2004 Pontiac GTO: Road Test
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2004 Pontiac GTO ▼
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- MSRP: $31,795
- Invoice: $29,410
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Our road test for the 2004 Pontiac GTO includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Pontiac GTO from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Pontiac GTO, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Pontiac GTO help you decide if a 2004 Pontiac GTO is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 6.1 |
No opportunity to time yet, but Pontiac's estimates of 5.3 sec 0-60 mph with manual transmission, 5.4 with automatic feel right. Ample midrange power, though automatic hesitates a bit to downshift and lacks separate gate for manual shifting. Manual transmission has precise shift action, though longish throws. Clutch takeup smooth, if a bit stiff.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5.6 |
Test manual-transmission GTO averaged 16.0 mpg in city/highway driving. No chance to measure with automatic. A $1000 federal Gas-Guzzler Tax applies with automatic transmission. Pontiac recommends premium-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 3.6 |
Performance-car firm, but mostly comfortable. Excellent body control over large pavement dips and swells. Little impact harshness or tire thump except on really sharp bumps.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 |
Assured, athletic. Minimal body lean, strong grip, quick reflexes. Steering has slight on-center dead spot, but is crisp, responsive otherwise. Strong brakes.
QUIETNESS
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.1 |
V8 growls at full throttle, burbles at steady 65 mph, which suits this modern muscle machine. Tire noise audible, but not intrusive except on very coarse pavement. Wind rush rises markedly above 70 mph.
CONTROLS
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
Large, legible gauges. Simple, generally user-friendly controls, though trip-computer displays need better daytime contrast. Cabin trim attractive, but falls short of BMW-level look and feel.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 4.9 |
Six-footers have ample leg room, about an inch of head clearance. Firm, well-shaped, comfortable seats with great lateral support in turns. Sufficient seat/wheel adjustments, helped by standard tilt/telescoping steering column, but pedals with manual transmission are offset left, cramping left-leg space. Visibility good in all directions. As in other coupes, long doors are clumsy in tight spots, but afford easy front entry/exit.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 1.2 |
Seat shaped for two only, but roomy enough for adults. Front seats power fore/aft from outboard buttons on backrests, but do so very slowly. Entry/exit unusually tight; front backrests don't tip forward far, leaving narrow passage, and no assist handles provided.
CARGO ROOM
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2.8 |
Disappointing. Trunk fairly deep and wide, but only some 18 inches front to rear, so a couple of golf bags fill it up--and rear seatback doesn't fold down. Cabin storage just adequate.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
The reborn GTO blends old-time American-V8 go with modern Euro-style road manners in a suave, understated package. Main downsides are fuel thirst, subpar trunk space, and no available side airbags.
Total Score
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 54 | 54 | 47.6 |
Total Score: 54
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