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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  Reliable 97 Bonnie - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Keith - September 26 - 2:20 am

  This is the best car Ive ever owned! It drives and handles great, and the interior is roomy and comfortable. The high mileage 3.8 L. still delivers punch and starts flawlessly every time. All dashboard controls are conveniently located, especially the audio controls located on the steering wheel. Gas mileage is also decent.

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  I love this car - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By lillovebug09 - September 6 - 10:00 am

  It was a great car I have it right now but will be trading it for a newer car, havent had any problems with it :)

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  Nice - 2004 Pontiac Bonneville
  By David Fellows - August 27 - 2:00 am

  This car has all the right options and performance of a higher end import. If you want to buy an American sport sedan instead of an import this is the car to take a serious look at. I personally think its the best looking car on the market for under 35k.

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  Bonneville - 1999 Pontiac Bonneville
  By djfarren - August 21 - 8:36 am

  This was our second Bonneville. The 99 was a big improvement over the 91 which we kept 8 years. We spent very little on it for repairs. We did maintain it as recommended. The ride is a bit stiff, but it has good handling and control in evasive maneuvering. It has good road feel and takes curves and corners extremely well. The seats are very comfortable. We had the optional 60/40 split bench seat and were the only ones of our friends who could take two other couples out to dinner in the same car. We averaged about 25mpg highway (65mph) with the overdrive (auto) transmission. Not shifting into OD would lower gas mileage considerably. We averaged around 20mpg around town.

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  Third Bonneville - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By cap - June 3 - 9:56 am

  I just purchased this Bonneville after owning a 1994 and a 1997. I enjoyed both prior cars for their gas mileage, size, and durability. This one has me worried, as I have already replaced both rear window regulators. I did find them online for $50 apiece, so it didnt hurt too bad. After reading other reviews, I am concerned about the steering and rotors. I plan to replace the front rotor soon. I would really like to find a decent repair manual, but cant locate one. I changed the wires and plugs, and it took three hours because of the back three cylinders. I hope this one works as well as the other two. Ill just have to wait and see.

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  Comfort but not mechanics - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By LibrnPA - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Id say that my 97 Bonneville was my favorite of all time except for all the mechanical repairs Ive had over this past year (bought it last summer). I usually get 170,000mi+ on my cars but this Bonny has 90,000 and everything leaks! Had intake manifold repaired, antifreeze leaked, tranny seals leaked and it has always leaked a little oil. Now the rear main seal is leaking and i cant spend more big bucks and im heartbroken. This car is so well engineered for comfort and handling - my 8 to 10 hr interstate trips are easier in the Bonny than my 89 DeVille. Anyone else have leaks??

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  HOW GM CARS BEING MADE - 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
  By RONY - May 14 - 2:00 am

  CAR BEEN INSHOP EVERY MONTH SINCE BOUGHT TRUNCK LEAKES WATER HAD TO BE FIXED OVER FIVE TIMES .REAR DRIVER FLOOR FULL WITH WATER HAD TO BE FIXED TWICE.A BRACKET ON STEERING COLUMN BROKE ,HAD VIBRATION AND LOOSE STEERING. BACK TO DEALER TO FIX. FIRST DAY CAR WAS BOUGHT A PANEL FELL DOWN UNDER DASHBOARD BY BRAKE PEDAL COULD NOT SWITCH GAS TO BRAKE HAD TO FIX AT DEALER. THIRD PONTIAC OWNED IN TEN YEARS . WILL BE LAST.

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  Driving Excitement - 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Dan - April 25 - 5:03 pm

  Bought used. Had the usual problems with leaking door, intermittent steering shaft noise, and now rear passenger window regulator. No other maintenance problems. Pontiac delivers is Driving excitement promise. I get 28 MPG hwy and 18 MPG city with a Supercharged V6 awesome. This car makes me feel like Im driving a luxury car with all the extras of a sports car. The interior is simple and pleasing to look at. The full power seats are extremely comfortable for long drives. I get at least 2 compliments on the looks of this car every day. Large spacious trunk. Smooth ride. Built in trunk tire inflater is great to have. Aggressive acceleration and handling. Best SPORT luxury sedan for the price.

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  97 Bonne - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By KMS - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Problem areas: Transmission fixed under warranty at 8000 miles to correct abrupt 1-2 shift. Tranny has been fine since. Audio speaker intermittent failure. I elected to replace with after-market speakers to improve audio quality rather that fix as a warranty item. Water pump replaced at 52,000 miles ($300 - paid by Warranty Gold).

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  2005 Pontiac GXP - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Mike Wandell - April 13 - 4:56 am

  I really love this car, I am in sales and drive it all over. It has all comfort I need and the the power when needed. I almost traded it in about 6 months ago on a Cadillac CTS. I took the Cadillac back and got my Pontiac back. The Cadillac was not as good as the Pontiac. Its just a lot of fun to drive, at night the dash looks an airplane cockpit.