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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  SSEi review - 1999 Pontiac Bonneville
  By FXE - September 14 - 2:00 am

  The Pontiac Bonneville SSEi is a sensational bargain for the power, comfort, and overall room it delivers. For the price point it is hard to compete with it. If you are wanting to compare it to the foreign market it really doesnt have a direct comparison until you get way up into the larger BMWs and Lexus. The Bonneville doesnt compare in quality or design with the larger exotics. Its only true competitors reside in the domestic market, (Buicks and Cadillacs). The only drawback to the car is that it is FWD. A full horsepower northstar, along with RWD would make a lot closer to competing with the larger car foreign markets.

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  buying foreign from now on - 2001 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Wayne - September 4 - 6:30 pm

  Bought it used. At 70,000 the plastic intake manifold cracked, at 140,000 front wheel bearings, at 141,000 a coil pack, at 145,000 another coil pack,at 149,000 MAF sensor, at 149,500 another MAF, at 149,550 a MAP sensor, and now the weakly designed tranny is slipping. It was a stylish and sporty design, but after 4 GM cars and a Dodge, my mechanic has a 401K with my name on it. He even said that if everybody owned a Toyota, hed be out of business, so I am going to do my part to help him retire.

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  MY BEST BUY - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By PELIKEN - August 31 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. It has been a dream to dive, has cost me next to nothing in the way of repairs beyond normal maintenace. Love the well configurated snazy red light dash.

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  Very Very Pleased - 2004 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Jay Francis - August 27 - 2:23 am

  The great thing about the Bonneville, although I am sure GM wont like to hear this, is that it depreciates quickly, such that you can pick up a lot of car for not very much money if you buy used. I am very happy with this car. It does everything I expect of a car. Interior...the well around the console has a plastic that will tear easily, they could have done a better job. Also, although I havent experienced it with this Bonneville, you have to be aware of a GM flaw with a failing head gasket that allows water into the engine. Its a quiet enough car, I put on the new Goodyear Assurance tires. Stereo system is good. The Bonneville cost me $17,000 used, with leather interior w/ 10,000 mi

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  Never Again - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Mikki - August 24 - 7:26 am

  Not a good car through rain and puddles. It only has 27,000 on the odometer and the trans is shifting hard, clanking noise every now and again in front. Brakes have been fixed once and checked three times. They still squeal. Mechanic says its the brakes they put on cars these days. Also has blind spots. Paid $22,000 and is simply not worth the money. Im trading it in A.S.A.P

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  I would have spent the money elsewhere - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By JD11 - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Just not impressed with the vehicle. As mentioned in previous critiques, there are many little problems with it. There was no compressor/airconditioner put in the car when there should have been, right tire rod had to be replaced (25000 miles), now experiencing muffler problems (40,000 miles on car). IN addition, there is a continuous rattling behind the steering wheel. THese are problems that should not occur in a new car. Just a dissapointment

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  Great Car - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By bflbarlow - August 20 - 5:15 am

  I bought this car with 155,000 miles on it for a straight $2000 in 2008. I loved my Bonnie, but I was a pretty brutal driver. Although some things broke (lever for high beams, speakers, side mirrors, etc), Im actually surprised more didnt break under some pretty heavy use. The only engine problem I had was serpentine belt snapping that lead to a few other problems such as a blown radiator and teaked power steering. I took this car to DC and back a few times and had an extremely comfy ride. This car is HUGE and great for moving. Has great pickup and gets to 100 easily. Bad city mpg, but great hwy mpg approaching 28-30mpg (lazy 5th gear). Heavy handling, but fun enough to drive. Great Car.

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  My 05 Bonny - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Mr Phil - August 7 - 12:50 pm

  Very nice power and ride. The seats are a little uncomfortable for the luxury side, but they are sporty. Minor rattles were easily fixed but should not have been found on a car in this price and alleged quality range. Would buy another one if I had to do it over again.

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  2002 SSEI - 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Gene - July 24 - 10:46 am

  The car has been a delight to own and drive. The 3800 Series engine is all as advertised and more. I get 25 +/- MPG on the highway and 18 +/- in town. Handling is excellent and response is as well. I do have a few complaints ... a persistent leak on the rear spoiler allows water to store in the trunk lid and you get wet when you open the trunk after a heavy rain. The brake pads needed to be replaced after only 24,000 miles and again at 50,000. The tires - Goodyear Eagle RSAs are the original tires ... outstanding. Had to replace a rear window motor and heated seat element failed. All the problems have been annoying and should NOT have happened to a top of the line car. Overall a great car

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  My fun Bonny - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By matt - July 10 - 3:00 pm

  I just got my Bonneville SE, I love my new Pontiac, especially when I raced a new Toyota Camry Solaro, and I beat it 2 times. Even though the car may be big, its still got tons of power