DecodedCars2005 Pontiac GTO
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 6.0L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 18 combined · 15 city / 23 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Few owner complaints11 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 41 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 18 MPG combined, 23% below the 2005 compact car average of 23.3 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 6 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Pontiac GTO is a compact car offered with a 6.0L 8-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (15 city / 23 highway), 23% worse than the 2005 compact car average of 23.3 MPG, for an estimated $4,550 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 11 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GTO | 6.0L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 23 / 18 | -23% | $4,550 | 494 |
| GTO | 6.0L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -31% | $5,150 | 555 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Pontiac GTO under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Pontiac GTO (this car) | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 35 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Volkswagen Jetta | 35 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Pontiac G6 | 23 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2005 Chrysler Sebring | 24 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2005 Dodge Stratus | 24 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2005 Pontiac Grand Am | 25 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Pontiac GTO.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2005 Pontiac GTO is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 Pontiac GTO buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Steering — 2 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Suspension — 2 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Wheels — 2 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 105,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Pontiac GTO. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other GTO years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 GTO | 18 | – | Not rated | 0 | 3 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Pontiac. How we calculate this →