Our road test for the 1992-1999 Pontiac Bonneville includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the
1992-1999 Pontiac Bonneville and highlighted the vehicle's performance
with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation
1992-1999 Pontiac Bonneville is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Even with the base engine, which currently delivers 205 horsepower, acceleration and passing response are brisk and sure. The supercharged version has all the feel of a burly V8, but requires the use of costlier premium unleaded. Expect real-world fuel economy of 17-18 in the city for the base engine, 25 on the highway. That drops to 15-16 city mileage for the supercharged version and 23-24 on the highway. Both engines team with an automatic that shifts promptly and smoothly. The CCR feature in the SSEi felt too loose and bouncy in Touring mode, and in Performance mode it failed to absorb bumps very well. Bonneville has the same spacious interior and trunk as its more sedate siblings at Buick and Oldsmobile. There's ample room for both passengers and cargo. The trunk is wide, has a flat floor that extends well-forward, providing 18 cubic feet of storage. Inside, the seating is comfortable and the instrument panel is well-executed.
Value for the Money
The Chrysler LH/LHS sedans are roomier and have more daring styling, but the Bonneville and its GM cousins are high-quality cars that can be tailored to suit a variety of tastes, from cushy luxury to sporty performance.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category |
Pontiac Bonneville SLE Rating |
|
Performance |
6 |
|
Fuel Economy |
3 |
|
Ride Quality |
6 |
|
Steering/Handling/Braking |
6 |
|
Quietness |
7 |
|
Controls/Materials |
6 |
|
Interior Room |
7 |
|
Room/Comfort (rear) |
5 |
|
Cargo Capacity |
4 |
|
Value within Class |
6 |
| Total Score: |
56 |
|
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.