Car Reviews: 2006 Pontiac GTO

Often times the rebirth of a classic or iconic vehicle can leave something to be desired, or at least fall short to the standards set of the original car. Perhaps the most notable example of such to happen in recent years involves the new generation production of the Pontiac GTO. While the new GTO may not exactly have been what fans expected, it is nonetheless a solid vehicle that perhaps does not deserve the excessive criticism, which has, comes its way. However, perhaps if we offer an objective evaluation of the vehicle, we can perhaps sort out what is really true about the 2006 Pontiac GTO, and what is simply magnified disappointment.

There can certainly be no arguing that the 2006 GTO is a definite improvement in looks over the previous model years, even if that improvement is slight. Featuring a more aggressive front end, with recessed grills and more angled headlights. The back end also gets an improvement as well, as the new duel exhaust pipes set into the bottom of the bumper really do a lot for the overall appearance, and the factory rear spoiler helps to add some much needed dimension to the body, greatly improving the overall appearance. The 2006 also features factory hood scoops (which are present without being overwhelming), and factory side skirts. All of which may seem like minor improvements but actually when put together make a major difference in overall appearance for the vehicle. The GTO may still not look like the powerhouse that it is, but at least it comes a little closer. The 2006 GTO now looks a little more aggressive and definitely has some presence when going down the road, which hopefully means that it will no longer be confused for a Grand Am with shiny paint.

Of course, to go with the changes on the outside, the inside gets some modifications as well. While there is really nothing major to report, and the color matched leather seats return for certain colored cars, the steering wheel now gains volume and cruise control controls, which were not present on the 2005 and older model GTO's. While the interior of the car definitely lends itself to high speed driving, and there is little to confuse or distract the driver, there is nonetheless that feeling that something is just kind of missing. While the simplistic interior does a good job in keeping the driver in control of the car, and the stick shifter and steering wheel seem perfectly proportioned for the task of ripping through the gear, sitting inside the 2006 GTO still just doesn't feel like sitting inside of a sport's car should. With all of the refinements that graced the exterior of the vehicle, it would have been nice if Pontiac refined the interior a little bit as well. However, one definite bonus is that even though the GTO is a two door coupe, passengers and drivers are treated to ample interior room, even though the back seats are separated into two distinct seats, the four passengers of the vehicle should never feel cramped or squashed, certainly a rare feat for a two door coupe.

However, by far the most attractive aspect of the GTO, even the previous years model, was the manner in which it drove. Thankfully, this has been upgraded, and the 2006 GTO comes standard with the LS2 Corvette motor, which makes sure that the car has plenty of power and definitely enough kick to justify the price tag. The feeling of ripping through the gears with the engine screaming and the exhaust roaring is even more fun in the 2006 GTo thanks to the addition of the dual exhaust and more powerful engine. The car still has impressive handling, and although the GTO definitely has a lot of power behind it, the driver never feels out of control of the vehicle. While the six speed manual may not provide the smoothest clutch and shifting in the world, the sheer amount of power that the driver is attempting to control more than makes up for the lack of an incredibly smooth shifting motion. The automatic transmissions still seems a bit underpowered, but it will definitely get the job done, and the automatic manages to hold very smooth shifts and provide an overall comfortable ride. Overall, the GTO drives like one would expect the GTO to drive, plenty of low end torque, lots of power, a snappy clutch and short transmission, and enough power to make up for any other faults of the vehicle, at least in the eyes of the performance oriented driver.

Although the 2006 GTO definitely marks an improvement over the previous generations, it nonetheless does still leave a little bit to be desired. The car has come along way though, and the 2006 model definitely improves on the exterior appearance, as well as the power available. While the 2006 GTO may not be the iconic sports car of yesteryear, it is nonetheless a sports car which manages to be a fun, affordable, sports car, and one that can be driven on a daily basis without too much worry.