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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  Comfortable car - engine issues - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By kjkrgk - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car new because I fell in love with the looks and ride. Had absolutely no problems for 3 yrs, only needed routine maintenance. At 48000 miles the engine suddenly siezed, needed total engine replacement. After 2 months of aggravation and argument, GM and the dealer each covered a third of the repair costs, and threw in a $1500 certificate for a new GM vehicle. I still love the car, but dont have the same level of confidence when I first bought it. I plan to keep the car for another 4 to 5 years, hopefully no further major problems will develop.

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  2001 ssei - 2001 Pontiac Bonneville
  By serell - October 14 - 10:00 am

  The paint quality needs to be improved for metallic light bronze mist. There are numerous small air bubbles in the paint. The fit on the door handles could be tighter to the body.

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  Very Decieving - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Not Satisfied! - October 3 - 2:00 am

  This car is not what you think you are getting. Have had to replace racking pionion 5 times, transmission had to be replaced, new brakes in less than 5000 miles, makes popping noise all the time, front end will not stay in in-linement, Tire Rods has had to be replaced 4 times, Tires are to expense to have to ahve replaced so often because of the rubbing of the tires. Do not recommend this car to ANYONE> It is a LEMON!

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  The good and the bad - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By BCORTIS - August 22 - 3:26 am

  Overall I love my Bonneville! I love the way it handles. Lots of room for taller people like myself. Gas mileage is good for the size of the car. The engine has been reliable, The main problem Ive had with this car is the windows! I have to replace both regulators in the back doors and the front passenger motor seems very sluggish. Some rusting right on the edge of the front hood not sure if thats normal for this model. I did have to have the trunk lock cylinder taken out and unjammed/cleaned. Of course brakes and rotors seem to wear quicker than normal. I also tried to convert radio/cassette to CD but couldnt because of factory settings. Otherwise I absolutely love my Bonneville.

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  Very nice car with a few problems - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By WIdriver - August 15 - 10:00 am

  I love the look. I love the handling. The 3.8 engine continues to prove its durability. BUT, they have to redesign the split-bench front seat. Very uncomfortable. I use a seat cushion and that helps. And, I remember a time when seats were comforatble enough to fall asleep in. Not this car! The steering column stick shift covers the radio controls when in "Drive." DUH! The back seats are too low unless your kids are six feet tall. But for the money and size, I cant find a better vehicle.

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  Steering Nightmare - 2003 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Pete - August 13 - 8:36 pm

  A lot of fun to drive, not bad on fuel consumption, and has good looks. At 5,000 the steering rack was replaced, and at 26k we had the intermediate shaft in the steering box replaced w/ a new part. At 40k the cluck,cluck, noise started again "intermediate shaft" the dealer along w/ GM claims there is no safety problem and live with the noise. Im 55 and this was my last GM product.

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  review - 2001 Pontiac Bonneville
  By cointoss - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Bought vehicle with 10000 miles on it, and over all very pleased. Have had 3 small problems, of which one was a engine stopper(alternator went out). Nice to drive and smooth ride. I have put Toyo TPT tires on it and that has made a world of difference in performance and ride. Love the mpg--30 on highway. Have 37000 on vehicle now and still is a great buy. No squeaks or comfort problems so far.

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  Love/hate - 2001 Pontiac Bonneville
  By bonbon - July 29 - 5:43 pm

  I bought my car new, it now has 131k. Very nice styling, very comfortable. I have gotten as high as 36mpg, but typically 20 around town, 30 on the road. Have had the same squeaks and rattles in the front passenger area since the car was new. Dealer could never find them. The ashtray would slide out, and after six times to dealer, fixed it myself. In the past year and a half, I have put in almost $5500 in repairs. My brother owned a Honda Accord with almost 225k, and he put in only $2000 worth of repairs in all that time. Reliability is very very poor, but this car is fun to drive. I am leaving GM after having two Pontiacs that have required excessive repairs.

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  Bonny Behind the Best - but still good - 2004 Pontiac Bonneville
  By TWatson - July 11 - 10:30 am

  First off - I fit the profile in the 2002 review article: Im a sales pro and this is my company car. So, given that this is a free car for me, Im happy with it. It has a very comfortable and predictable ride (which is useful in snow/ice). I know what Im getting from the Bonny - its just what Im NOT getting that I miss. What Im not getting is what Pontiac pretends to have different than the rest of GM ... namely performance. The Bonnys no dog; but with such a mean- sounding exhaust and the potential for American muscle, this Bonny should have more power behind it. Add more power and a more aggressively designed new one for all classes (not just GXP) & Ill be happy to drive another one!

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  Good Car! - 1999 Pontiac Bonneville
  By JR7699 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I just got my bonneville last year, and I already have about 95,000 trouble-free miles on it. At times the transmission acts a little strange, but I dont think its a major problem. Im a college student and love this car because it combines all the room I need with an engine and design that I can have fun with.