I love my Goat, but hate the stereo, its really bad, I wonder if I could just add a amp to get some volume and clarity, I would like to keep the factory radio if I could, with the windows down on the highway I can barely here my Pink Floyd.... has any one done any thing with their stereo?
absolutely disgusting................the FORD SHELBY MUSTANG STOLE THE SHOW.... EVERYBODY TALKING ABOUT retro looks/ performance division/ svt. plenty of guys..............GTO EXHIBIT WAS AWFUL............IT IS DEFINITELY A GONER WITH GM lutz saying "pontiac is dead."....so going to drive my GTO TO "SMART BUY" MILEAGE ....LAST FEW MILES I WILL BE AT FORD DEALERSHIPS CHECKING OUT THE SHELBY COBRA. WHAT A BUNCH OF DOPES AT GM/PONTIAC. THE 05 IS A GREAT CAR...HAVING PLENTY OF FUN...BUT PONTIAC JUST GAVE UP.....WHAT DOPES...could have "shut down" those fords like years ago when GTO was king.......even crappy chyrsler is promoting "dodge hemi chargers" 4200 pounds....give them credit WHAT ABOUT THIS AUDI S4/ RS4..... DOES ANYBODY know about these cars???
Turn off the speed-sensitive volume and all of the EQ presets - they are terrible.
Your next free mod is to turn up the subwoofer amp. From memory (haven't seen my GTO since January (in storage)), it's located on the left side of the trunk (standing behind the car), behind some of the side insulation. The amp is mounted vertically, with the dial for adjusting the amp volume in between the amp and the fender wall. After popping out the plastic grommet holding the liner in, I was able to reach my big hand in there and turn it almost all of the way up - made a major improvement.
Your next best bet is to replace the junky speakers in the door and behind the front seats - they are really, really cheap. Then you can start looking at replacing the speakers on the back shelf if you're still not happy...
I did the "free" mods on the stereo and it made a world of difference to my ears. First, pop the trunk and crank the amp trim all the way up (as described in previous post). With the key on (or the car running) and the stereo off, you punch the "on" and "4" buttons at the same time. This clears all of the presets and equalizer settings. Set the treble on -2 and the bass on -1. Then turn it up! I was suprised at how much clearer it now sounds. Of course, if you're used to "bumping" down the street at eardrum-splitting levels, this system will never make you happy. Personally, I'm now perfectly satisfied with the quality of sound. My A4 car now also has been "Predator Tuned." Makes a HUGE difference in auto cars. Removes torque management and firms up shifts, plus optimizes the advance curves and cleans up the fuel trims. I got mine from James at Runnin with the Devil and so got custom tuning included... really puts a smile on your face. Lined up next to a shiney black GTP Grand Prix the other day at a stop light and gave it about 3/4-throttle away from the light. No feeling like the satisfaction of laying down ten feet of rubber hitting second gear!
Here's a second vote for the Predator. Bought one used from someone who had modded the heck out of his GTO, and needed a dyno tune. Made a huge world of difference on the A4 car. I used the "stock" performance tune, which has some issues - only as a test. Well, it was like driving a different car. Of course, my first GTO was problematic (firewall/suspension issues), and I didn't want to continue to run the performance tune (some knock retard issues, plus the shifts got _too_ firm for my tastes), so I reverted. It was fun to chirp the tires consistently on the 1-2 shift, though :-)
There's an update to the Predator's firmware which provides a better stock performance tune... think I'm going to do that. Once that's back (and my new GTO's broken in :-) I'll load it and see. I hear pretty good things about RWTD's custom tuning, so I may end up going that route as well, if I think the updated performance tune is still shifting too firm...
Thanks guys that helped a lot! I wonder if that little amp could be easily swapped out for something a little better, I might look into that. thanks again
Don't know much about it but the S4 is one of the cars that beat the GTO in the Consumer Reports comparison test. I don't see how that was possible though. Edmunds says it has 340hp and 302ft/lbs of torque and weighs 4000+ pounds and does 0-60 in 5.75 seconds. I don't think so. Not that heavy a car and look at that torque. And it was these drivers who couldn't get the GTO to 60mph in less that 6 seconds.
