Faults:

Minor annoyances, brakes needing replacement early and small power steering hose leak - just needed some tightening.

Engine? Awesome - no problems.

Tranny? Awesome - no problems.

Leaking - nope, no problems.

Seats - look and feel freakin solid except for some seam separation on back seats - easy fix.

But you figure this car is now 6 years old, and I just drove an '08 Volvo S80 - the GTO has better leather interior and holds up better over 6 years than a two year old Volvo.

General Comments:

The shifter sucks, but it is functional. It slips out of gear when you're not on it if you push the stick.

Some irregular wear on tires, but I must say I drove the front down to bare nothing, and they wear pretty damn even.

I've done a lot of research on GTO concerns, and have no reason to think that the suspension needs addressing, as I've spent some quality time under the beast inspecting every inch of it. However, these things can be fixed, and there are excellent aftermarket parts available with a very HIGH degree of quality... Pedders, Lovells, SLP - on and on and on.

I hate the stereo, it's Walmart grade quality. But that damn engine, it's a drug of awesomeness. Brakes suck too... horrible and do not inspire confidence. It's like GM either exceeded on this car or under performed, as far as all of its parts are concerned - no middle ground; it's one or the other.

Body integrity is great, and looks killer at 61k still with no electrical problems. I won't buy GM again, because I just don't understand why they didn't do a better job on certain areas of this car. It's a love hate relationship, but more love than hate.

For 10k, I STOLE the car in great shape. I STOLE it. Heck, even if I replace every damn piece on the car, it'll still provide better performance and comfort at Walmart bargain prices compared to a similar equipped Dodge Challenger - my next car of choice. It has potential, just hope you enjoy turning a wrench. If so, you'll love it, if not... stay the hell away. GTO for LIFE!!!

Faults:

Replaced gas cap at 30k.

General Comments:

The car is seriously fun to drive.

Gets looks all the time at filling stations. People come up and want to hang out and talk to you about the car.

Great acceleration. Runs mid 13's all day at the track.

Optioned with way-cool blue leather seats.

Seats are comfortable and supportive, even on long trips.

Performance blows just about everything in the price range away.

Car was daily-driven for 2 years, never had any reliability issues. Made multiple flawless trips to 5 states.

No downshifting required: Motor powers its way up the steepest grades with ease.

Handles admirably on mountain roads.

Does great posi-trac burnouts once you disable the TC.

A great alternative to the overly-common Mustang.

Faults:

The exhaust rattles a little at low RPM.

General Comments:

Car is very comfortable, quiet and easy to drive. It has a lot of power, handles very good and rides excellent. A very refined and well designed car that is a pleasure to drive and own. It would be nice to have a few features like automatic climate control and an outside temperature display, but the speed sensitive wipers and radio volume are nice touches. The seats are awesome; out of this world comfortable. I'm 45 and had lots of cars: Mustangs, Trans Am's, Chargers, even a Cadillac but this is much nicer than any of those.

Faults:

Car leaks water!

Electrical problems: battery is just dead sometimes, I can't figure out why. Neither can the dealer.

Power door lock problems.

Power seat broke.

Rotors aren't adequate, they warped quickly.

General Comments:

I was excited about this car at first. It was everything I wanted. The power is great. The seats in this car are awesome. It sounds awesome. I can burn rubber with ease. I had a problem with the power locks screwing up, but the dealer fixed that, no big deal, it's a common problem. This car felt so solid to me. The Impulse blue paint is beautiful. It got compliments from many people, except one jerk who asked me if I liked my Cavalier. I don't think it looks like a Cavalier.

One day I after a lot of rain I reached for something sitting in the back on the floor and it was soaking wet! A closer look and I see the whole floor behind my seat is soaking wet. I did some looking around online and found other GTO owners having a problem with water leaking past the door seals. The dealer couldn't replicate the leak, and we don't get much rain where I am, so I'll have to wait till a big storm for the dealer to believe me. Soon after the wet floor my power seat went out, and I think it has something to do with this leak.

I also am having brake problems. GM just didn't give this car big enough rotors. This car is heavier than it should be and the brakes are just to small. The 05/06 GTOs got big rotors, why not the 04s?

The battery issue is just annoying. I let the car sit for a few days sometimes and the battery dies. Other times it's fine.