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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  This car rocks! - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By ciahra - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Fell in love with this car after reading review in 1995. Bought it used in 2002. Drove 90 mins to find it, and bought it days later. Power is incredible, handling is great after putting high performance tires on, corners well, brakes well, looks sharp. At 70K miles, car runs great. I am a firm believer in manual shifting, but this car has me thinking otherwise. Quick, responsive, comfortable, spacious. Best car Ive owned to date. Plan to keep it for a long time.

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  Solid Car - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Ben - March 5 - 3:10 am

  I purchased this vehicle last year. It has 237,000 miles on it and still drives great. I have put over 20,000 miles on it. Just needed oil changes and tires so far. There is a small whining noise under the hood, and the paint on top of hood peeling. But for the high mileage, still has plenty of V6 power and very comfortable.

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  Super - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Lester123 - February 26 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely a Great Car

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  RonKr Bonneville Review - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Ron K. - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Very tight suspension, great handling, very comfortable. A great road car, no fatigue after 12 hours behind the wheel, seats are first class-power adjustable leather buckets. Instrumentation first class. The compass and HUD features are excellent. brake rotors warped at 90,000 miles, replaced with new rotors which had to be machined again at 103,500 miles. New plugs at 99,000 miles after car was felt to be missing. Car spent much (about 1/2) of its life at 80-90 mph on interstates, with other half in the NYC area. Used synthetic oil after break-in, so no obvious wear.

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  Im spoiled now - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Builtforcomfort - February 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used. The dealer had purchased it in a Florida auction. The ride is smooth and comfortable, second only to an older Oldsmobile. The wide seats are extremely comfortable, with plenty of room in the back. It came with every option that Pontiac makes for this car, and Ive never had any trouble with any of them. I definitely prefer the power of the SSEi - I felt I didnt have quite enough power in the SE.

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  Pontiac-One of Detroits best. - 2001 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Dwayne - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this vehicle for four years now and I have had absolute no problems at all. I purchased my Bonneville with almost exactly 60,000 miles on it and was expecting some sort of major issues, but so far they have not occurred. I live in a Downtown Metro area and drive both city (and I mean gridlock city) and highway. My average MPG is 24 which is very manageable. This car has handled everything I have thrown at it and I couldnt ask for anything more quality wise. Very well rounded competent vehicle with a wonderful blend of sport and practicality.

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  Farewell flagship... - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Boz - January 28 - 10:00 pm

  I bought this exceptional car as a statement of rebellion... and got the reaction I wanted. I had wanted one of these cars for about 8 or 9 years, and with most people starry-eyed for the cheaply built Honda or Toyota, this bad boy turns heads while going down the street. The Black Cherry Metallic paint sparkles in the sun, as well as in the evening, and exterior styling puts the car in motion, even at a standstill. Interior styling has no end to luxury and comfort, and features and options are limitless. GXP specific guages and Driver information center also set the car apart, and to finish it all off, Pontiacs signature dash backlit in glowing crimson.

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  Ill miss this car - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Karl - January 26 - 11:16 am

  I bought this car with 44,000 miles on it and will be selling it at over 203,000. This car has provided me with safety (through 2 deer accidents), reliability (only one major engine problem- a gasket recall) and comfort (the a/c went but everything else still works fine). The performance was never top notch but it could more than get out of its own way (and past the occasional highway fool). Some rust here and there but I still walk out, stop and admire the way it looks; the lines of the car never get old. Unfortunately, the signs of old age have arrived all at once. Problems with the gas tank and filler and some big maintenance hurdles. Dont know what to buy now. Too bad GM axed Pontiac.

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  Nice Reliable transportation - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Pontiac fan - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car based on the positive experience I had with my last Bonneville. I am happy to report that I have put 93K on it & have had to do only routine maintenance :=) I wish it had more cup-holders, and the trunk- spoiler design was better, but overall, I feel I have a good-looking roomy 4 door car that doesnt look like an old ladys car. I use the car like it is my "living room," and it is holding up well. I hope it continues to do so.

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  reliable, sturdy and comfortable - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By little red vette - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Sturdy with lots of interior comforts. Very reliable, never a problem. Appears a bit bulky in the exterior design, but you cant compare the quality and reliability.