or some other vehicle that fits in that category.

Don't get me wrong, I would drive a GTO if 2 doors and a small back seat with excellent GM perfomance were all I cared about. (I had a 98 SS purchased new and sold last year).

For the record I am NOT saying it's an ugly vehicle by any means, again I would drive one, but the simpliest way to put it.....it just does nothing visually to differentiate itself from so may other mid sized 2 doors out there.

Needing a 4 door, I have no choice but to go with the 2005 V.

Not sure why so many people think the interior of the V is ugly, looks fine to me. Have you seem the "busy" dash board in the new Bonneville...? Talk about ugly.

VinMan out

PS: I hope I didn't offend any GTO owners, that was not the point.

"" the stigma of driving a Caddy ""

There is a stigma of driving a Caddy? Would that be a "good" stigma or a "bad" stigma? I dunno, when i was in my 20s & early 30's I aspired to
own & drive a Cadillac. That dream came true in 1988, again in 1993. Then, well I sorta went off to Lincoln, as I wanted RWD. Still own, drive, show and pamper my 9,000 mile '93 Sixty Special, so, I am not aware of any negitive stigma. Maybe positive... :hmm:
Well pretty much every car has some sort of stigma. Being from Florida and living in Georgia now that "stigma" is very much of a 20mph, won't turn off his damn blinker, silver hair, moved to Florida as he waits to die, ready to retire senior. In Georgia the Stigma is "Yo, Gangsta got the Bling! You biatch, check dem spinnas". But hey I own a Trans Am which has a much stronger Red-Neck Stigma so it would be a bit of an upgrade for me :D

Other stigmas:
BMW: Hi I'm a ***** and my car is god, all other cars suck and should get off the road.
Audi: Chris Bangel is the devil, BMW's suck, all other cars are tooo gregarious and lack the all powerful AWD.
Mercedes: (High End) I make $100K a year and believe that makes me rich.
Mercedes (Low End) I make $40K a year but want something that makes me look like I make $100K a year.
Ferrari: Neuvo Rich
Aston: Old Money
Volvo: My wife won't loan me my balls so I can buy something fun.
Pontiac: Hi I'm white Trash!
Dodge Neon: Hi I'm friendly White Trash
Dodge Neon SRT4: Hi I'm an annoying kid that comes from White Trash
Ford: Time to go out into the fields and plant some crops
.
.
.
.
.
I could go on but you get the point, every car has a stigma (good and bad), it just happens that the Caddy stigma is pretty strong down here and the CTS-V is a bit of a break from the mold.

DISCLAIMER: the above was meant as a joke, if I offended you with said joke you really need to step back and reconsider your sensitivitiy levels.

-Adam

You omitted the world's first sport utility wagon, the American Motors (AMC) Eagle Wagon ;)
and the Corvette ! .I think (being serious now) that we are all by-products of our formative teenage years. Growing up, we lived in a very wealthy town, however this town of 20,000 residents also had a poor side (that of course boardered upon a much, much poorer area. We were like a dozen homes over into the wealthy town, so...we had "THE" address, without the typical home and/or income. I recall being 15/16 and watching all the kids of the rich being dropped of at school (Jr & Sr High) in the AM in Dad's & Mom's Cadillacs, Imperials, and Lincolns. Granted, I was a car-nut and these cars impressed me, greatly. I wanted one, as well. The ~HOT~ cars of the day, the muscle cars were okay, but the body temperture only rose a couple of degrees over them. However, when a black LeBaron, Fleetwood or Continential cruised in, I melted. This "stigma" never left me. My 1st car (at age 26 (I earned the $$ for it) was a 1972 Imperial LeBaron, followed by a 1973 Coupe DeVille and since then there have been 4 Imperials, 3 Cadillacs & 3 Lincolns. All through my 20s, 30's, 40's I drove that type of car.
I guess you might say, "First impressions die hard" ~ When I was in my late 20s & early 30's I was always defending my purchase to friends driving the HOT car of the day. Now, that we are all into our 50s, they have caught up to me :D But, I have remained loyal to the domestics, while they are more inarmoured with the German/Japanese/Swedish offerings, to a great extent. I wish Caddy would bring back the Fleetwood name, and that Chrysler would re-enter the luxury class, with a killer car like the rumored Cadillac 16.

