Why does everyone hate the new GTO?

[Grant National]

I have seen nothing but negative posts about the new GTO and can't understand it. I do not love the styling but hey, it is the first rear wheel drive performance car from GM in some time. An LS1 powered six speed is nothing to scoff at in my opinion. Just because they named it GTO everyone is pissed because it isn't retro styled. We should be thankful that GM is trying at least. Don't you think?

 

[Pronto]

I think some people might be afraid that GM will drop the ball (like most of the time) and produce a dud. Others are afraid of new technology. Others just are stuck in the 60s and 70s and hate anything new. I am not wild about the looks but it is a great platform to start with.

 

[TRBON8R]

Most people don't care for the car because the styling is bland. Also for the same amount of money as the GTO you could buy a Cobra Mustang and get better performance. I also believe your average American isn't real thrilled with the idea of GM repackaging an Austrailian car and putting an all-American nameplate like GTO on the car. Just my opinion.

 

[GN One Day...]

The styling is just like the other main Pontiacs out there, as far as the front end goes. They should have made it the new Grand Prix, or given it some distinctive styling. Even if it didn't look like the old GTO's, just make it distinguishable from the rest of the line. GM plays up brand recognition too much, Chevy=chrome bar on grille, Pontiac = same general nose, etc.

That said, I have a feeling that if I were to actually drive one that I'd have a really big grin on my face and would overlook all of that. It really is a step in the right direction.

 

[olds443]

It is bland but I was wonering the same thing. I think maybe people have forgotten that the musclecars from long ago were mostly basic cars with big motors such as the GTO was barely more than a Tempest with more power or even 442 was an option on the Cutlass line. I think some of he problem is also because it is not being built in the US.
I say get over it and drive one. In todays world there is no such thing as an all-American made car. Even Toyota and Nissan's are built here and a lot of Chrysler products are built in Mexico. It is a global marketplace now, the world isn't the same as it was 40 yrs ago (1964 the original GTO).

 

[KillrV6]

shouldnt look a gift horse in the mouth

 

[TRBON8R]

Speaking of gift horses, for my 35k I'd stick to a horse of another kind, specifically a pony from Ford.

 

[Gothmog]

Ugly

 

[BlackBuick84]

Originally posted by Grant National
but hey, it is the first rear wheel drive performance car from GM in some time.

Yeah, since the Corvette is out of picture....

 

[zam70]

Because it says GTO
they should have named it something else....

 

[John Wilde]

I just read two reviews for this car.
Car and Driver and Raod and Track.
both got the car to 60 in 5.3 seconds.
The faster of the two went 13.6s @ 104.
The car is slower than the Cobra Mustang,
but the quality of the car and drive is much better.
With bolt ons I am sure 12.9 are in the cards.

The real bang for the buck is 2004 SRT Neon.
Improved to 13.8 at 104. Not bad for $21,000.

 

[Turbonics]

IT'S UGLY, OVER-PRICED, TOO HEAVY,

Did anyone mention it's bland, heavy, over-priced and undistinctive?

But, the overwhelming reason?

NO SOUL!!

 

[GN One Day...]

But, at the same time, most people still like the Impala SS. It looked very little like it's predecessors.
Compared to the SS, which is still a success, the GTO:

LS1 vs. LT1
is faster to 60: 5.3 vs 7 sec +/-
faster in the 1/4: ~high 13-14 vs ~15 seconds
ligher by a few hundred pounds
offers a manual, a 6 speed at that
IRS vs. solid axle. Not as good for the track, but better everywhere else.
No "Delco" look, it's updated and looks more adult, less plasticy


The Impala SS was a success, I think that market is what they're looking for. Young family types that want a fun but still functional car. You don't really get that with a Mustang. I think this car will be accepted eventually and will apply to a broader spectrum of buyers. I wish the styling was more ballsy, but then a lot of people said that about the SS when it was new. It's growing on me as a good car, just not what I'd picture to go with "GTO". $35k is a lot to spend on a car (sorry, I'm cheap), but at least there are some RWD V8's out there again.

 

[Mr. Tee]

Originally posted by TRBON8R
Speaking of gift horses, for my 35k I'd stick to a horse of another kind, specifically a pony from Ford.

exactly...but if I wanted a nice sporty daily driver I might Consider it...

 

[scottyb]

2 reasons:

1. overpriced.

2. doesn't stand out like a GTO should.

If I plan to plunk down 35 large for a 2 door car, I want something that gets noticed. The new GTO won't. Generic styling.

 

[salvageV6]

For about $8K more the base Vette is way more car, than all those previously mentioned.

Assuming you can afford the insurance.

Well worth saving the pennies and resale ain't bad on them either.

Then again all of them are way too expensive for me.

I also agree with Scotty overpriced and NO styling.

Shouldn't be called a GTO either, nothing wrong with the Holden name unless it means weeniemobile in french or something.

 

[Turbonics]

FACT:

The UAW "freaked" about the GTO, & has made GM give contractural guarantees that it only be imported for a maximum of 36 months.

No guarantees it'll be even be around that long.

 

[Grant National]

Re: Re: Why does everyone hate the new GTO?

Originally posted by BlackBuick84
Yeah, since the Corvette is out of picture....

I didn't forget the Vette. I meant besides it. I think the new GTO is at least a step in the right direction and we would all like it a lot more if it just wasn't called a GTO and forced to be compared to 60's muscle cars.

 

[I eat Z06]

I agree that the car is a little bland. It should get a more straight edge look than rounded. I am glad that GM didnt retro the GTO. It was a sports car back then and is one now. Personally I think it looks like a GTP on steroids. But I like it. 6 speed + LS1 = good.

Nick

 

[ehopper302]

To me it looks like a Monte Carlo, the newest one. GM nailed the interior from the pics I seen. Add some attitude to it (maybe some bulging fenders and some scoops)and price it in the high 20's and they will fly out the showroom.