40K GTO's. That sounds like a limited edition to me. My Delorean example wasn't appreciated so I will give another one. Anyone remember the Edsel. There was nothing wrong with that car. But there was nothing special about it either. It was just another car. But it was a total flop. What do you suppose a cherry one would go for today? There is one guy who has over 150 of them but I think most are junkers. I'm sure the original owners took a bath with the Edsel. But with 40K GTO's there is no problem. If you got a GTO, right on! If you don't, too bad...
if the S4 can beat the GTO in 0-60 perhaps that is because of the quattro launch? i can't imagine a GTO getting a very good launch with the factory non-wide rubber, and without all-wheel-drive.
Took my spoil-less '05 to a Ford place to have a look at the new GT which Motor Trend was pimping a couple issues ago. It's got the good looks, but is so inferior it makes me angry that I've spent $5 a pop for MT. It and other biased auto reporters will go the way of Moyers and Rather once enough consumers realize they aren't giving us unbiased opinion. MT is out the door in my house.
Here are a couple of no spoiler pictures: nope -- didn't work. How do you import pictures here?
O.K. did that ., are all the speakers bad, or just the ones in the doors? I think it has 10 speakers so I don't know if I should replace them all or what, any ideas? thanks Brian, ( it does sound a little better now..)
Local dealer finally started to get in some 05's. I really like the new back end. The split sided dual exhaust really looks great. Hood scoops don't really get a reaction either way. My salesperson said I should come in and drive one. I think I just might have to do that. Kind of curious if I could feel the extra 50hp.
just got my brand new 2005 gto....metallic grey.... put on insert grilles...looks BOSS...REALLY NICE .....GM truly f-- up not promoting or investiing in the new car. first ride today...got it from BRUNO in new york last nite...has no more had 2...really one ,mine came from another dealer....will not get anymore they said.....real great promotion that is it....they don't want to bother.....wow
GUYS......any of you experiencing an NEW CAR PROBLEMS? I AM IN NYC....forgot to take the traction control off ...when i did....[non-permissible content removed] is a whole new sensation..........as of now I love my brand new "409" mean "389 cubes"
I picked mine up last week, black 6speed, $31,400.00 I think a good deal, I love it, except for the stereo, and I think I am going to chrome the rims or buy new ones what ever is a better deal ye I only have the traction control on when it is raining..
Be serious Sylvia. We GTO owners, who have witnessed the likes of Motor Trend's ("the fix is in") review of the '05 GTO and Edmunds total lack of reporting/editorial curiousity about this car (apparently edmunds.com has so little influence it cannot find an '05 GTO to test drive) -- and you ask for our input? I've got to give you credit for the hutzpah in that request.
The modern GTO may not survive production but a few years, however, I can guarantee to you, Sylvia, that the memory of the dishonesty of MT, other mags, and your company in their reporting/editorial bias against this great car will outlast the GTO. But not to worry, posters: other, more honest companies will replace the current ones, and that's where we will go to seek honest appraisal of stuff. What a country!
Posting in another discussion is for the benefit of OTHER CONSUMERS - that is - other people who love and want to buy a GTO. As an owner / potential owner you think you'd want to help out a fellow consumer in saying what you paid, if the dealership experience was good, etc. I'm not talking about writing an article for editorial. Heck - disagree with them all you like. That's what makes an online community like ours interesting.
Like it or not - you are giving input each and every time you post in this discussion.
I think casoncase is upset that Edmunds hasn't reviewed an '05 GTO yet. Of course, the "real" '05 cars went on sale in early January (as opposed to the press cars the magazines drove). I get the impression the TownHall folks don't have a lot of contact with the editorial folks - is there any way we can find out when/if Edmunds will review the '05? Before anyone gets into "conspiracy" theories... :-)
Correct in that the Forums staff is completely separate from editorial. The '05 GTO has not been reviewed/published yet. I'll see if I can get some info on that.
Whoa! Don't take it so personally! Look on the bright side - when you drive it to the Smartbuy mileage, you'll be able to turn it back in and buy one of similar mileage at a ridiculously knock-down price, or negotiate a low buy-out on yours. Value your car on whether it's a good car or not, not on whether Pontiac is promoting it in the press.
