Drove the GTO today. Review inside.
01-19-2004, 04:47 PM
#1
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Drove the GTO today. Review inside.
Short version: If you want a heavy car, that can still tear a new one to most cars on the road, and maybe even lose it in the parking lot due to it’s bland exterior styling, this is your car.
Long version: So I’m taking advantage of having MLK Jr. day off and I’m on my way home and I see the Pontiac dealer on my left. Hmmm.. Maybe they’ll have a GTO.
Sure enough, they had one, silver with red interior. $33,190 if memory servers me correctly. A young woman walks out, and greets me and we exchange pleasantries.
My first impression was the exterior styling. It looked just like the Oldmobile Alero I keep in my garage. “Ho-hum” was about all the reaction I could produce after seeing it in person. I mean, it’s not a bad looking car, but unless you’re a car enthusiast or have just seen a GTO commercial on TV, you won’t even turn your head for this car.
She asks me if I want to take if for a drive, to which I said yes. She mentioned that the manager is particular to who drives these cars, especially the 6mts. My reply was to point over to my car and I said “I don’t think we’ll have an issue.” She hurried off to grab the keys.
She comes back, and I jump in the front seat. LOVE the red leather. The instrument panel is nicely laid out. Gauges are easy to read. Telescoping steering wheel, a nice touch. The seats weren’t all the comfortable and didn’t hug me like the G’s do or for that matter the CL. I didn’t see any lumbar controls. A disappointment. Other interior disappoints; no heated seats, no on-star/homelink, no moonroof (even as an option), no HIDs. Fit and finish was good, especially for a GM car. Pontiac is moving more towards a Cadillac build it seems. Even Lutz (GM pres) has mentioned this. Doors are solid, trim all lines up.
Clutch in and I start the car. And I get this surge of adrenaline running through my body. It’s been a while since I’ve driven a V8 monster. I wanted to let the car warm up, so I climbed in the back seat to check things out. There’s a SHITPOT more room back there versus my car. Even more than the CL… I could be wrong. Two adults could get back there and not crack their heads on the rear glass.
Ok, so the car is warm now… Jump back in the front, throw the bish in first and rollout into the street. A nice slow shift into second. I immediately became thankful of my clutch and gearbox. The GTO’s gearbox I felt was very mushy, and made me guess at first whether I was in second or fouth. Typical for GM for what I can tell. Not like Nissan builds good gearboxs and clutchs, but mine felt SOOOOO good compared to this.
The car is quiet while cruising through town. No noticeable rattles or vibrations.
A stop light is ahead, and I’m the lucky first car. I ask if I can be a little hard on the car, and I’m asked to keep it under 4.5K rpms. Okie Dokie…
The light changes and I give it a little gas. Holy torque batman. My ass and mid-section got pinned back into the seat. The V8 sprang to life, roaring and saying “It’s about time you opened me up a bit, ya’ fuck.” A careful shift into second, still giving it gas and onto third and I’m going a calm 70mph. This car is fast! The torque is just insane. Some 80ft-lbs more than my car. And I wouldn’t get sick of having that added extra scoot.
So I slow down, as I gotta make a right turn. I wanted to take a slow turn initially to see how heavy the car feels. Sure enough, that right turn confirmed my initial thoughts. The car feels heavy. 3800+lbs… One porky son of a bitch.
Another right turn is coming up, and this one I wanted to take a little more aggressive. Upon completing the turn, I didn’t notice too much understeer. The car, for it’s weight seemed to oblige just fine. With temps being below 15 degrees, and I didn’t want to push the bridgestones too much and wrap the car around a light pole. The car seemed decently balanced with its 56/44 distribution.
The rest of the ride home was pretty much uneventful. I was still trying to feel out the gearbox which I walked away feeling like it is nothing short of crappy if you ask me. The CL still has the best 6spd gearbox I’ve driven. The GTO, again felt like mush.
The dealer was asking MSRP, and offered 31K for my car. So I’d owe a little over 2K to get into the GTO. I think I’ll be keeping my Infiniti. I couldn’t give up the little things, like the heated seats, HIDs, lumbar, a better feeling and probably better handling car. The power was amazing and this car will get insanely fast when the aftermarket comes out with some goodies. Finally, the exterior is about as tiresome as it gets.
I’d love to go back and drive one once it warms up. Perhaps I’ll do that in the spring.
