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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  Uncomfortable ride for a luxury car - 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Scott-ssei - October 31 - 10:00 am

  The car ran well for the first year. After that a power window broke, numerous rattles began, the rack and pinion failed (replaced twice), the transmission shifting became inconsistant, rough idle, and worst of all, a harsh vibration started to occur at speedsover 55 mph. Freeway driving is VERY uncofortale. The worst part is that the dealer failed or even tried to repair the problems. Even though they acknowledge the problems when I test drive the car with them, the car is returned to me with "problem not found". This is my last Pontiac. Dont buy this car.

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  Performance, Luxury, & Practicality - 2004 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Pont E. Ac - October 19 - 5:36 pm

  The GXP is a beautiful blend of performance, luxury and practicality. Excellent design. Great acceleration - runs like a bear. Great "throaty" sound - it is obvious it is a V8. Wonderful handling. Very smooth ride. Plenty of room. Easy access to the back seat. Comfortably holds 4 adults - fifth one if needed. Huge trunk. Stops on a dime. Gas mileage is only negative. However, gas mileage dramaticaly jumps up after about 10k miles. Now getting between 23-25 mpg on highway - overall average is around 18 mpg. Mileage drops to about 7 when rapidly accelerating. I would buy this car again in a second.

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  Great Large Sedan - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By John - October 16 - 7:43 am

  I got this car on an impluse buy. Always wanted a Bonneville since I sold my 77. The Bonneville makes me rejoyce for whats American. Its roomy, powerful and stylish. I dont care that its FWD. I like the torquy 3800. There is also that performance axle ratio which gives it alot of off the line kick. I truly love driving this car. Took it on a 2500 miles and drove it in the mountains with the FE2 ride this car was alot of fun. My fuel economy was okay. My 3400 Impala will do better. But thats the cost you pay for performance. I am so happy with my Bonneville SLE, if I had money I would buy another one but it would be a GXP. GREAT TOURING SEDAN! Its a great sporty family sedan!

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  Buy a different car before warranty is up - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Brook - October 15 - 6:23 am

  I purchased this car new, I loved the inside/outside such a unique car & the heads up~wow!! But immediate problems, dealership gave me the go around & failed at their job, so took it elsewhere and the guys there do try! The car growls at approx. 13 mph in front. the spoiler holds water & leaks into the trunk. The wheel roters have been turned & replaced numerous times. The windows both broke within an hour of each other, $500 a pop to fix, extended warranty a must, now when I turn it/try to turn it over wont start, must turn part way wait 15 secs. before it will start. fuel filter & pump replaced, relay replaced, power steering pump replaced, sounds like crap back to shop, new foreign car!!

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  Good Large Sedan - 1999 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Pontiacman - October 13 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for 3 years and love it. It satisfies my need for a large car with out feeling like I am driving my fathers car. Performance is good, comfort is good, styling is a matter of personal choice, a little less body cladding would be nice. Interior is comfotable. The only two real complants I have are: excesive wind noise that gets worse with age and the way the trunk lid dumps water into the trunk when wet. Over all this is a very nice car.

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  The Great American Touring Sedan - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By gm4life - October 8 - 1:53 am

  I have had nothing but excellent luck with my 2005 Bonneville SLE. It rides very smoothly but not overly floated like a Buick. The 3800 Series II V6 has excellent off the line pick up. Important for blowing off grannies in there Camrys. The trunk will hold loads of goodies and the steering is direct and gives good feedback. I have had one problem with my steering shaft other than that I have problem free time with this car. I intend to keep it in good shape and drive it forever. Anyone intrested in an excellent car and dosent want a Camry or Impala this is a great family/touring car. My family and I love to take trips in this vehicle. It is the Great American Touring Sedan!

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  My car - 2003 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Jskinner - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I have had several automobiles and this has to be the best. It handles great and has the extra pickup needed to pass in a tight situation. It also looks tough.

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  This Car is a Nightmare - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By dmh - September 27 - 9:36 pm

  Ive owned this car for two years and it was great at first. Now The passenger side window wont roll up the back window wont roll down, but it falls down. My headlights have started flashing on and off so I cant drive at night. My windshield wipers work intermittently. And my Traction, Anti-Lock, and Brake light all have come on at the same time. My warranty has run out. I took the car to an auto electric shop and he said I would need all four window regulators which are over 300.00 dollars a piece. Thats just the beginning. Anybody want to buy a car?

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  Is that a Pontiac? - 2004 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Franko - September 26 - 10:00 am

  That is what I heas all the time when I drive this car.

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  Bonneville Reliability - 2001 Pontiac Bonneville
  By astribling11 - September 15 - 10:00 am

  Bad experience. Bought car new. Had electrical problems for 2 months after I bought the car. I had transmission problems at 42,000 miles. Pontiac dealership fixed the problem. Then, at 45,000 miles the entire transmission had to be rebuilt. Also, electric window motor on passanger side front has gone out. Car reliablity is very poor!