I think what's happening is that the car companies are paying the car mags and now Edmunds to write about theirs cars. I think Pontiac (or GM) paid Edmunds a lot of money for its review of the '04 GTO. And it got a sensational writeup. This year, after realizing the review didn't help sell the '04, they didn't bother to pay for a review. And guess what? No review this year. As far as I am concerned, Edmunds has compromised its integrity. But then, maybe we are expecting to much. They need to make a living too and it is a free service after all.
Does anyone have any information on the '05 GTO's Residuals and Money Factors? Also, is there a way to computer the SmartBuy payment? I can't seem to get much information on it at all.
If you really think that, go talk to Karl over in his discussion and make that claim. As the Editor-in-Chief I'm sure he can tell you how things work and how your statement is seriously flawed (we don't take $ for reviews, write-ups, etc.- never have, never will). In fact, I suggest you copy and paste your post over in his discussion Karl's Daily Log Book.
i totally agree ........MOTOR TREND/ CAR AND DRIVER...KILLED THIS CAR...OF COURSE GM JUST GAVE UP..........yes i believe the magazines could have really helped........drive this car it is awesome...............and no way is an AUDI S4 ...GOING TO DO A HOLE-SHOT ON A REAR WHEELED GTO..........AND THEN WITH ALL THAT TORQUE...NO WAY IT WILL PULL AHEAD....STOP THE CRAP...HAVE MET S4"S AT LITES IN BROOKLYN, NY..........JUST NO CONTEST BET. LITES.
GREAT PRICE.......ADD ABOUT $650 FOR AN AUTOMATIC...makes your car$32000.00...i paid $33100.00 in new york city with inser grilles....any problems yet???
Please explain performance tuning for my new GTO..what does it do??/is iot a computer program....how about the KN AIR CLEANER AIRFLOW SYSTEM?? WHAT DO YOU RECOMMENDED FOR STREET DRIVING...THANKS
The Predator is a hand-held device which plugs into your ODB-II port under the dash. It can perform the following functions: a) code reader b) real-time information on various engine conditions c) can back up the stock computer settings, and upload a more aggressive "performance" tune.
If you have a laptop computer and know what you are doing, you can use programs like HPTuners and EFILive to adjust settings as well. I do, but don't know what I'm doing, so I'm sticking with the Predator for now.
As to K&N, if properly installed the FilterCharger (cone plus plastic molding to help seal off the filter from the engine compartment) has dynod 19 rwhp improvement (I've seen the slips). The butt dyno noticed a difference, too (not my car). I plan on putting one of these in once I break the car in (taking her out of storage tomorrow - only 42 miles on my replacement '04, woo-hoo).
Thanks for the link. I kept my post nice but if I get any spin...
Of course Edmunds doesn't take money for reviews. That would be bribery and someone could go to jail. But you do take money for advertising and then turn around and review the car that's being advertised. There's a very fine line there Sylvia, a very fine line.
Yes, and C&D takes LOTS of money from advertisers in their magazine. Including GM. I would be willing to bet there were more pages of advertisement for GM products in the last issue of C&D than for Ford products.
Yet they preferred the Mustang to the GTO. Makes you go hmmmmmm.........
You guys need to face facts: there is a LOT more to getting positive reviews than just the ability to put black tire marks on asphalt. GM has been able to do that, in spades, better than Ford for quite a while, yet tire burning performance is BUT A PART of the overall equation. Maybe the reason why Edmunds hasn't tested an '05 yet is because they don't feel that it is sufficiently different from the '04? Maybe? Just perhaps? Yes, it has 50 more hp. But if the performance of the '04 was already good (and it was), yet the car sold poorly, then what good does adding even more performance do? Obviously, lack of performance was NOT why the car was a slow seller.
The "Chinese Wall" so to speak at Edmunds is very concrete. Sales and Editorial are very separate units and one does not have influence over the other. Trust me, I've heard the fights and calls. Editorial has always marched to its own drummer and has been encouraged to continue to do so. The old motto "we aren't in anyone's back pocket" still applies.
WHY ARE YOU ALWAYS SHOUTING? We can all hear you just fine.
Five things have killed this car: 1) Non-distinctive exterior styling 2) Dealer mark-ups 3) Dealers refusing to allow test drives 4) Inept product distribution and marketing 5) Rising gas prices
1, 2, and 3 have played the biggest role in my opinion.