Oh and unless you're a blown CL or a Type R, don't kid yourself. You don't stand a chance!!!
Long version: So I’m taking advantage of having MLK Jr. day off and I’m on my way home and I see the Pontiac dealer on my left. Hmmm.. Maybe they’ll have a GTO.
Sure enough, they had one, silver with red interior. $33,190 if memory servers me correctly. A young woman walks out, and greets me and we exchange pleasantries.
My first impression was the exterior styling. It looked just like the Oldmobile Alero I keep in my garage. “Ho-hum” was about all the reaction I could produce after seeing it in person. I mean, it’s not a bad looking car, but unless you’re a car enthusiast or have just seen a GTO commercial on TV, you won’t even turn your head for this car.
She asks me if I want to take if for a drive, to which I said yes. She mentioned that the manager is particular to who drives these cars, especially the 6mts. My reply was to point over to my car and I said “I don’t think we’ll have an issue.” She hurried off to grab the keys.
She comes back, and I jump in the front seat. LOVE the red leather. The instrument panel is nicely laid out. Gauges are easy to read. Telescoping steering wheel, a nice touch. The seats weren’t all the comfortable and didn’t hug me like the G’s do or for that matter the CL. I didn’t see any lumbar controls. A disappointment. Other interior disappoints; no heated seats, no on-star/homelink, no moonroof (even as an option), no HIDs. Fit and finish was good, especially for a GM car. Pontiac is moving more towards a Cadillac build it seems. Even Lutz (GM pres) has mentioned this. Doors are solid, trim all lines up.
Clutch in and I start the car. And I get this surge of adrenaline running through my body. It’s been a while since I’ve driven a V8 monster. I wanted to let the car warm up, so I climbed in the back seat to check things out. There’s a SHITPOT more room back there versus my car. Even more than the CL… I could be wrong. Two adults could get back there and not crack their heads on the rear glass.
Ok, so the car is warm now… Jump back in the front, throw the bish in first and rollout into the street. A nice slow shift into second. I immediately became thankful of my clutch and gearbox. The GTO’s gearbox I felt was very mushy, and made me guess at first whether I was in second or fouth. Typical for GM for what I can tell. Not like Nissan builds good gearboxs and clutchs, but mine felt SOOOOO good compared to this.
The car is quiet while cruising through town. No noticeable rattles or vibrations.
A stop light is ahead, and I’m the lucky first car. I ask if I can be a little hard on the car, and I’m asked to keep it under 4.5K rpms. Okie Dokie…
The light changes and I give it a little gas. Holy torque batman. My ass and mid-section got pinned back into the seat. The V8 sprang to life, roaring and saying “It’s about time you opened me up a bit, ya’ fuck.” A careful shift into second, still giving it gas and onto third and I’m going a calm 70mph. This car is fast! The torque is just insane. Some 80ft-lbs more than my car. And I wouldn’t get sick of having that added extra scoot.
So I slow down, as I gotta make a right turn. I wanted to take a slow turn initially to see how heavy the car feels. Sure enough, that right turn confirmed my initial thoughts. The car feels heavy. 3800+lbs… One porky son of a bitch.
Another right turn is coming up, and this one I wanted to take a little more aggressive. Upon completing the turn, I didn’t notice too much understeer. The car, for it’s weight seemed to oblige just fine. With temps being below 15 degrees, and I didn’t want to push the bridgestones too much and wrap the car around a light pole. The car seemed decently balanced with its 56/44 distribution.
The rest of the ride home was pretty much uneventful. I was still trying to feel out the gearbox which I walked away feeling like it is nothing short of crappy if you ask me. The CL still has the best 6spd gearbox I’ve driven. The GTO, again felt like mush.
The dealer was asking MSRP, and offered 31K for my car. So I’d owe a little over 2K to get into the GTO. I think I’ll be keeping my Infiniti. I couldn’t give up the little things, like the heated seats, HIDs, lumbar, a better feeling and probably better handling car. The power was amazing and this car will get insanely fast when the aftermarket comes out with some goodies. Finally, the exterior is about as tiresome as it gets.
I’d love to go back and drive one once it warms up. Perhaps I’ll do that in the spring.
Oh and unless you're a blown CL or a Type R, don't kid yourself. You don't stand a chance!!!
01-19-2004, 04:55 PM
#2
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nice review. I had questions about the handling and you pretty much answered them.
