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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  Pure Fun - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By V8frk - November 30 - 11:33 am

  I went from a 2001 Yukon to my 2004 Greystone Metallic GXP. The size was the toughest adjustment, but the power and handling made up for the loss of room. Its nothing but muscle and fun to drive. Theres nothing better then merging into fast moving interstate traffic and listening to the growl of the Northstar at its best! I have had it in for warranty work four times since purchase in six months for silly minor things and one major A/C water leak which the dealer kept in the shop for a week! Probably more of a dealer issue. The brake rotors rust as well and the dealer thinks its acceptable.

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  Great Car - 1999 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Bill Paterson - October 19 - 12:33 pm

  Bought in 2002 with about 30,000 miles. It is a beautiful car. It is very comfortable, handles great, gets very good mileage, and has been very reliable. I have only had to tune it at about 90,000 mi. and nothing else mechanical. I have a friend with an older model with over 200,000 mi. and he has had only had to replace the alternator on his at about 150,000 mi. The only bad thing is that they do not hold their value well. My car is valued at about $3000 but I wont let it go for less than $8000. Looks like I may have to keep it forever!

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  Im not alone - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Charlie B - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle because it looked good, had great acceleration, a smooth ride, and comfortable seats. I liked the layout of the interior and the the sound quality of the stereo. Since owning it, I have also had to replace the intake manifold. It caused about $800 worth of damage. And I have a main seal oil leak, too. Aside from this, I still like the car a lot and will consider a newer Bonneville when the time comes to replace this one.

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  love it - style, performance, economy - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By clevelandbonneville - October 14 - 10:00 am

  This car is great. I bought with 90K. It now has 102K. I love the style. Very stylish car. Its big!! Its comfy. It has a very quiet cabin. The gm 3.8 is an amazing engine. Actually got 30 mpg when doing a highway trip of 480 miles. with 16 gallons of gas. It has a big gas tank at 18 gallons. Dont need to fill up much. Normal MPG is about 25 with highway/city mix and not winter out. One problem it died on me on the freeway. Kinda scary. It was the Mass airflow sensor. It happened out of nowhere. No engine lights. I would replace this at 100k miles or sooner. Thats when it died on me. Besides for that no problems. You can probably have autozone replace for you.

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  My 3rd Bonnevile - 2001 Pontiac Bonneville
  By rolka57 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I have owned Bonnevilles for 10 years now. I particularly love the looks and comfort of the SLE. It is quick and fun to drive yet exceptionally comfortable. However, it performs so poorly in the snow even though I have ABS and traction control. The dealer says it is the size of the tires as I had no problems with my 94 and 97 SEs. Living in the northeast I cannot go another winter with this car I love and am looking at AWD cars now.

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  No-More-GM - 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Martyev - August 29 - 8:16 am

  I have been a loyal GM owner my whole life (now 45) and this is my last GM product. It is no wonder they are in the trouble they are. I have owned my Bonneville for almost 3 years. I love the comfort and its a very fun car to drive. But if you read my review and other we all have the same problems. Mine has a bad noise in the front suspension. Persistent leaks. The rear spoiler allows water to store in the trunk lid and you get wet when you open the trunk after a heavy rain. I also leaks at the driver door and the rear floorboard. Had to replace a rear window motor and heated seat element failed.

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  Great Pontiac Ride - 2003 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Mike T. - August 19 - 4:00 am

  This car is a pure joy to own. In 150,000 miles there have been no repairs other than regular maintenance and crash repairs. The fuel economy is very good, better than some of my friends with much smaller cars. Just a note, this is just another in a long line of nearly flawless GM cars that I have owned. Bravo!!

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  Love and Hate - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Cumberland, Md - July 23 - 10:00 am

  The Bonneville has the most comfortable seats of any car I ever owned. It has been a perfect car for me....until it came time to repair it. I had two major repairs under warranty and after out of warranty, I have has substantial repair bills. Now they tell me the transmission is on the way out. Repairing this car is too expensive! This could have been a great car if it didnt need so much work on it. The mechanical integrety is bad.

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  Repairs - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By BDBrown - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Like the vechicle. bought used with relatively low miles. At this time 67000. Recent repairs, however, have included water pump, brakes, and oil pan leak. Troublesome brake problem is re-occuring and apparently difficult for mechanics to solve.... front brakes grab at slow speed... not always, but wish we could get is solved. Overall we like the car and performance.

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  Unhappy at this point - 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
  By spytfyre13 - May 14 - 10:06 pm

  My father bought this car and unfortunately he died 5 months after. I put car on the road 5 months later at 18,000 some miles in mar 05. Couple months later inside dome lights stopped working and battery died. Took it to dealer told them I thought there were electrical problems they said it was just a fuse, replaced battery. 3 months later inside dome lights quit working again. Awhile after that, driver side rear window just fell down one day. Passenger side front and rear power switches stopped working, heated seats stopped working and keyless entry alarm. Now at 69,946 miles car has bad vibration in front end and gas pedal at high speeds usually 55 mph and up. Just replaced wheel bearing and helped