You got three of them right. Nobody did not buy this car because of its non-distinctive exterior. You are definitely right about the ridiculous dealer markups. And what on earth could they be thinking by not allowing test drives. The test drive is what sells this car. The inept product distribution and marketing I think will go down in history. I'd like to add a catagory that I call crazy stuff, ie., gas tank in the trunk, HVAC controls salvaged from old Yugo's, a spoiler that absolutely no one likes, etc. The price of gas will not deter anyone from buying this car. If you cannot (I don't mean you personally Trader) afford the gas then you were only window shopping in the first place.
Well, in early December of '03 I bought my '04 GTO, sight unseen, largely because of the mag/edmunds reviews previous to that time, which were very, very positive. I've had my '05 since Feb 12. You have to admit it's a bit odd that edmunds won't (not "can't") review it until late April (meaning May or June).
I think edmunds should bite the bullet like Motor Trend did: forget all the praise you had about the '04 (which I wager you will do) and come up with creative criterion like "the must have factor" and so on. Talk about the dinky trunk and how difficult it is to get into the back seat and how bland it is and the crappy radio and how there's no "must have" impetus to it. Don't mention the scopes, the big split pipes, the fit and finish and -- oh, I almost forgot -- the roaring 400HP is has.
BTW, my '05 was MSRP minus $1000; $22,000 trade-in on the '04 with 12,000 virtually trouble-free miles (compared to my Audi A6 2.7T)
The lesson I learned here is that I'll never buy another car sight unseen based on "expert" car reviews.
I lied: if GM offers a 500HP GTO for nearly the same price, with the same "bland" styling and good quality, I'd do it again.
Whatever moves reviewers to publish their car opinions, there clearly has been an anti-'05 GTO bias. Hey, this is how the market moves: good car reviews sells cars. That's why there are a gazillion mags and web sites publishing car reviews. Adverising works: It is naive to believe otherwise. But if I were in the car reviewing business I'd rather work for an outfit like those which are currently identifying the '05 GTO bias of MT, CD, etc. I suspect that what they loose in advertising they will gain in increased readership. Like the man said, "The truth will out."
To edmunds' credit, you are not censoring such criticisms of edmunds. If you did I wouldn't be here.
800 miles on the '05 goat. I have shown such breakin restraint momma would have been proud of me. Favorite pastime: finding a 15% down slope road, role down windows, listen to rapping of LS2 in 2nd or 3rd (wife says, "It's too cold for this!").
I like the NON distinctive exterior styling on my new 2005 Impulse Blue GOAT. Many people have already come up to me asking what car this is? Including some at traffic lights! The 2 dealers I went to were very NICE and offered a test ride with no problem, and the pricing was very good. They were very nice to me. Maybe you guys just had a bad dealer, who knows. The dealer's sales staff even watched my 2 yr old while I test drove the car and did the paperwork, very NICE! There were no dealer markups on mine.
Karl doesn't care much for the '04 and thinks the '05 is just a hp upgrade and minor styling tweaks. And that's ok, I can handle that. He also said it wasn't new and exciting like the Honda Ridgeline and the Cobalt SS. That kinda leaves me speechless though.
go to the GMAC WEBSITE...OR WWW.PONTIAC.COM....LOOK FOR BUYING CALCULATIONS...scrooll thru.... they show you smart buy / leasing ...even let you make calculations..... try it..... that is how i learned....
I asked the editor-in-chief here at Edmunds why the '05 hasn't been reviewed. Besides what I posted earlier he said and I quote "unless they fix the slow steering and overly wallowy suspension I don't expect to like it anymore than the '04". I refered him to the original Edmunds' test drive and review and I will quote it here. "especially nice is that the variable-ratio steering makes the high speed stuff fun as well as precise." and " the suspension has been tuned to deliver exellent high speed adhesion with almost no roll or pitch."
I don't know how to reconcile these two differing views.
400hp, split pipes, scoops, red calipers -- everything I wanted, but mainly just the sound of the description: "400 horsepower." My grampa told me no man should die without first owning a car with 400 horsepower. 400, 400, 400, 400! Four hundred? Yep, four, zero, zero. [sorry -- kind of lost it there -- 400!]
