I purchased this GTO as my last high performance coupe. I always have that thought, one more high performance car, but it seems it's never really the last I own. Honestly, I was intrigued with the Australian beauty with the American badging, the Holden under the GTO marque. Perhaps the first thing you notice about the GTO is that it blends in with the crowd. Were it not for the hood scoops (a feature that can be deleted in ordering) it doesn't look much different than most other mundane coupes on the road. The rear also doesn't give much away, if you overlook the big exhaust pipes looming from under the redesigned rear valance for 2005. The big dual piston calipers painted and marked GTO don't really call much attention and frankly, a side view doesn't elicit a lot of excitement. It's not until you turn the key and that 400 HP LS2 comes to life that anyone really pays attention to what this car is really all about. Then the "Thunder from Down Under" has the streets under control and you're really in the drivers' seat for a great ride. Speaking of which, the interior is one that sets the standard for which all GM cars need to strive for. The leather buckets front and rear (Yes, it's really a 2+2 configuration) re comfortable and supportive. The workmanship is impeccible and the seats are extremely comfortable and adjustable. One con is the electric movement to allow entry into the rear seat and the seat movement is slow. That speed was improved on the 2006 model, but would still be better if it were free sliding to allow back seat entry and re-engaged after the seat was upright. But the seat does have a memory after it's upright and will return to your original setting with the push of a button. The controls are well laid out and the dash is colorful and easy to see, Colors are in line with the color and trim of the car. If you order a black car, as I did, the gauge cluster is red, not black. If you order a blue car, the cluster is blue, a yellow vehicle, the cluster is yellow, silver, it's silver, etc. There are some variations, but generally that's the norm. The stereo CD player is a Blaupunkt and is top line with a 6 CD changer and 10 speakers. Lots of bells and whistles with remore entry, trip minder, all sorts of message center and reminder gimmicks, and one to tell you how much fuel it's sucking from your wallet. Hey, the car is fun personified, so if you're going to sweat a few bucks in fuel, you'll not want this, but an econobox instead, right? Transmissions are choice of a 6 speed manual or a 4 speed automatic, (with overdrive)and the fuel economy, of course goes to the manual. The auto has a rating of 12 and 16 I believe and gets a gas guzzler tax added to the sales price. The auto is standard, but the gas guzzler tax will more than offset the additional cost of the six speed manual, so if you are a driving afficionado, go for the gusto and get the manual. Either transmission will allow you to smoke the tires at will and for as long as you wish. That is if you can afford replacing those beefy treads on a regular basis, as that torque can eat that rubber really fast! This car is freaky fast. Not just fast but truly fast. The engine winds effortlessly. remember, this is the Corvette engine and does what it's supposed to do and that's propel this vehicle to wherever you wish it to go and do it quickly. Reported speed limiter settings are in the neighborhood of 152 but I can't verify that. I've seen radar readings in excess of 160 but I can't verify them with troopers either. Suffice it to say this car will run with the big dogs in most any circle. Plus, I've seen several with aftermarket superchargers that not only run with the big dogs, but bite the big dogs in the tail on the way by. Sadly, the production of this car ended with the 2006 model year. From what I understand the dies were just worn out. Remember, this was a Holden Monaro from Australia and was rebadged and massaged for us here in the US as the GTO. Maybe we'll be seeing some more Thunder soon...

No complaints with this car. It's everything you expect. Interior is top notch and 6spd trans let's the car be a great mpg cruiser or very sporty. Doesn't handle as well as say a vette but will eat 4.6 mustangs all day long.

I absolutely love this car. The driver's seat is extremely comfortable for long distance driving. The engine purrs at speed, power is immediately available when you need it. The tranmission makes smooth shifts. I've had no major mechanical issues. Complete brake job done recently. This is a fun car, subtle looks hide great power.

Likes. everything, power, performancee, and for a sports car soooooo comfortable. it drives like a luxury car when needed and when u want power, the rear end drops down for stability and it gives everything u can imagine. Cons- ummmm, none

Performance – 400HP, need i say more? The LS2 is a strong and balance power house, it puts down massive torque for idle to red-line, pulling strong the entire way. The large brakes keep the LS2 in check and dont have a problem stopping the car. Its handles very nice but can feel heavy in corners. The traction control is a must on rainy days. Build Quality – overall its built well but does have some issues with breaking plastic clips on the front and rear bumpers. Another common problem is the front seat tracks on the '05, they need to be updated to the '06 style because the end to rock back and forth under hard braking or hard acceleration. Appearance – The interior is great but the exterior is not very flashy and you will get the "It looks like a Grand Am" comment allot. Fun Factor – is this car fun to drive? The GTO is a blast to drive, no matter how much trouble you get into, you can always bring it back.