Overview & Reviews

Changes for 1997 are few. Supercharged Bonnevilles get a new transmission, a new Delco/Bose premium sound system is optional on the SSE, and the EYE CUE heads-up display has a new motorized adjustment feature. Two new exterior colors, a new interior color and a new interior fabric visually liven up the aging Bonneville.

• Full-size comfort, good value, excellent powertrains, can equip SE like go-faster SSEi for less

• Dated overdone styling

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 46.00

• 

  1997 Pontiac Bonny SE - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By hazenguy - October 13 - 3:00 am

  I bought my Bonny for a whopping $500. The guy thought the reverse was out on it, when their was no fluid in the trans. I put 3 qts in it, drove her home. My car has 268000 miles and looks great! Everything works on the car! I have tuned her up. She has been well maintained. I would recommend this car to anyone needing a good car on a budget. You can pick up a NICE one Cheap! The parts are common and there is alot of info on the "trouble spots" and "how tos" on the car. I usually would NOT buy a car with this mileage, BUT so far so good!!

• 

  Love Hurts - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By eRalph - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Sigh. I just love this car. It is very powerful, a kick to drive, comfortable, with a great stereo, very good rear seat room, great trunk. I got it used at 30K miles, its at 90K now. But the intake manifold blew at 70K, dumping coolant into the engine and leaving my wife stranded at the beach. Now its thrown a rod. Ssee other reviews for similar. Around $5500 in repairs in last 2 years. Sigh.

• 

  Go Fast Big Sedan - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Atilla - December 5 - 10:00 am

  I ordered by Bonneville SE with the supercharged engine and ride control. I liked the idea of a wolf in sheeps clothing. Shifting to peformance ride for mountain driving provides confidence and fun. Normal ride mode provides a comfortable ride for the long distance drive. The car has been very reliable with the expected repairs for a car with 120,000 miles. I consistently get 24 mpg commuting 100 miles per day. I love the tire wear. My first set went 80,000 miles and then I replaced them due to a nail in the side wall that no one would repair.

• 

  Very good but not without issues - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By CraSch - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Purchased used a year ago at around 64,000 miles, now has 85,000. Im used to small cars, so I immediately fell in love with the ride, which is the best ride Ive ever had. Also like the power. The dash is very good, but has too much on it. The seats are fantastic!! Problem, engine light randomly comes on, but no problem found. Also, even with new tires doesnt hold road as well as my previous small cars. Fuel mileage is awful, only 21 highway and 16 city. Overall Ive been very happy with the car, but worried the engine light issue is a sign of a disaster to come. Hope not, because it is excellent otherwise.

• 

  Good but I had a BIG PROBLEM - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By First bonne - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Great car! Rides/drives great. Good power & comfortable. At 75000 miles engine threw a rod. Replaced engine and still driving, had no choice since I just purchased it months ago. Still like the drive & ride. Engine developed antifreeze leak. Mechanic said he had seen more like this recently.

• 

  A Bonneville in Colorado?!?! - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Jenimac - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Never thought Id own anything less than an SUV for my skiing / biking / camping activites, but I have to admit I love my car! I have yet to see another Bonneville with a roof rack system - who says a sedan isnt cool?. Bought it used w/68k miles and it has over 77k now. Am just now having to replace brakes, oilpan/gasket (due to slight leak) & serp belt. This car has been great! Good traction in Colorados snowy conditions and is great in the mountains & on long road trips. If only the cup holders were more convenient and the trunk, when open, didnt slide rain & snow into the trunk. Not perfect, but pretty darn close!

• 

  Over the long haul - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By DLW - August 30 - 10:20 pm

  Bought the car two years ago, commute 320 miles round trip daily. We average 30 mpg, some days better, some days worse. Im a bigger fellow, small cars dont cut it, not on this commute! Only car I have that comes close to the comfort is my 91 Grand Marquis, and in the winter, the front wheel drive is a must over the mountain passes we traverse. In hot weather, the car quits. Always at speed on the interstate. Put it in neutral while coasting, and the engine comes back to life, and away we go. Just turned 255 thousand miles, and I dont know what to do to kill this car. Love it, but its been around too long. Just dont know what Id replace it with!

• 

  Never again GM - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Russ K. - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Alternator bearing failed(in Warranty) Water pump failed (36000 miles) Engine light on (42000 miles)Was told EGR valve def.but was told could be cleaned ($200)-Fixed. Told engine control module needed replacement. Was told air conditioner comnpressor bearing was failing-should be replaced soon (part cost $687)If bearing freezes belt will jump off, disabling car. Fingers crossed re.intake manifold gasket failure.