2005 Pontiac GTO Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2005 Pontiac GTO includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Pontiac GTO from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Pontiac GTO, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Pontiac GTO help you decide if a 2005 Pontiac GTO is right for you.

2005 Pontiac GTO Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Fuel economy

Steering/handling	Rear-seat entry/exit

Brake performance

Front-seat comfort

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Base, man.	Base, auto.	Class Average
9	9	6.3

No opportunity to time yet, Pontiac estimates 4.7 sec 0-60-mph with either transmission. Ample midrange power, though automatic hesitates a bit to downshift and lacks separate gate for manual shifting. Manual transmission has long throws. Clutch takeup smooth, if a bit stiff.

Fuel Economy

Base, man.	Base, auto.	Class Average
4	4	5.8

Test manual-transmission GTO averaged 16.6-17.9 mpg. No opportunity to measure with automatic. A $1300 federal Gas-Guzzler Tax applies with automatic transmission. Pontiac recommends premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

Base, man.	Base, auto.	Class Average
5	5	4

Performance-car firm, but mostly comfortable. Some testers found ride control laudable, others criticized it for bounding over bumps and swells. Minimal impact harshness or tire thump except on sharp bumps.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base, man.	Base, auto.	Class Average
8	8	8.1

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	3.2

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 at freeway speeds.

Controls

Base, man.	Base, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6.1

Large, legible gauges. Simple, generally user-friendly controls, though trip-computer display needs better daytime contrast. Cabin trim attractive, acceptable for the price.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base, man.	Base, auto.	Class Average
7	7	5.1

Six-footers have ample leg room, adequate head clearance. Firm, well-shaped, long-haul comfortable seats with great lateral support in turns. Sufficient seat/wheel adjustments, helped by standard tilt/telescope steering column. Some testers found the space between the clutch pedal and footwell too narrow on manual-transmission cars. 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
3	3	1.4

Seat shaped for two only, but roomy enough for adults. Front seats power fore/aft via outboard buttons on backrests, but do so 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	3.2

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
9	9	6.7

A nicely appointed interior with a usable back seat are pluses in this class. But it is GTO's blend of American-V8 go and European road manners at a reasonable price that earn it our Best Buy rating.

Total Score