'04 was $33.1M, 6M ; '05 was 32.9, 6M, plus I got the spoiler removed for 600, for which I paid half. BTW my body shop guy plugged the spoiler holes and refinished the whole cover -- it looks really nice. He said he could do it without refinishing the whole cover but I'd see a slight mound, about the size of a hand, where the holes were filled.
In the year I had the '04 I saw two other '04's on the road -- have yet to see another '05 (since I got mine Feb 14). Was in last year's Memorial Day Parade in our town and the goat was a big hit -- kids and adults, yelling "rev it, rev it!" which I would do -- "Oh Yaaaaaaa!" It was as fun for the folks as it was for me. Going to parade the '05 this year. I know it'll be an even bigger hit -- even at idle it's got this very audible low rumble/growl.
We've got to give edmunds credit for publishing all of this embarassing stuff about them. I don't think I'd work for them -- be like working for Dan Rather, a biased bum. It'll be interesting to read their response to your latest post (today)
here, they are showing us that with success and market acceptance, Edmunds is moving into the mainstream in more ways than one. Edmunds is now joining the elitist snobs in the automotive press, in their bias interviews, and now that they won't even give the '05 an appropriate "update" test or whatever they call it, is just bias against GM and the USA auto industry (and a bit of Australians too lol).
You know, that just sucks b/c we all know if it was a toyota or honda edmunds would retest it in a heartbeat. But they won't run the car long enough for the tranny to blow out.
I always thought Edmunds had unbiased and fair reporting. I really did, but this GTO situation, unless they resolve it, would mean that this website becomes good for car discussions, not reporting. Then again, what is? All of the mainstream are biased in one way or another. The best test is to go out there and test drive it yourself. Its more fun too.
I will hand Edmunds this, they have, unequivocally the best online auto forums i have ever found. They regulate it well, it works reasonably fast, and best of all, I haven't been banned yet.
The worst thing about the GTO, though, in full sincerity, besides the radio is that it is not made in the USA, with such a legendary name it should be. Then again, I'd rather buy US made in Australia than (GTO) than German posing as US (300); and after an ugly and arguably illegal merger.
You guys know if this was the other way around the auto press would not let go of it, but that’s a different story.
Hey, do you guys notice something else; it seems that quietly the 2005 GTO is selling for or at least very close to MSRP! At least on these boards I don’t see ppl paying 25K for one. In this day and age, it’s something worth getting exited about.
I have a relative that works at GM and drives a company car. I was just curious to see if anyone could let me know how much would be taken off a new GTO if he did a drive and buy plus the GM employee discounts. Thanks.....
March = 1375 YTD = 3261 Not a bad month, but I have to wonder how many sales were '04s at $6K off msrp.
GM first qtr. overall sales numbers: trucks -1.5%, cars -9%
Bob Lutz has now been shifted to a "global" role and eased out of GMNA. I guess all those Buick/Pontiac/GMC dealers didn't react well to his suggestion that maybe another division might have to go.
Model split as follows: 967 2005 (70%) and 408 2004 (30%). Dealer net stock on April 1st was 2,450 or 55 days supply which includes 634 2004 models. Top five states as follows, #1 Cal (14% of national sales!) #2 FL, #3 IL, #4 TX, #5 MI.
So they sold 248 more "new" cars compared with March of last year.
I was just looking at GTO specs and I saw that there is an "Emergency Mode System." Does anyone have an idea what that could be? Also, does anyone think that the sport appearance package would be worth the $3K? I'm looking into getting a Black 05 in the next few months. Thanks a lot.
Comments
WHAT ABOUT THIS AUDI S4/ RS4..... DOES ANYBODY know about these cars???
Your next free mod is to turn up the subwoofer amp. From memory (haven't seen my GTO since January (in storage)), it's located on the left side of the trunk (standing behind the car), behind some of the side insulation. The amp is mounted vertically, with the dial for adjusting the amp volume in between the amp and the fender wall. After popping out the plastic grommet holding the liner in, I was able to reach my big hand in there and turn it almost all of the way up - made a major improvement.
Your next best bet is to replace the junky speakers in the door and behind the front seats - they are really, really cheap. Then you can start looking at replacing the speakers on the back shelf if you're still not happy...