You omitted the world's first sport utility wagon, the American Motors (AMC) Eagle Wagon ;)
and the Corvette ! .I think (being serious now) that we are all by-products of our formative teenage years. Totally agree. Growing up in Florida, "nice" cars were fun to drive low utility sports cars and Muscle cars. The "out of towners" and tourist were typically older and drove Caddys & Lincolns.

I guess I'm a young Buck on this site since I'm in my 30's, but I have a history of buying American Muscle cars, and in recent years have really enjoyed more utilitarian cars that are still "fun" Like the Audi S4 and BMW M5. Most of my friends have Bimmers and Mercs in "M" or AMG spec, but with my American performance roots the new CTS-V is tugging on my heart strings like no Caddy has done previously. In that reguard Caddy is doing a good job of pulling me into the fold and away from the Germans. Right now I have a Lincoln Town car as a "Salesman's" beater, a 1998 TA with 0 RWHP (Blew out a wrist pin earlier this summer) and a CBR-600RR rice rocket. The CTS-V would be a good way of getting two cars out of the driveway for me.

At any rate, I moved to Atlanta 6 years ago which is a very superficial "LA wannabe" type town in many ways. Most of the Caddys here are "all Bling'ed out" with 22" rims and Chrome Spinners.

I test drove a GTO several weeks ago and here are my observations:
Remember I own a SRX which is a Sigma based vehicle and GM's most
up to date platform.

The steering was very light. I was expecting more effort. It felt more like a luxury sedan's steering than a GT.

The brakes had long pedal travel and felt a little soft.

The body structure was not in the same league as a Sigma.
It felt pretty good overall but there was some cowl flex when I crossed a curb.

probably not fair to ask a late '90s designed Pontiac to feel like a a new cadillac but I was not blown away by the GTO.

The '05 GTO interests me but the CTS-V is a better vehicle.
The GTO is 17K less, which is a good selling point.

There should be no comparison between the GTO and the V. They are totally different cars that happens to be sold by the same corporation and share the same engine block. Both are great cars in their own right but very differerent in their market segment and category. I prefer the V because of its style, refinement, exclusivity, interior accomodations AND interior. [ I guess I'm in the minority but I love the under stated class of the V's interior.] This car is my perfect car but the GTO is great too, just very different.

I like both the GTO and the CTS-V, but my wallet likes the GTO. You know, most wallets never get to enjoy exclusiveness.

Actually, the STS-V is my choice, but forget about it!!!$$$$!!!$!$$!$

I have read more on the 05 changes for the GTO and really I am shocked.

The only difference (minus styling opinion) now between V and GTO is side airbags, remember seat settings, climate control, bigger trunk w/ rear folding chairs, XM radio, and Onstar.

I really want the V but I don't know if the above is really worth 15k to 20k more :bighead:

I need help making a decsion before I hit the :drinker

Every road test I have seen says the GTO is not in the same class handeling wise as the V. They say the GTO is not a very tight car and you can feel all 3800#;s of it while cornering. Minus out 2 less doors and the DVD/NAV and a few other things, not to mention who says the V will not get a HP bump as well for 06, in fact it MUST get a hp boost in 06.

I have read more on the 05 changes for the GTO and really I am shocked.

The only difference (minus styling opinion) now between V and GTO is side airbags, remember seat settings, climate control, bigger trunk w/ rear folding chairs, XM radio, and Onstar.

I really want the V but I don't know if the above is really worth 15k to 20k more :bighead:

I need help making a decsion before I hit the :drinkerAll I can say is drive them both and you'll quickly see where the difference in price comes into play. The GTO rides on the Older Omega Chassis (i.e. Cadillac Catera), while the CTS-V rides on the Sigma, so the Caddy is a whole generation newer. Plus the Caddy has 4 doors, a real trunk, many more options, nicer materials in both seating and other interio componets, all for about the same weight as the GTO.

