I think GM intended on makeing their own US built GTO all along, maybe right after they killed the F-body. but IMO the time it takes to get a new model through the EPA/govt regulation nightmare probably pushed the date to 2007 regardless of what they did.
SO they contracted with holden to bring the monaro here as the GTO as an interim step, just to get something out there. This holden/GTO thing is supposed to end in 06 or 07. I think it was a 3 year agreement so prob 06. So I dont think you will see a US car until 07 at the earliest.

I guess the question to ask is would you rather have a comfy 6 speed LS1 and LS2 car available even with tepid styling or nothing at all. even it if is boring on the outside Im glad its here. Gives me something to buy used in a few years when my GTP wears out

TRUE TRUE!

Hey Jizz, I mentioned in in another thread but people are popping up on the ls1gto board reporting buying leftover 04s for about $26,000 dont know how true of course but even if you are pissed at the dealers. getting an 04 without them making much money si a good way to strike back! Sounds possible considering the $3500 rebate, I think invoice on a gto is around $26000+

Id much rather an 05 but jeez, thats a lot of car for the money. Its where the price SHOULD have been in the first place. theyd have sold 10x what they wanted to .