The Pontiac GTO took a very long hiatus after fourth-generation production ceased at the end of the 1974 model, with buyers having to wait three decades before another car bearing this iconic name would reappear. The fifth and final generation was a goat of a very different breed, as this one was the first offering that wasn’t based on a domestic Pontiac of some sort. Beginning in 2004, a rebadged Australian-built coupe known as the Holden Monaro carried the GTO torch in the U.S., lasting for only three years before the beloved three-letter-moniker was retired permanently. Located in Van Nuys, California, this 2005 model here on eBay is a one-owner example, with just 46,000 miles of travel. So far, 19 bids have taken the price up to $8,600.
Although the return of the GTO created excitement for the muscle car fanbase, a couple of things were working against the car becoming a massive success story. The biggest issue was probably cost, with a 2004 price tag of more than $34,000 alienating many potential buyers. Some folks also thought the styling was too conservative, although I recently spotted one of these cruising the streets of my town, and found the looks captivating. This one’s wearing bright paint known as the Yellow Jacket color, with the excellent exterior presentation a testament to the owner’s claim that this cool Pontiac has often sat in his garage when it’s not being driven.
For the 2004 model, the GTO was equipped with a 350 horsepower, 5.7-liter LS1 engine, the same V8 that powered the Chevrolet Corvette at the time. However, buyers who waited until 2005 got the LS2, which increased the size to 6.0 and raised HP to 400, quite a satisfying number for the period. The seller says this car still runs smoothly, plus he confirms it’s always been well-maintained. A 6-speed manual transmission was available, although a 4-speed automatic takes care of shifting duties here.
Pontiac provided some sporty front buckets including GTO lettering stitched into them, with the condition of the black interior here still appearing pretty good overall. The biggest eyesore inside is a few areas where some seams on the seats have come apart, and hopefully, a talented upholsterer can sew everything back together without having to replace any material. For a mid-2000s return, I think Pontiac did a decent job with the GTO, and find this 2005 model more than deserving of wearing the renowned name. What are your thoughts on this one?
Always liked these, having had the same powerplant/trans (similar suspension?) in the wife’s 2006 Trailblazer SS-3. The price may have been part of the issue but IMO it looked too much like the rest of their siblings, and the SUV craze was really starting to take hold-then add that GM has a propensity to work and develop and get a car really dialed in just before discontinuing it.
Nice one, Mike! I’m normally not a huge fan of GM’s yellow, but I think it looks great here, and no reserve on this one! This car with a six-speed manual would be hard to beat. I wonder how much higher the bids would be if it had a manual?
Are you sure about that? Today, only a small percentage of people can drive a stick. New car manufacturers seemed to have figured that out. I agree, a manual is the best way to have fun, but I come from a dying generation.
Agree … my “Z” is a six and my Hard Body is a five … the wife’s Buick is an auto … but I made my girls learn on the stick “just in case” … now one will only buy a stick … there are still some who know the value of the clutch …
These are good cars. Good looking, fast, and fun.
The AutoCheck report shows two owners, one from ’05 to ’09 and the other from ’09 on.
And for a car like this, longer term ownership history would be important to me if I were looking. More chances that the car was well maintained and less likelihood that the car was excessively beat on.These are fun little cars, but all too often they’re run hard and put away wet.
I’ve owned an 06, relatively stock (shifter, exhaust, gauges) and my current highly modified 05 (same plus cam, heads, headers, etc.) Both with the 6speed Tremec.
The 06, driven sanely could achieve 30 mpg highway, not too shabby for 400 hp.
The 05 is one that demands your attention and respect. Dyno’d at 475 rwhp, it’ll Easily break loose at hard throttle up to 3rd gear, w/the traction control on…
This yellow car is nice, but as others have stated the automatic wasn’t popular, although Howard might disagree!
The gauge pods on top of the dash, if purchased from Australia are pricey, but really up the cool factor.
With no reserve, I’ll keep an eye on this one
Not sure why this is on BF. At this point it’s just a regular used car. Nothing to see here folks. Move along!
Apparently you haven’t driven one, or clicked on it by mistake…
As a rebuttal to Jim as just being a used car spoken like a bidder for the car
I still don’t like what are there 6 not so heavy duty CV joints underneath – only as strong as its weakest link(s).
Sure don’t understand why this wasn’t JUST for/redesigned by Chevy(Chevelle), considering it has a Chevy motor in it!
Ironically, Pontiac is no more. & there has been no Chevelle – since 1977!
Nor apparently did Chevy(or Ford) notice the sales of the Challenger.
Go figure.
Lots of weird and dull comments so far. First I think the looks of these somehow don’t translate in photos. When I first saw one in Impulse Blue I was shocked. Very good looking car. Secondly I’ve been under the impression this car doesn’t have an LS2 but rather an L76 like my 2008 Commodore/ G8 GT. The L76 is an intermediate development between the LS2 and LS3 but is in no way a “chevy” engine being built in Australia. Definitely could be wrong but it’s unlikely.
FireAxeGXP, These do have the LS2 6.0L, straight from the Corvette. Motor was built in the US and shipped down under.
The 04 was the LS1 5.7 L.
I bought the last 06 the local Pontiac dealer had on his lot. I’ve read all kinds of comments over the years about its looks but I really liked it. I had a 6 speed but I believe there wasn’t much difference in 0-60 times between the two transmissions.
I had an 05 and an 06, both 6 speeds. The most fun you can have with your clothes on, next to a Corvette. Absolutely great cars. Wish I still had one of them.
If this had been made in topless form
, i would be driving one !
The size and power are great , not many choices around
YOLO
I had one, didn’t abuse it and it was not a good car. They had a long list of failure points and mine checked most of the boxes. The final straw was the rear end making noise right before the end of warranty. The dealer said they would do the repair and the problem would most likely come back. Those with 17″ wheels had a tire rub problem on the strut from the factory. Never should have happened. It was fun to drive, sounded great, but not a car I wanted getting older under my ownership. They had dismal sales figure and wouldn’t pass safety standards required for 2007, thus a short end of an era.
I thought the Aussie rears were good ones, espec for 3rd gen F-bodies.
I would think also there are aftmkt improvement parts for even this gen GTO.
& doesn’t the later imported rear drive Pontiac G8 & later Chevy SS share some drivetrain parts with this GTO?
As typical with GM they import a car, sell a few then they stop supporting it. These GTOs now have parts that are not available. They were great rides but all cars break and need replacement parts.
GM says Good Luck.
Sold on 1/16/2025 for a high bid of $13,700. That’s a lot of car for the money.
Steve R