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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My Fourth Bonneville - 2004 Pontiac Bonneville
By Steve - May 7 - 5:06 amI purchased the GXP about 6 months ago and this is my 4th Bonneville and 6th Pontiac. This car is a blast to drive, looks and handles like a dream. The performance is very good (my other car is a Corvette, so I know a bit about performance) and braking is great for a car this size.
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Awesome set on wheels - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
By Jfunsch - April 3 - 9:16 pmI have owned my GXP for two mos. now. Absolutely love it...its power, performance, ride, style and I could go on and on. Its comfortable sporty ride translate to a very responsive vehicle in all speed ranges. And I havent even hit on the power to pass or accelerate...Boy, when I stand on the throttle the V-8 jumps to life and gets you were you were going, NOW!!! My step-daughter says, "maybe we shouldnt have gotten him such a powerful car" That says it all...I have almost 2500 miles on it. It is an incredibly fun luxury sport sedan. I love the Onstar and XM satellite radio..already have paid to extend the free trials on both for at least a year.
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Hey Its A Pontiac! What Can I Say? - 2004 Pontiac Bonneville
By evnsptc - March 26 - 1:18 pmI ordered this car brand new to my specifications (Cranberry Red, Tan Heated Leather, Moonroof, Monsoon Audio, 12 Disc CD Player, otherwise came with everything standard) This car is my absolute favorite out of the 4 Pontiacs I own (00 GP GT sedan, 01 GP GTP Special Edition Coupe, 04 Bonny GXP and 07 GP GT) It by far has the best steering/braking/suspension! The 4.6L Northstar V8 is super powerful but leaves me with a little more power being desired (Because of the fact that GM has the 2.0T and 3.6L which make about the same power). The exhaust sound is magnificent. I dont even know where to start about the looks of this car because it is super hot! Mine has 27K miles and is reliable.
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Sleek car - 2003 Pontiac Bonneville
By Msscoot - March 26 - 2:00 amI absolutely love this vehicle. Feels like your riding on a cloud. Love thie lines on this car the sleekness of it.
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2000 Bonneville SE - Great car! - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
By 2000 SE - March 17 - 4:06 amI bought this car new in Dec 1999 when the new styling was introduced. I love this car. Lots of features, power and luxury thats hard to beat for the price. Very roomy interior, fun to drive. Great styling. Very reliable. Have had a few minor things repaired. I recently purchased a new 2004 GXP and love this car even more. My wife is now driving the 2000 SE.
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Proud Owner - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
By Scooter - March 15 - 2:40 pmThis is an overall beautiful car. Pontiac has built a keeper, once again. The powered leather seats, and leather steering wheel, dual climate zone, and sleek dash really set the interior off. The way the headlights and fog lamps are designed are harmonious. The car is astonishing in day or night. I wouldnt trade it back for my old Camaro, if I had to!
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Love it - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
By Larry - February 2 - 5:46 amBest riding car that I have ever owned. Plenty of trunk space, and enough power in the V6.
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Love my GXP - 2004 Pontiac Bonneville
By balckgxp - January 14 - 12:20 pmGreat car. Lots of room, has lots of power. Really comfortable....no major problems. Northstar V8 is great.
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A Great Value - 2004 Pontiac Bonneville
By Russell Ruggiero - December 13 - 10:00 amThis is my fourth Bonneville (1992, 1995, 2000, and 2004), which is the best yet. New sping and shock rates have made the ride as stiff an my 1999 MB C280 Sport. Great chassis, with good overall braking and straight-line numbers enable this offering to be a value class leader. My dealer (Perrine) is oustanding, which makes me want to buy from them. All in all, a great value in the $30,000 price range.
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Fun to Drive - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
By Darth Vader - December 5 - 2:00 amI had a 1995 Bonneville SE previously that I traded in for this car. I love the Bonnevilles for there size, performance, comfort, styling and just the simple fact that its FUN to drive.