Keep in mind too that 2006 will be the last year of this GTO, as GM is making a Zeta platform GTO in 2007, so if you buy a new GTO now expect to see your car depreciate like a rock when the 2007s come out.

This really stinks. I only go in the CTSV section on this board. We are comparing the V to a GTO, ie: some people may be on the fence on spending the extra $$ to buy the V. It is totally V related and very relevant to the V only section. If we had to get our own section because CTS owners wanted their own section, why are you subjecting the entire board to have to read about this in the general section?

Sorry, you guys do a good, yet thankless job, but I think your wrong on this one.

All I can say is drive them both and you'll quickly see where the difference in price comes into play. The GTO rides on the Older Omega Chassis (i.e. Cadillac Catera), while the CTS-V rides on the Sigma, so the Caddy is a whole generation newer. Plus the Caddy has 4 doors, a real trunk, many more options, nicer materials in both seating and other interio componets, all for about the same weight as the GTO.

Keep in mind too that 2006 will be the last year of this GTO, as GM is making a Zeta platform GTO in 2007, so if you buy a new GTO now expect to see your car depreciate like a rock when the 2007s come out.
The GTO is not off the Omega line. And Zeta has been built by Holden.

Its a modified V-Platform right now(yes the catera/omega had this but this version is pretty different)... but soon to be Zeta.. which is a mix of the Sigma and the V platform. By Holden, as AussieHolden said.

Check out these links:

http://www.media.gm.com/division/2005_prodinfo/pontiac/gto/index.html

http://www.honda-acura.net/forums/showthread.php?t=150675

The '05 GTO will be kickin some serious you know what. From all the preliminary reports on the '05 Corvette, this LS2 is about as smooth and docile at idle and low speeds as a BMW, but turns into a giant monster when you hit the gas.

If you really need the heated seats, extra passenger room, and navigation system (I still don't think anyone who needs a navigation system for every day driving should be on the road), the V is for you. If you want pure muscle, performance, and could care less about the frills of a yaw meter and memory seat, the GTO is the way to go.

Aside from the powertrain, the GTO doesn't impress me. It looks well....bland... kind of like comparing a Shelby Mustang to a modern day Mustang....its just not nearly as good looking of a car. and if im riding a car thats as "good" as the GTO is supposed to be, i want to look like it. I want my GTO to be like the old ones; i want a JUDGE. I DON'T want to look like im driving a Chevy Cavalier knock-off. The CTS-V has a N* and thats good for me. Plus, its a Cadillac.

And, IMHO a Pontiac will never, ever carry the stigma that Cadillac carries. And for those who think Caddy has a 'old-man's car' stigma; maybe if im driving a '91 Seville Sedan thats true. But if im driving an '05 CTS-V with a N*, its quite different.

P.S. for those who were offended by my Mustang comments, i will say that the NEW Mustang looks quite impressive (from a visual stand point) compared to the current '04 model. But, i also must say that no matter how good it looks, you will never catch me in a Fix Or Repair Daily car. I'd rather drive a Honda than be caught dead in a Malibu MExx or whatever the hell its called.

Aside from the powertrain, the GTO doesn't impress me. It looks well....bland... kind of like comparing a Shelby Mustang to a modern day Mustang....its just not nearly as good looking of a car. and if im riding a car thats as "good" as the GTO is supposed to be, i want to look like it. I want my GTO to be like the old ones; i want a JUDGE. I DON'T want to look like im driving a Chevy Cavalier knock-off. The CTS-V has a N* and thats good for me. Plus, its a Cadillac.

And, IMHO a Pontiac will never, ever carry the stigma that Cadillac carries. And for those who think Caddy has a 'old-man's car' stigma; maybe if im driving a '91 Seville Sedan thats true. But if im driving an '05 CTS-V with a N*, its quite different.

