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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  Wonderful touring sedan! - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By GM-MAN - April 12 - 4:40 pm

  What a wonderful car. I am so very pleased with my Bonneville SLE, and have driven on 3 over 500 mile trips in my SLE and just enjoy its great handling (FE2 ride and handling package) and great torque from the 3.8 Series II V6. I never forget I am in a Pontiac. I have put about 8000 miles on mine and really like its driving dynamics. It rides wonderful on the highway and does not comprise on curves. It cuts coners very stable with almost sports car like feedback and performance. Overall it is an impressive vehicle and classic American styling also get some thumbs up. I am very sad to see such a great large sedan be taken out of production! Pontiac bring the Bonneville back, I am waiting!

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  Sweet n powerful Bonnie - 2003 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Ming - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I love these cars. Great tire squealing acceleration off the line, none of that "240 hp" that only comes 10 minutes into driving it up to 10,000 rpm. Instant power. The interior is comfortable, but the headrest is a little odd - it supports my head only when tilted forward. Love the heads up display and at your fingertips radio controls. Only problem was insulation in the trunk at one spot leaked. Fixed under warranty.

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  1997 Bonneville SE Review - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By snowwhite612 - March 23 - 12:20 pm

  I bought the 1997 40th Anniversary Edition Bonneville SE in 1997. It is loaded with options and has never let me down. It gets great gas mileage too. One area for improvement would be less rattle noise.

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  Great fun car to drive - 2004 Pontiac Bonneville
  By balckgxp - March 18 - 1:36 pm

  This is a great car for the money. Much less than any comprable import. Very large and roomy. Handles great with lots of power. Has 275 hp V8. Highly recommend the car, great value

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  Love this car - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By D J McCue - March 9 - 10:00 am

  Bought this GXP in Feb 2005; actually bought it for my wife; not only does she love it , but I like to drive it; I grew up in the muscle car era and this reminds me of it. Love the Northstar V8. The car has been very reliable with decent mileage considering the power available City 14.5/Highway about 23. Love the HUD, memory driver features(seats & mirror, plus radio. Ours is Black with Grey interior; its a real head turner. The car is garage kept and has very low mileage (driven to/from grocery store by a little old lady; we are in our late 60s). Her previous car was a 1996 T-Top Camaro RS, with 3.8L V-6, also low mileage, 10 years, 34,000. We plan on keeping the GXP a Long time!

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  pontiac bonneville - 1999 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Kirk Shank - March 4 - 10:00 am

  over all great car

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  Great Bonneville - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By ctlackey - March 4 - 10:00 am

  My Bonneville has been a excellent running car for the past 46000 miles of driving. Average 28 mph driving at highway speeds of 75 miles per hour. I am 6 5" tall and weigh in at 240 lbs. and find this car very comfortable driving it up to 16 hours at a time on trips across country. Original tires still show little tread wear. Every component of the car has operated flawlessly since delivery. When car was first test driven, I reported defective seat belt sensor which was replaced before delivery. I could not be more satisfied with this automobile. Would buy another without hesitation.

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  Oldmans hot rod - 2003 Pontiac Bonneville
  By t-bone - February 7 - 2:00 am

  Great all around car. Lots of pep and handles great.

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  Great Car - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Cassie - January 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Bonneville with 140,000 miles on it. It now has 158,000. The person I bought it from replaced the transmission and struts. Its a really great car. I had to replace the water pump (really cheap part, and fairly easy to repair). I love driving it. Its been extremely reliable, and its nice and roomy.

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  BEST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED!!! - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Feyee - January 10 - 12:33 am

  This is a fantastic car, drives like a dream, corners well, handles well in ALL weather conditions. Have driven 14+ hours a day, could never do that in most vehicles. Seats are unbelievable comfortable for driver & passengers. Have enjoyed having a sunroof. VERY Reliable, if could would buy the same car over again!!!LOVE IT!!! With over 121,000 miles on it trying to decide to sell or not?? Hate to let it go.