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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  Reliability is not worth the price! - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By ATS - October 28 - 2:00 am

  We like the vehicle and the first 40,000 miles were fine. Then the problems began to appear. They included failed intake manifold (requiring engine rebuild) at 60K, ABS pump at 70K, transmission at 52K, radio twice, computer modules three times, and now at 105K, the manifold went again to the tune of $1200! For what we paid for the car, I would not recommend this model especially when GM has issued tech bulletins on these issues yet will not cover the repair costs.

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  nice car-poor quality - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By chaps - October 25 - 3:40 pm

  Love that motor, handles nice with a good ride, overall a rewarding car to drive. Quality is poor, car is midnight blue and the primer shows through all over. GM wont respond so Im going to BBB for buy back. 13 new GMs in last 20 years and this is how they treat return customers? Very unhappy with the fact they wont meet with me. Time to look at the Imports.

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  This car could double as a blender. - 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Shaking - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I love the looks and the equipment. It is a lot of fun if you drive under 60 mph. At high speeds, the vibration will liquify your brain. The dealer has put three sets of tires on, replaced the front lower control arms, and road force balanced the tires at least six times. He now claims it is within GM specs, but the vibration is awful. Apparently, GM dose not have very high expectations for their cars.

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  Intake Manifold - Why Plastic? - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By bobwill@Sask - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Purchased used at 140,000 kms, now at 186,000 kms, only minor mechanical work required - new plugs and wire set. However, one large problem as others have eluded to, the plastic intake manifold (upper plenum) which corrodes and leaks coolant into the combustion chamber. Despite being documented by GM dealerships under a service bulletin, GM has not recalled these vehicles (1995 - 1998 Bonnes and other GMs), have not redesigned the part and will provide no financial assistance. Next car will be an Acura TL.

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  Warning! - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By VincentModrak - March 4 - 9:26 pm

  I bought this car a year ago off my Dad and ever since it has been a nightmare. Shutting off randomly at first. Then the water pump blew out in October, $300. One month later my Upper Intake Manifold cracked for a second time in 3 years flooding the engine with coolant causing my starter to blow as well when trying to restart. The Upper Intake Manifolds on these cars are made of cheap plastic. They will crack on your car around 100k to 130k. Its a 1200 dollar repair bill as well. After happily owning a 95 Grand Prix, 94 Trans Am and an 02 Grand Am I was very disappointed by the Bonneville..

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  Run away from Bonneville & GM - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Nomorbonnevilles - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I purchase my Bonneville SSE new in 1998. At $56,000 the plastic intake manifold cracked, allowing fluid into the cylinders which locked down the engine. Now at 102,000 miles the same thing. No help from GM either time. I am out over $2000 for this poor engineering design. The more I look into it, this is a very common problem with this engine. From day one, the car has had a vibration. I replaced the Goodyear tires with Michelin and the dealer replaced 2 more sets until he found tires that were close enough to perfect to reduce the vibration. Is the suspension so bad I have to search the country for 4 perfect tires so the vehicle doesnt vibrate?

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  Not Happy!!! - 2001 Pontiac Bonneville
  By rebels77 - May 19 - 5:00 pm

  had the car 2 1/2 years and had more than enough problems.1: aircon. had to be fixed.2:wheel bearing in the front was bad. 3: rear window regulator broke.4:front pass. window works only on once in awhile. 5:intake manifold is leaking has to be replaced.6: power steering pump is leaking.7:dash lights are burning out. Cant wait to buy my new Dodge Charger!!. This is coming from a person who has driven Gm Cars for 30 years, Very disappointed!!! This car has only 132,000 km which is 82,500 miles

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  troubles - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By maurice - May 6 - 7:40 am

  1 day old, had to be towed, wires not connected battery dead. 7 days old tranmissions switch replaced. 3 wks old horn replaced. 4 months old comp replaced. 7 mos old rear shock replaced. still makes noises!

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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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  roberto - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By roberto9088 - July 30 - 11:00 pm

  Engine and transmission very good, very good handing. Interior materials very cheap, the seats are horrible and very unconfortable. The body paint need to be improved the quality. The rust is coming out already. I changed two of the four electric motor windows already.