When some aftermarket companies come out with some mods this car will have a tremendous presence and could easily push 500+ HP
When some aftermarket companies come out with some mods this car will have a tremendous presence and could easily push 500+ HP
01-19-2004, 05:18 PM
#5
Senior Moderator
Re: Drove the GTO today. Review inside.
Originally posted by Scrib
She mentioned that the manager is particular to who drives these cars, especially the 6mts. My reply was to point over to my car and I said “I don’t think we’ll have an issue.” She hurried off to grab the keys.
She mentioned that the manager is particular to who drives these cars, especially the 6mts. My reply was to point over to my car and I said “I don’t think we’ll have an issue.” She hurried off to grab the keys.
what a snobby nissan owner.
Nice review, the car is a true muscle car. All power with a fat ass. (like me) :o
I wanna test drive one so bad!
01-19-2004, 05:22 PM
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She mentioned that the manager is particular to who drives these cars, especially the 6mts. My reply was to point over to my car and I said “I don’t think we’ll have an issue.” She hurried off to grab the keys.
01-19-2004, 05:22 PM
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Scrib I think you are crazy not getting the gto!
youll fit in much better in Hicktown USA where you live, youll gain much more respect from your sisterbanging peers and your child molesting neighbors!!
youll fit in much better in Hicktown USA where you live, youll gain much more respect from your sisterbanging peers and your child molesting neighbors!!
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01-19-2004, 05:24 PM
#8
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Originally posted by phil2
Scrib I think you are crazy not getting the gto!
youll fit in much better in Hicktown USA where you live, youll gain much more respect from your sisterbanging peers and your child molesting neighbors!!
Scrib I think you are crazy not getting the gto!
youll fit in much better in Hicktown USA where you live, youll gain much more respect from your sisterbanging peers and your child molesting neighbors!!
This is Indiana, not Wisconsin. Don't confuse me for Jimcol.
01-19-2004, 05:26 PM
#9
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Originally posted by 1SICKLEX
That did give me a chuckle. Since the G35 is on par with a GTO. Now if it was a Ferrari, I'd get to pointing...
That did give me a chuckle. Since the G35 is on par with a GTO. Now if it was a Ferrari, I'd get to pointing...
In hindsight, I bet the sales chick didn't know that was the case. I'm sure she didn't know that the Brembos mean 6spd.
01-19-2004, 05:28 PM
#10
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Re: Re: Drove the GTO today. Review inside.
Originally posted by Crazy Sellout
what a snobby nissan owner.
Nice review, the car is a true muscle car. All power with a fat ass. (like me) :o
I wanna test drive one so bad!
what a snobby nissan owner.
Nice review, the car is a true muscle car. All power with a fat ass. (like me) :o
I wanna test drive one so bad!
And the pointing was mearly a "I drive a 6spd..."
01-19-2004, 05:29 PM
#11
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Originally posted by Scrib
Has all that cold air frozen your brain?
This is Indiana, not Wisconsin. Don't confuse me for Jimcol.
Has all that cold air frozen your brain?
This is Indiana, not Wisconsin. Don't confuse me for Jimcol.
01-19-2004, 05:35 PM
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Originally posted by phil2
Scrib I think you are crazy not getting the gto!
Scrib I think you are crazy not getting the gto!
I just don't think I could make the leap.
Not to mention the wife would kick my fucking ass.
01-19-2004, 05:51 PM
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that's odd you didn't like the gear box, cause if i'm not mistaken it's the T-56 which they use in the vette, the cobra, and the viper 
01-19-2004, 05:53 PM
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Originally posted by CLpower
that's odd you didn't like the gear box, cause if i'm not mistaken it's the T-56 which they use in the vette, the cobra, and the viper
that's odd you didn't like the gear box, cause if i'm not mistaken it's the T-56 which they use in the vette, the cobra, and the viper
01-19-2004, 05:54 PM
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personally i'd take a slightly used C5 for the same price. My buddy just bought an 01 FRC C5 w/ less then 20K for like 29,000$ 
01-19-2004, 05:57 PM
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Originally posted by CLpower
personally i'd take a slightly used C5 for the same price. My buddy just bought an 01 FRC C5 w/ less then 20K for like 29,000$
personally i'd take a slightly used C5 for the same price. My buddy just bought an 01 FRC C5 w/ less then 20K for like 29,000$
If the vette was a 365 day a year car, I'd be in one.
