1992-1999 Pontiac Bonneville: Full Review
Updated: 12/17/09
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1992-1999 Pontiac Bonneville ▼
- Price Range: $700 - $3,400
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Pros
- Acceleration
- Automatic transmission performance
- Cargo room
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Ride (SSE, SSEi)
Vehicle Highlights
For '92, Pontiac's full-size front-drive sedan gained a fresh skin and plastic front fenders. While the Buick LeSabre and Oldsmobile Eighty Eight rode on the same basic platform, the Bonneville featured its own distinctive Pontiac "look." Three trim levels were offered: SE, SSE, and SSEi. The base and midlevel models were provided with GM's basic 3.8-liter V6, while the SSEi received the hotter supercharged version. All engines came paired with a 4-speed overdrive automatic transmission. SSEi models got dual airbags and antilock brakes. SE and SSE models made due with a driver-side airbag and optional antilock brakes.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| 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 |
Year to Year Changes
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
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 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $460 |
| Alternator | $190 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $970 |
| Brakes | $230 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $730 |
| Exhaust System | $500 |
| Radiator | $360 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $750 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $260 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 1999 | |||
| Bonneville SE | $3,000-3,700 | $2,300-2,800 | $700-900 |
| SSE, SSEi | $3,600-4,300 | $2,900-3,400 | $1,000-1,200 |
| 1998 | |||
| Bonneville SE | $2,600-3,300 | $1,900-2,400 | $500-700 |
| SSE, SSEi | $3,000-3,700 | $2,300-2,800 | $700-900 |
| 1997 | |||
| Bonneville SE | $2,300-2,900 | $1,700-2,100 | $400-600 |
| SSE, SSEi | $2,600-3,300 | $1,900-2,400 | $500-700 |
| 1996 | |||
| Bonneville SE | $2,000-2,600 | $1,400-1,800 | $300-400 |
| SSE, SSEi | $2,300-2,900 | $1,700-2,100 | $400-600 |
| 1995 | |||
| Bonneville SE | $1,800-2,300 | $1,200-1,600 | $300 |
| SSE, SSEi | $2,100-2,700 | $1,500-1,900 | $400-500 |
| 1994 | |||
| Bonneville SE | $1,600-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $200-300 |
| SSE, SSEi | $1,800-2,300 | $1,200-1,600 | $300 |
| 1993 | |||
| Bonneville SE | $1,400-1,900 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| SSE, SSEi | $1,600-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $200-300 |
| 1992 | |||
| Bonneville SE | $1,200-1,700 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| SSE, SSEi | $1,400-1,900 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 110.8 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 200.6 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 74.5 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.7 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3446 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 18.0 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.0 | |
| Seating Capacity | 6 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.0 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.0 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.3 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 38.0 | |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V6 | 3.8 / 231 | 170 | 200-225 | 4-speed automatic: 18/28 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V6 | 3.8 / 231 | 205 | 230 | 4-speed automatic: 19/29 | 4-speed automatic: 17 |
| Supercharged ohv V6 | 3.8 / 231 | 225-240 | 275-280 | 4-speed automatic: 17/27 | 4-speed automatic: 16.5 |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 Bonneville |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 3 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
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