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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  Let Pontiac deal with this crap - 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
  By miket - December 6 - 10:06 pm

  I purchased this car in October 2003 with 19,000 miles on it. It now has 64,000, and Ive had nothing but problems. The reason for buying the car was that I wanted a large vehicle that didnt look like an "Old mans" car, and the fact that my uncle owned two Bonnevilles previously with little or no mechanical problems. Much to my dissapointment, this car has failed me miserably. The first year wasnt too bad, because it was still under warranty. Ive always had a steering problem, with a slight knocking sound and "bump" felt when turning. This has graduated to a whining noise. Replaced the trans 3 months ago. I could go on, but to hell with GM - tried Ford; looks like foreign now!

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  A Seville by any other name - 2004 Pontiac Bonneville
  By JPM101 - November 19 - 10:36 am

  A Seville by any other name... still rides as sweet - after removing the stock Firestone tires and replacing with Goodyear Assurance ComfortTreads. After driving 2005 Impalas, Park Avenues, and Honda Accord EX, I chose the 04 Bonneville for its comfort, gadgets, moonroof, XM stereo, wide stance stability and heavy car feel. I drive a very curvy road at freeway speeds to and from work. The car sticks like glue now that I installed the new tires. The Firestones only had 12,000 miles on them and were down to 7/32 all the way around (they were noisey and slippery) the difference is like night and day. I drove this car on a 2,000 mile trip to Oregon and back with absolute comfort.

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  GXP - 2004 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Mr. Bonneville - November 8 - 2:00 am

  This car is really fun to drive. Its performance is very good since its a V8. The horsepower is a little too weak for a 4.6L V8, but the 300 twisting pounds of torque make up for that. The only bad thing is the 17/24 city/Hwy mileage. Overall, I think Pontiac put a lot of effort into this smooth ride and it handles pretty good. I love the brakes.

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  Bonneville Good But Bad - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By fig newton - November 7 - 2:33 am

  GPX is a great car, but if you buy a used one please get a 0 deductible warranty. Have had $6000.00 of work done. lucky all but about $800 was covered (Shocks and brake-not covered), all problems caught by dealer during normal maintenance. The problems,oil and H2O leaks, rear drive problem, Onstar/radio, control for heat and air condition, wheel bearings eta. I have one year left on warranty- lucky me.

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  Improvements needed - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Sam Abraham - October 29 - 12:20 am

  Air conditioning leaves a lot to be desired. In 95 degree weather it did not cool even when recirculatimg the inside air.

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  Good, could be better - 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
  By PGD - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I really like the car but I have had three trips back to the dealer for minor repairs: air bag recall, anti- freeze leak, trunk liner to back seat. All were fixed easily. My only real complaint is that a $30K car should not have any wind noise.

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  Great car - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By sharon - October 4 - 2:20 pm

  For the price this car beats everything sports luxury car on the road. Great power. Has features that of luxury cars $10k more in price. Handles great. Large trunk and very comfortable seating. Like it so much I decided to purchase it at the end of lease. Cant find anything comparable in its price range. Excellent safety rating. Bring back the GXP!

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  I LOVE MY BONNEVILLE - 2003 Pontiac Bonneville
  By BEV12STER - October 2 - 2:00 am

  WE HAD A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX AND I WAS NOT SURE I WOULD REALLY LIKE A LARGER CAR LIKE THE BONNEVILLE BUT I HAVE FALLEN IN LOVE WITH IT. THIS WAS MY HUSBANDS CHOICE AND I WAS VERY CAUTIOUS AT FIRST THINKING IT WAS SO MUCH WIDER THAN THE GRAND PRIX BUT THIS IS NOT TRUE. IT IS VERY CLOSE IN WIDTH. IM REALLY GLAD WE WENT AHEAD AND PURCHASED THE 2003 BONNEVILLE SSEI. ITS A REAL EYE CATCHER BEING A BEAUTIFUL BLACK CAR WITH THE CHROME WHEELS. IM REALLY HAPPY WITH IT.

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  survived! - 2004 Pontiac Bonneville
  By KT - September 22 - 10:00 am

  My dad had a 2001 Bonneville SE...it was a NICE car..he had someone hit him this past weekend..and it was totaled..however THANKS to the side airbag he survived..the police said he would not be here without it! he is going for another one..in 98 he totaled another 97 Bonneville in the SAME intersection and again was not his fault the car was in pieces and again he was ok..so if you want a bigger car...I suggest this one!

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  Bonneville not reliable - 2001 Pontiac Bonneville
  By rnckr - September 22 - 10:00 am

  This is a fun car that constantly breaks down. I am done with GM.