My A4 car now also has been "Predator Tuned." Makes a HUGE difference in auto cars. Removes torque management and firms up shifts, plus optimizes the advance curves and cleans up the fuel trims. I got mine from James at Runnin with the Devil and so got custom tuning included... really puts a smile on your face. Lined up next to a shiney black GTP Grand Prix the other day at a stop light and gave it about 3/4-throttle away from the light. No feeling like the satisfaction of laying down ten feet of rubber hitting second gear!
There's an update to the Predator's firmware which provides a better stock performance tune... think I'm going to do that. Once that's back (and my new GTO's broken in :-) I'll load it and see. I hear pretty good things about RWTD's custom tuning, so I may end up going that route as well, if I think the updated performance tune is still shifting too firm...
--Robert
There was nothing wrong with that car. But there was nothing special about it either. It was just another car. But it was a total flop. What do you suppose a cherry one would go for today? There is one guy who has over 150 of them but I think most are junkers. I'm sure the original owners took a bath with the Edsel. But with 40K GTO's there is no problem. If you got a GTO, right on! If you don't, too bad...
Here are a couple of no spoiler pictures: nope -- didn't work. How do you import pictures here?
I really like the new back end. The split sided dual exhaust really looks great. Hood scoops don't really get a reaction either way.
My salesperson said I should come in and drive one. I think I just might have to do that. Kind of curious if I could feel the extra 50hp.
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
first ride today...got it from BRUNO in new york last nite...has no more had 2...really one ,mine came from another dealer....will not get anymore they said.....real great promotion that is it....they don't want to bother.....wow
GUYS......any of you experiencing an NEW CAR PROBLEMS?
I AM IN NYC....forgot to take the traction control off ...when i did....[non-permissible content removed] is a whole new sensation..........as of now I love my brand new "409" mean "389 cubes"
Thanks!
The modern GTO may not survive production but a few years, however, I can guarantee to you, Sylvia, that the memory of the dishonesty of MT, other mags, and your company in their reporting/editorial bias against this great car will outlast the GTO. But not to worry, posters: other, more honest companies will replace the current ones, and that's where we will go to seek honest appraisal of stuff. What a country!
Like it or not - you are giving input each and every time you post in this discussion.
--Robert
a) code reader
b) real-time information on various engine conditions
c) can back up the stock computer settings, and upload a more aggressive "performance" tune.
If you have a laptop computer and know what you are doing, you can use programs like HPTuners and EFILive to adjust settings as well. I do, but don't know what I'm doing, so I'm sticking with the Predator for now.
As to K&N, if properly installed the FilterCharger (cone plus plastic molding to help seal off the filter from the engine compartment) has dynod 19 rwhp improvement (I've seen the slips). The butt dyno noticed a difference, too (not my car). I plan on putting one of these in once I break the car in (taking her out of storage tomorrow - only 42 miles on my replacement '04, woo-hoo).
--Robert
Of course Edmunds doesn't take money for reviews. That would be bribery and someone could go to jail. But you do take money for advertising and then turn around and review the car that's being advertised. There's a very fine line there Sylvia, a very fine line.
Yet they preferred the Mustang to the GTO. Makes you go hmmmmmm.........
You guys need to face facts: there is a LOT more to getting positive reviews than just the ability to put black tire marks on asphalt. GM has been able to do that, in spades, better than Ford for quite a while, yet tire burning performance is BUT A PART of the overall equation. Maybe the reason why Edmunds hasn't tested an '05 yet is because they don't feel that it is sufficiently different from the '04? Maybe? Just perhaps? Yes, it has 50 more hp. But if the performance of the '04 was already good (and it was), yet the car sold poorly, then what good does adding even more performance do? Obviously, lack of performance was NOT why the car was a slow seller.
Five things have killed this car:
1) Non-distinctive exterior styling
2) Dealer mark-ups
3) Dealers refusing to allow test drives
4) Inept product distribution and marketing
5) Rising gas prices
1, 2, and 3 have played the biggest role in my opinion.
I think edmunds should bite the bullet like Motor Trend did: forget all the praise you had about the '04 (which I wager you will do) and come up with creative criterion like "the must have factor" and so on. Talk about the dinky trunk and how difficult it is to get into the back seat and how bland it is and the crappy radio and how there's no "must have" impetus to it. Don't mention the scopes, the big split pipes, the fit and finish and -- oh, I almost forgot -- the roaring 400HP is has.
