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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  Another floater from GM - 2003 Pontiac Bonneville
  By josh4488 - February 5 - 10:00 am

  1) Horrible handling. No on-center feel, wanders (with correct alignment); rolls heavily and non- linearly (including over its sidewalls); steering has super-weird feel while accelerating hard. Brakes warped in less than 10K mi. 2) Slow. Geared incredibly high (second gear can take you well over 100 mph), so theres little off-the- line power. Above 55 mph the car refuses to downshift into second - feels slow at almost every speed. 3) Junky interior. Bad plastics. The steering wheel has a squishy feel to the humps at 10 and 2. Buttons look haphazardly placed. Steering wheel obscures gauge cluster.

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  Great American Car - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Kevin - February 3 - 2:03 pm

  I purchased this car about a year ago from a private party with 70k miles on it. Now have over 90K miles Always liked the style but never owned a Pontiac. Wanted a large car for golf with a somewhat sporty look. The inside leather is luxurious. The response and handling is great with the 3.8 V6. Just a great car. The mileage on trips has never been less that 30 mpg at 70 mph. I have a 95 Lexus ES 300 and a 2006 Corolla S. Both the wife and I enjoy this car as much as either of them. I can only say this vehicle is very well built and an overall great value.

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  Pontiac Lover - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Frank N - January 13 - 3:00 pm

  The vehicle is very stylish inside and out. It is a smooth ride and good fuel/mpg. You get alot of features for the price (memory settings between 2 drivers). Its also roomy inside and plenty of trunk space.

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  Stylish and comfortable! Great punch! - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Paul J. - January 9 - 10:30 am

  Driving has no longer become such a chore with the Bonneville. Just driving it for the pure joy of taking a ride is back. After owning a Bonneville in the past and my father owning 6 it seems apporiate to come back "home" agian. Proving the Bonneville is a great car and once you get one its very easy to get another one. The Bonneville with the 3800 Series II OHV V6 is plain peppy and is plenty of power for me and I was stepping down from a small block V8 powered GM car the six seemed almost as gusty. Part of that was due to the cars good gearing and performance axle ratio which was another reason I wanted an SLE. But I admit I love the GXP/SLE styling, it will age well!

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  Great Car - 2001 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Travis - January 6 - 5:13 am

  I got this car at 72,000 miles in 05 and Ive only had to replace the water- pump. I got 132,000 miles on it and no transmission problems yet. I just wish the rain wouldnt get in the lid of the trunk and the headrests made sense.

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  Great design and ride but poor quality - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Abbott - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Love the design, performance, and ride. But,quality has not been good.Power steering and rack went out at 1000 miles.Other problems in the first 25000 miles include lose headliner, sunroof track misaligned, leaking window, power window broke, cracked speaker, numerous door rattles, ignition switch replaced, manifold gasket leak, replace tie rod ends, replace steering shaft. Now at 38,000 the transmission is acting up. The console has a 2 cup holder but the holders are too close together so only 1 cup will fit.

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  Shimmy Shimmy KoKo Bop - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By the booky - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Although I have really enjoyed the three Bonnevilles Ive owned, this 2000 model is the worst of the bunch. Lots of rattles & squeaks plus a lot of front end difficulties. Now they tell me the drive shaft is shot and needs replacement. Some strut squeaks and woes thrown in for good measure. Replaced brakes (new) make a lot of noise too. Still it has been reliable in all other regards.

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  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.

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  From a hardcore Pontiac person - 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
  By C&C - December 2 - 10:00 am

  Being in to old collector Pontiacs as my primary hobby, I thought I would try a new one. My wife drives this car everyday and loves it!! My biggest concern so far has been 2 window motors,intake gaskets,steering shaft,seat cover and rear seat divider panel in 20 K miles. This is excessive for any car. Hopefully Pontiac will get back on "track" soon.

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  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.