01-19-2004, 06:21 PM
#23
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Originally posted by Scrib
Fawk...
If the vette was a 365 day a year car, I'd be in one.
Fawk...
If the vette was a 365 day a year car, I'd be in one.
and why isn't it?
01-19-2004, 06:32 PM
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Originally posted by Beetroot
you would be nuts to swap a g35c for a gto
torque and hp aren't everything
you would be nuts to swap a g35c for a gto
torque and hp aren't everything
well its a great part, but still g35 ext/int styling crushes and all the nice luxury amenities really do make a huge diff!
01-19-2004, 06:38 PM
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Originally posted by 1SICKLEX
That did give me a chuckle. Since the G35 is on par with a GTO. Now if it was a Ferrari, I'd get to pointing...
That did give me a chuckle. Since the G35 is on par with a GTO. Now if it was a Ferrari, I'd get to pointing...
gto par with g35..are you
or just
how does one justify comparing a pontiac to a Infiniti
01-19-2004, 06:40 PM
#27
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Re: Drove the GTO today. Review inside.
Originally posted by Scrib
She mentioned that the manager is particular to who drives these cars, especially the 6mts. My reply was to point over to my car and I said “I don’t think we’ll have an issue.” She hurried off to grab the keys.
She mentioned that the manager is particular to who drives these cars, especially the 6mts. My reply was to point over to my car and I said “I don’t think we’ll have an issue.” She hurried off to grab the keys.
Nice review Scrib. Sounds like you'll be keeping your G and thats IMO the right decision.
Got to go find an Auto GTO to drive now.
01-19-2004, 06:43 PM
#28
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Nice review. I hadn't realized that the car was 3800 pounds. My last car weighed that much (94 V8 tbird), and even tho' I like the torque of a V8, I'm don't think I want to drive a heavy ass car again.
01-19-2004, 06:48 PM
#30
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Originally posted by quikcls
plus the gto's only got a few tenths on you in the 1/4
plus the gto's only got a few tenths on you in the 1/4
yea, but a head and cam package and you are pushing 450 HP
01-19-2004, 06:48 PM
#31
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Originally posted by CLpower
yea, but a head and cam package and you are pushing 450 HP
yea, but a head and cam package and you are pushing 450 HP
01-19-2004, 07:00 PM
#33
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Originally posted by CLpower
and why isn't it?
and why isn't it?
Seriously... Even with snow tires, which would cost a SMALL fortune, the car is WAY too low with too much power to even think about driving in the snow?
Or am I completely off base???
01-19-2004, 07:15 PM
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Originally posted by Crazy Sellout
a 24 year old woman who lives near me, drives her C5 in the snow every year.
a 24 year old woman who lives near me, drives her C5 in the snow every year.
Hmmm...
01-19-2004, 07:24 PM
#36
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Originally posted by Crazy Sellout
a 24 year old woman who lives near me, drives her C5 in the snow every year.
a 24 year old woman who lives near me, drives her C5 in the snow every year.
A C5 would make a nice summer only car tho'. And like CLpower said, the prices are coming down on 'em. With the C6 around the corner, I think that C5 prices will only become more attractive.
Scrib, I don't think your completely off base. I have no intentions of lowering my "4x4" CLS, 'cause I agree that the extra ground clearance helps in deep snow. I bought my CLS to be a comfortable 365 days a year driver. I plan on buying a nice summer only car soon. I've got 3 years till I'm 40, so I have to have a garage queen sports car and date women 1/2 my age
01-19-2004, 07:54 PM
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Originally posted by Beetroot
not that its a huge deal, but no HID's on a $33,000 car?
good review though Scrib.
not that its a huge deal, but no HID's on a $33,000 car?
good review though Scrib.
01-19-2004, 07:59 PM
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Originally posted by Scrib
Find me a way to drive that car in the snow, and I'll go buy one.
Seriously... Even with snow tires, which would cost a SMALL fortune, the car is WAY too low with too much power to even think about driving in the snow?
Or am I completely off base???
Find me a way to drive that car in the snow, and I'll go buy one.
Seriously... Even with snow tires, which would cost a SMALL fortune, the car is WAY too low with too much power to even think about driving in the snow?
Or am I completely off base???
01-19-2004, 08:19 PM
#40
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good info Scrib..thanks.