BTW, my '05 was MSRP minus $1000; $22,000 trade-in on the '04 with 12,000 virtually trouble-free miles (compared to my Audi A6 2.7T)
The lesson I learned here is that I'll never buy another car sight unseen based on "expert" car reviews.
I lied: if GM offers a 500HP GTO for nearly the same price, with the same "bland" styling and good quality, I'd do it again.
Whatever moves reviewers to publish their car opinions, there clearly has been an anti-'05 GTO bias. Hey, this is how the market moves: good car reviews sells cars. That's why there are a gazillion mags and web sites publishing car reviews. Adverising works: It is naive to believe otherwise. But if I were in the car reviewing business I'd rather work for an outfit like those which are currently identifying the '05 GTO bias of MT, CD, etc. I suspect that what they loose in advertising they will gain in increased readership. Like the man said, "The truth will out."
To edmunds' credit, you are not censoring such criticisms of edmunds. If you did I wouldn't be here.
800 miles on the '05 goat. I have shown such breakin restraint momma would have been proud of me. Favorite pastime: finding a 15% down slope road, role down windows, listen to rapping of LS2 in 2nd or 3rd (wife says, "It's too cold for this!").
I refered him to the original Edmunds' test drive and review and I will quote it here. "especially nice is that the variable-ratio steering makes the high speed stuff fun as well as precise." and " the suspension has been tuned to deliver exellent high speed adhesion with almost no roll or pitch."
I don't know how to reconcile these two differing views.
'04 was $33.1M, 6M ; '05 was 32.9, 6M, plus I got the spoiler removed for 600, for which I paid half. BTW my body shop guy plugged the spoiler holes and refinished the whole cover -- it looks really nice. He said he could do it without refinishing the whole cover but I'd see a slight mound, about the size of a hand, where the holes were filled.
In the year I had the '04 I saw two other '04's on the road -- have yet to see another '05 (since I got mine Feb 14). Was in last year's Memorial Day Parade in our town and the goat was a big hit -- kids and adults, yelling "rev it, rev it!" which I would do -- "Oh Yaaaaaaa!" It was as fun for the folks as it was for me. Going to parade the '05 this year. I know it'll be an even bigger hit -- even at idle it's got this very audible low rumble/growl.
We've got to give edmunds credit for publishing all of this embarassing stuff about them. I don't think I'd work for them -- be like working for Dan Rather, a biased bum. It'll be interesting to read their response to your latest post (today)
You know, that just sucks b/c we all know if it was a toyota or honda edmunds would retest it in a heartbeat. But they won't run the car long enough for the tranny to blow out.
I always thought Edmunds had unbiased and fair reporting. I really did, but this GTO situation, unless they resolve it, would mean that this website becomes good for car discussions, not reporting. Then again, what is? All of the mainstream are biased in one way or another. The best test is to go out there and test drive it yourself. Its more fun too.
I will hand Edmunds this, they have, unequivocally the best online auto forums i have ever found. They regulate it well, it works reasonably fast, and best of all, I haven't been banned yet.
The worst thing about the GTO, though, in full sincerity, besides the radio is that it is not made in the USA, with such a legendary name it should be. Then again, I'd rather buy US made in Australia than (GTO) than German posing as US (300); and after an ugly and arguably illegal merger.
You guys know if this was the other way around the auto press would not let go of it, but that’s a different story.
Hey, do you guys notice something else; it seems that quietly the 2005 GTO is selling for or at least very close to MSRP! At least on these boards I don’t see ppl paying 25K for one. In this day and age, it’s something worth getting exited about.
YTD = 3261
Not a bad month, but I have to wonder how many sales were '04s at $6K off msrp.
GM first qtr. overall sales numbers: trucks -1.5%, cars -9%
Bob Lutz has now been shifted to a "global" role and eased out of GMNA. I guess all those Buick/Pontiac/GMC dealers didn't react well to his suggestion that maybe another division might have to go.
So they sold 248 more "new" cars compared with March of last year.
Also, does anyone think that the sport appearance package would be worth the $3K? I'm looking into getting a Black 05 in the next few months.
Thanks a lot.