2006 GTO Opinion

**1slowbusa** · 01-15-2012, 04:55 PM

Ok, Im looking at a 2006 GTO 6 speed, 6.0.

I have a 2000 Camaro SS that is just a weekender.

For the ones that own a GTO, what is the Pro's and Con's that you have about your GTO?

Thanks,

**cammed goat** · 01-16-2012, 04:53 PM

To me, there are no cons. Fun to drive, seats are very inviting, just be careful. The ride is VERY smooth, so you could be doing 100+mph and not feel it.

**1slowbusa** · 01-16-2012, 06:59 PM

Thanks. I test drove an 04 today and I liked the way it felt but I want the ls2.

**0rion** · 01-16-2012, 08:25 PM

06's had some issues with the ignition lock so find out if that one has been repaired. 06's are definitely the way to go. I had an 04 and my brother has an 06. I will say though that for just a DD the 04 would be appealing due to the price you can get them at. You're not going to miss that 50HP from the LS2 anyhow unless you're wanting to do more to the car.

**mark21742** · 01-17-2012, 05:45 AM

I love them, the only problem is if you try to get 6' + people in and out of the back seat....once they are in there It's pretty good. I'd go for the best car, not the ls1, or ls2....both are great engines so you can't go wrong

**rc74racer** · 01-17-2012, 10:02 AM

Originally Posted by 1slowbusa

Thanks. I test drove an 04 today and I liked the way it felt but I want the ls2.

I've driven both. I don't know who wouldn't miss the extra 50hp whether you are going to mod it or not. I went from a 99ss to an 05 6.0 GTO. It's a very smooth riding and driving car. The interior is nice but back seats are hard to get in and out of, however once in there they are fine. I dislike not having a lock button for the doors. The car is heavy and wants to push when cornering hard. Wheel hop is much worse than my camaro was. Gas mileage is about the same.

All in all I'm very happy with the switch. I really love this car. I've had it for about 8 months now and it's still a joy to drive. If you are ok with 18mpg in mixed driving it's a great daily driver.

**0rion** · 01-17-2012, 12:21 PM

Originally Posted by rc74racer

I've driven both. I don't know who wouldn't miss the extra 50hp whether you are going to mod it or not. I went from a 99ss to an 05 6.0 GTO. It's a very smooth riding and driving car. The interior is nice but back seats are hard to get in and out of, however once in there they are fine. I dislike not having a lock button for the doors. The car is heavy and wants to push when cornering hard. Wheel hop is much worse than my camaro was. Gas mileage is about the same.

All in all I'm very happy with the switch. I really love this car. I've had it for about 8 months now and it's still a joy to drive. If you are ok with 18mpg in mixed driving it's a great daily driver.

my brother's 06 ran a 13.40 stock and my 04 ran a 13.6 stock.......not that far off really. If you're not modding it you're not really gonna notice 2/10's on the street.

**rc74racer** · 01-17-2012, 02:53 PM

Originally Posted by 0rion

my brother's 06 ran a 13.40 stock and my 04 ran a 13.6 stock.......not that far off really. If you're not modding it you're not really gonna notice 2/10's on the street.

You can feel the difference I've driven both. Are they night and day? Of course not but you can feel it for sure it's 50hp. I raced my completely stock 05 against an 04 with an intake and exhaust so essentially stock for stock and it wasn't very close. I had him by over 2 car lengths before I was out of second. The 04 is a good car and the ls1 is a great motor but if you can afford it I think you are better off with an LS2 GTO. It will be a wash in the end when you resell, the 04 will always be worth less. If modding it is your main goal why not buy the cheaper ls1 GTO and spend all the coin you save on mods? Both motors are solid platforms to build on. Just my .02.

**tremiles** · 01-17-2012, 04:22 PM

I'm going to play devil's advocate and say if you are not going to mod, I'd save the money and go with the '04. The seat of the pants feel on the street isn't huge between the LS1 and LS2 GTO's. If you are planning on modding, I'd go with the 05/06 because of the 4" bore on the LS2 will give you more head options. Alot of the newer heads available aren't compatible with the smaller bore of the LS1.

I think the interior of the GTO is GM's best, better than a 'Vette even, although I agree that the beck seat is hard to access (but comfortable once you're there).

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**0rion** · 01-17-2012, 04:40 PM

Originally Posted by tremiles

I'm going to play devil's advocate and say if you are not going to mod, I'd save the money and go with the '04. The seat of the pants feel on the street isn't huge between the LS1 and LS2 GTO's. If you are planning on modding, I'd go with the 05/06 because of the 4" bore on the LS2 will give you more head options. Alot of the newer heads available aren't compatible with the smaller bore of the LS1.

I think the interior of the GTO is GM's best, better than a 'Vette even, although I agree that the beck seat is hard to access (but comfortable once you're there).

Sent from my DROID2 using Tapatalk

this is pretty much my thinking too......I'd rather have the displacement when it comes time to mod. On the other hand the difference in price would give you a few thousand dollar head start on the 04.

It's a wash really IMO......I've rode in and worked on both. I don't think you can really go wrong either way. I do like the 18's on the 06's and although they look similar they're much easier to clean and I like the 06 tail lights.

**rc74racer** · 01-17-2012, 05:32 PM

Originally Posted by 0rion

this is pretty much my thinking too......I'd rather have the displacement when it comes time to mod. On the other hand the difference in price would give you a few thousand dollar head start on the 04.

It's a wash really IMO......I've rode in and worked on both. I don't think you can really go wrong either way. I do like the 18's on the 06's and although they look similar they're much easier to clean and I like the 06 tail lights.

You guys do make good points about modding and starting with a larger displacement. I guess I am looking at it as a limitation of funds deal, the difference in price can buy a lot of mods. I like the 18's as well I have them on my 05 and they are easier to clean. I also agree both are nice cars and you really can't go wrong with either one, but if money is not an object I'd prefer an LS2. I don't think the OP will be disappointed with a GTO I know I'm not.