Overview & Reviews

For 47 years, the Pontiac Bonneville was a constant sight on Pontiac's dealership lots. Very few nameplates have lasted that long, and even fewer belonged to mainstream vehicles that were neither luxury nor sports cars. Like other long-lasting, everyman models from America's domestic automakers, the Bonneville subsequently experienced the major trends that swept through its brand and the auto industry as a whole during its lifetime, serving as a telling chronicle of what we've driven over the years.

Named after the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah where many land speed record attempts are made, the first Pontiac Bonneville debuted in 1957 as a tail-finned, high-performance convertible based on the Star Chief. It was the brand's top-line model and coupe, sedan and even wagon variants followed shortly thereafter. Through the late 1950s and '60s, the Bonneville earned a reputation for being both luxurious and performance-oriented thanks to generous power outputs from some of its big, muscle-car-era V8s. Today, some of these early Bonnevilles are highly prized as collector cars.

As with other cars during the Nixon era, the Pontiac Bonneville lost its performance edge as new governmental regulations went into effect. The biggest change occurred after the second gas shortage of the 1970s, when for 1977 Pontiac downsized the Bonneville into a more fuel-efficient, full-size car powered by V6 or V8 engines. In the early '80s the nameplate hit an all-time low when it was affixed to GM's midsize car platform, reducing the once-proud Bonneville to a gussied up LeMans. Another metamorphosis occurred in 1987, when the Bonneville returned to full-size status, atop GM's new front-drive family car platform.

This generation and the revamped 1990s Bonny that followed embodied Pontiac's new direction, focusing on exaggerated sporty styling and high-tech gizmos. In terms of sales and image, however, the Bonneville was on a constant slide as fewer consumers were interested in a large, sport-oriented front-wheel-drive sedan. Production finally ended in 2005.

Used-car shoppers interested in a Bonneville will most likely be taking a look at the two most recent generations of the car. In general, these cars provide plenty of interior room and trunk space thanks to their full-size sedan status, and, depending on trim, also offer respectable acceleration and handling. Typical downsides, however, include overwrought interior and exterior styling, some cheap interior materials and dubious build quality.

Most Recent Pontiac Bonneville

The most recent Pontiac Bonneville was produced from 2000-'05. This car's general shape wasn't too different from the car it replaced. But it was sleeker despite retaining some of Pontiac's signature ribbed plastic body cladding -- particularly on the exaggerated SSEi. This look was cleaned up on the V8-powered GXP for 2004, with a more attractive face and cladding-free sheet metal.

Inside, this Bonneville brought the idea of a driver-centered cockpit to new heights with controls angled heavily toward the driver. Dozens of little gray buttons and switches, eight round air vents, six gauges, an information center and an optional head-up display furthered the jet aircraft motif Pontiac was shooting for. This might sound cool, but it was tremendously busy and grew dated quickly.

This generation Bonneville didn't change much during its run. It was initially available in base-level SE, midgrade SLE and top-of-the-line SSEi trim levels. The bottom two trims came with a 3.8-liter V6 (205 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque) and a four-speed automatic transmission. The performance-oriented SSEi boasted a supercharged version of the 3.8 V6, increasing power to 240 hp and 280 lb-ft. These were hardly muscle-car numbers, but the SSEi outperformed other V6-powered large cars of the era like the Chrysler 300M and Lincoln LS. This advantage didn't last long, though, as horsepower numbers in the 2000s rose precipitously.

The SSEi was replaced by the V8-powered GXP in 2004. This 4.6-liter V8 made a healthy 275 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque and was enough to propel this large sedan from zero to 60 mph in less than 7 seconds. With that much power sent to the front wheels, the GXP handled it surprisingly well, with decent handling and few complaints about torque steer.

Although this generation's Bonneville was hardly our favorite full-size sedan, it did provide comfortable transportation for up to six passengers while adding in an appreciated amount of style and performance. The SSEi and GXP are the models that driving enthusiasts will want to focus on, but all Bonnevilles suffered from the gizmo-heavy interior and, like most GM cars from this era, inconsistent build quality and cheap, glossy interior plastics.

Past Pontiac Bonneville Models

The previous-generation Pontiac Bonneville was produced from 1992-'99, with a subtle midlife refresh in 1996. It was initially available in base SE, sporty SSE and supercharged SSEi trim levels. An SLE (Sport Luxury Edition) package was available on SE models starting in 1993 and became its own trim level for 1998. The SSEi did the reverse, as it changed from being a trim level to becoming an optional package (on SSE models) in 1994.

The SE and SSE Bonnevilles came standard with a 3.8-liter V6 that made 170 hp and 220 lb-ft of torque. Those figures grew to 205 hp and 230 lb-ft in 1995. The available supercharged version initially made 205 hp and 260 lb-ft, and those figures swelled to 225 hp and 275 lb-ft in 1994. The supercharged V6 was boosted one more time in 1996 to 240 horses and 280 lb-ft of torque. A four-speed automatic was standard on all engines throughout this generation's lifespan, but SSEi versions starting in 1994 featured "Performance" and "Normal" shift modes that quickened downshift response and raised rpm shift points.

Major equipment changes included standard antilock brakes in 1993 and standard dual airbags in 1994. (Passenger side was previously only standard on the SSEi.) That year also saw the introduction of optional Computer Command Ride, a two-mode system that adjusted suspension performance. Electronic load leveling and keyless entry became standard features on the SSE and optional on the SE in 1997.