P.S. for those who were offended by my Mustang comments, i will say that the NEW Mustang looks quite impressive (from a visual stand point) compared to the current '04 model. But, i also must say that no matter how good it looks, you will never catch me in a Fix Or Repair Daily car. I'd rather drive a Honda than be caught dead in a Malibu MExx or whatever the hell its called.
the ctsv does not have a northstar engine.

This Monaro (GTO) car is no knock off from anything. It's in it's 4 series here in OZ. The shape has not been changed, Only updates inside and fron't minor rear very minor.
We have options galor here. Now ponitac only took what they wanted so you can't blame the car blame them. the GTO looks better with no rear wing anyway.
We have millions of ideas pontiac could have took, But didn't. The UK now get the car and have it in 2 versions standard and HSV model that's what pontiac should have done. I'll bring some pics if you guys havent seen them yet.

Is the HSV version the GTO in Australia that was like $50k+ American?

Is the HSV version the GTO in Australia that was like $50k+ American?
Yeah the HSV GTO was about $74,000 OZ$ so yeah i think you right $50K US$
But options it's got the lot and them some. 385HP It's got the lot.

What standrad options does the V have that GTO doesn't ??.
Because if you want to blame someone go to pontiac and tell them, They made teh choice's of what parts options etc. How easy they could have used the HSV body suspension and engine 285kw left the intira standard and made it $8,000 more, Hey the poms did it :)

didn't have time to read through all of your comments, but the GTO is a budget competitor to the CTS-V. I do like the CTS styling more than the GTO's, but it's not an ugly car, certainly better looking then all of the japanese "sports" cars that cost more. but i love the GTO Ram Air 6!!! it has a super charged LS2 (no, not LS1 or LS6), from my source it has over 550bhp and a 7,xxx redline :bighead: , now that should strike fear into the hearts of helpless little cars. and IMO it doesn't look that bad.
http://www.maximum-cars.com/Cars/Pontiac/2004-GTO-RA6/4.jpg

Check out these links:

http://www.media.gm.com/division/2005_prodinfo/pontiac/gto/index.html

http://www.honda-acura.net/forums/showthread.php?t=150675


the later link point to a honda and acura forum. i found a thread there that was somewhat ironic. the guy said that pontiac added the hood scoops because people wanted it to look more performane-y and they didn't really do anything, so pontiac was wrong at putting them there. hhhmmmmm.....that's not what i expected from someone who owns a little honda that probably has alot of unecessary aerodynamic stuff on it :helpless: , what a bunch of hypocrites. but i forgot, spoilers and body kits give u more downforce and traction off the line so u can launch faster, silly me :disappoin

So the hood scoops aren't to feed the Ram Air?
If not there, where does the ram air system draw it's cold air from?
Pontiac usually makes their scoops functional. Like the ugly last generation TransAm scoops. A bit over-stated there, but they had a purpose. Hell, I even think those GrandAms with RamAir have functional hood scoops.

It's a little different than someone tossing an aftermarket hood on a car. But of course, that is what the Honda/Acura boys are probably used to, so I can see their confusion... :p

i'm not saying that those are fake, they're very much real. the honda guys were saying that they're fake.

I herd that the car above is called the judge, With a LS7 in it, And it won't be made for one simple reason, It's faster then the vette, But here are some pics of our New Monaro, And you can see what's comming your way in 2005. :) A keen eye will notice a slight difference to the rear :)

mmmm GTO....

Ive been watching the HSV line for years from the states ....And the aussie V8 supercar series...When i heard they were bringing the monaro over i was exicted , but i hoped for a Mustang GT price , but there keeping it out of my reach for now ....I will wait 2 years and pick up a used one

I dont see why every knocks the way it looks , i love it , and everything about it .....

Good to see they put a beatter looking exaust on it tho .......

Now if ford could bring the Falcon XR8 over or that new Turbo Inline six flacon ...And if chevy could get there hands on the UTE and rename it elcamino life would be good