General Motors is responsible for some of the greatest muscle cars of all time, from Chevrolet Camaro pony cars to tire-roasting Pontiacs. The GTO is no different; it’s an elusive model name with a special meaning. To some, it’s the Goat; to others, it’s the G.O.A.T. Either way, many of them were as quick as they were fantastic and underrated; here are some of the fastest GTOs ranked, like the 2006 Pontiac GTO and GTO Judge. 

• 2006 Pontiac GTO 6.0
• 2004 Pontiac GTO 5.7
• 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge
• 1964 Pontiac GTO

How much horsepower does a 2006 Pontiac GTO 6.0 have?

The last General Motors car to wear the “GTO” moniker was the 400-horsepower 2006 Pontiac GTO. Powered by a 6.0L LS2 V8 engine, the short-lived Goat revival packed considerable power and torque into an underwhelming package. When compared to contenders like an S197 Ford Mustang, it’s that underwhelming styling that spelled discontinuation for the GTO.

However, the 6.0L GTO managed to be the fastest Goat of all time before GM pulled the plug. The 2006 model with an LS2 could hit 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds. Better yet, Kelley Blue Book (KBB) says you can snag a 50,000-mile example for around $22,000.   

Are 2004 Pontiac GTOs fast?

When Pontiac revived the GTO badge on the Australian Holden for the American market in 2004, it believed it had a hit. However, sales fell flat, and the GTO’s tenure stopped at just three model years. However, the 350-horsepower 2004 GTO still managed to breathe life back into the beloved name. According to Hagerty, the 2004 Pontiac GTO could clear a 60 mph run in just 5.5 seconds and a quarter-mile in less than 14 seconds. 

Speed like that is courtesy of a naturally aspirated 5.7L LS1 V8 engine. Also, the GTO packed independent rear suspension, a feature that the Mustang of the day neglected to incorporate. 

Is the 1969 Judge one of the fastest GTOs? 

With a name inspired by television and loud orange paintwork, the Judge is a sight to behold. The brightly liveried muscle car equipped a Ram Air III 400 cubic-inch engine which produced 366 bhp. However, customers could opt for the Ram Air IV and snag an extra four bhp. While that may not sound like much, a 1969 GTO Judge with the Ram Air IV could hit 60 mph in just 6.2 seconds on its way to a 14.45-second quarter mile. 

However, depending on who you talk to, the venerable 1965 Pontiac GTO Tri-Power could hit 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds.

Were Pontiacs from the 1960s fast?

The first generation of Pontiac GTOs, the 1964 to 1966 cars, made less power than the later Ram Air models. However, with figures like 360 in the Tri-Power, the top options weren’t slouches; the Pontiac muscle cars had to keep up with the Chevrolet Chevelles and Oldsmobile 4-4-2s of the day. The Tri-Power 1964 GTO with a 389-cubic inch V8 could hit 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. Not to mention, it looked incredible on the way. 

Which of the fastest GTOs should you buy?

Unfortunately for most muscle car enthusiasts, the first and second-generation cars are collector’s items. For instance, a 1966 Pontiac GTO could cost over $100,000 depending on the engine, condition, and factory air conditioning. However, the most recent GTOs are absolute performance bargains. 

What do you think of the GTO? Is it the greatest of all time? Share your thoughts in the comments below!