Inside, these Bonnevilles were driver-centered like the following generation, but much less busy. Nevertheless, SSE models are remembered for having optional 12-way power seats with lumbar control that included nine dedicated buttons on the center console. We thought this Bonneville was also a decent choice for large-sedan buyers, with sportier styling and more high-tech niceties than most of its competitors.

The previous Pontiac Bonneville was produced from 1987-'91 with styling that was considered quite head-turning for the time. It brought back some of the sportiness that had been sucked out of the Bonny since the 1960s, particularly the SSE model. Like future Bonnevilles, this one also reveled in technology, with the SSE sporting numerous gauges, driver information displays, an abundance of power seat controls and ahead-of-its-time steering-wheel-mounted audio and temperature controls.

User Reviews:

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  Long Live the Bonneville! - 2004 Pontiac Bonneville
  By sleddriver - December 18 - 6:06 am

  I have owned this vehicle for less than 2 months (42,000 miles at purchase) and have already put 5,000 miles on it. (I have a 95 LeSabre that has 173,000 miles on it, and it is still running well.) I purchased it for less than half its original invoice, and it was virtually brand new. Im no engineer, but the 3800 Series II engine is the best GM auto engine around. This sled drives like a go kart! Road feel and steering reponsiveness is incredible compared to the Buick. (Reminds me of the old Tiger Paw commercials.) Pontiac is winning me over every time I drive the Bonneville. Should the G- 8 live up to expectations, I will be ordering one as the 12 models arrive in about 4 years.

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  A Superior Choice - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By RayRod - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Previously, I had a 98 Grand Prix GTP. I loved the car and probably would have bought a new GTP if Pontiac hadnt revamped that style, in my opinion, for the worse--no more auto climate control, tighter interior space, etc. The Bonneville GXP is definitely an excellent upgrade--it has all the features I had come to love like the HUD, performance and style. The exterior styling is great, the V8 engine, 18-inch wheels and sporty suspension make this car fun and comfortable to drive. The best color scheme is the graystone metallic, since it really compliments the interior trim colors. The cockpit is great--day and night. Ive shopped around, and this car is best in its class and beyond.

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  Great Car! - 2001 Pontiac Bonneville
  By ohioseahawk - November 12 - 10:00 am

  Best car ever owned. Have had it for over 1 year and have not had it to the dealer for a single problem. First time I have ever bought a new car and have not had to take it back to the dealer for something.

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  My Bonnie - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Cecilio A. Perez - November 4 - 4:10 pm

  I was looking for a used car that was comfortable and reliable. Ive got it. Responsive, comfortable, nice looking. I want to soup up the performance a little bit by adding aftermarket items like a high performance air filter and a better exhaust.

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  Very Happy - 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Jeanette - October 6 - 10:00 am

  We are very happy with our Bonny.Great looks. When we first bought it our friends and relatives could only say wow!!!! Like others have mentioned did have some minor vibrations on freeway at 65+ But after rotating tires the problem is gone and it rides as smooth as ever a 80mph. I love this car

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  Hope to buy another Bonne - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Great Car-Joleen - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Love this car! Hate green but bought this green car because it was worth the money. Husband wanted a Bonne so I relented. Now I wouldnt trade it off and hope to put 200,000 miles on it. I now have 120,000 miles on it and have had very little wrong with the car. The cup holders are somewhat small and I do hate the battery behind the back seat. Under warranty, the alternator had to be replaced but really has worked great since. Handling is a major plus! And the car has plenty of power with the 3.8 engine-pretty good fuel mileage (25- 30) too.

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  Love my Bonneville SSEi - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Wayne S - September 15 - 1:33 am

  Have had my 1997 Bonneville SSEi for 8 years. Have had six Corvettes and was a fighter pilot so tend to like fast cars. The supercharged six is simply amazing. Great mileage (30 MPG + on highway)plus more than enough power for everyday driving. At 7 seconds 0-60 MPH according to the magazines, it is actually faster than some of my mid- 70s Corvettes. The car seems faster since the power band is broad and instantaneous due to the supercharger. Engine has been flawless since owned. A nice daily driver, I like the real Heads-up Display and good instrumentation. The 8 Bose-speakered stereo is the best factory car stereo I have ever heard. Nothing has even come close. Great car.

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  For Pontiac Lovers - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Dealer - September 2 - 10:50 pm

  As a car salesman having driven many different makes and model of cars, the GXP is by far the most for the money. Fun to drive, exceptional road manners. The professional opinion peddlers completely miss the mark concerning the GXP.

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  Wouldnt trade for the world - 2001 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Brandyrn - August 8 - 8:00 am

  I love this car! Problems, a few but overall meets all my expectations and have no reason to trade for a newer model. I get 28 miles on the highway and 14 in the city. I have all the options where most cars today have a few. Power seats,10 disk changer,heated seats,heads up display,cd/tape player, onstar, you get the idea. Chrome wheels were pretty but crap. Front lighter a waste but the car still looks new and rides great. Easily would buy another.

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  Missing my Bonneville - 2003 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Ponti-mani-ac - August 1 - 3:53 pm

  After having 3 Grand Prixs, I went up to the Bonneville. Wish I had done it sooner. It was a fun to drive, comfortable, sporty, yet classy car. I got great gas mileage, avg around 28mpg. Never had any problems with it. I came out of an almost head on collision at 50mph, taking the brunt of the hit down the drivers side, with no injuries! Unfortunately it was totaled. Now I have a 2007 Grand Prix, since Pontiac discontinued the Bonneville; Bigmistake Pontiac! Would have bought another Bonneville for sure!