1992-1999 Pontiac Bonneville: Full Review
Updated: 12/17/09
1999 Pontiac Bonneville
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1992-1999 Pontiac Bonneville ▼
- Price Range: $700 - $3,400
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1992-1999 Pontiac Bonneville and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
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 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1992-1999 Pontiac Bonneville. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1992-1999 Pontiac Bonneville.
Year to Year Changes
1993 Pontiac Bonneville:
Pontiac makes the supercharged V6 an available option for the midlevel SSE trim level for '96 and all models now come equipped with antilock brakes as standard equipment. Both the SE and SSE get a 170-horsepower 3.8-liter V6, which receives 5 extra pound-feet of torque, now 225.
1994 Pontiac Bonneville:
All Bonnevilles get dual airbags and return in base SE trim and better-equipped SSE. However, the former SSEi has been relegated to a new SSEi Supercharger Package. Newly optional for the '94 SSE models equipped with traction control is GM's Computer Command Ride suspension. Designed specifically to reduce body lean and pitch, it automatically adjusts the suspension from soft to firm when cornering, accelerating, or stopping.
1995 Pontiac Bonneville:
The arrival of a more powerful standard engine heads the list of changes to the '95 Bonneville. The new powerplant is a reengineered version of GM's 3.8-liter V6, now dubbed the 3800 Series II. In this form, it provides 205 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque.
1996 Pontiac Bonneville:
Revised front and rear styling, plus more power for the available supercharged engine are the key changes to the '96 Bonneville.
1997 Pontiac Bonneville:
The Bonneville returns virtually unchanged for 1997.
1998 Pontiac Bonneville:
Bonneville gets no major changes for 1998.
1999 Pontiac Bonneville:
Bonneville essentially stood pat for '99 as an all-new model would arrive in 2000.
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.
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.
Our reliability study for this generation Pontiac Bonneville includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Pontiac Bonneville .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission:
The 4T60E automatic transmission can suddenly go into neutral at highway speeds due to a problem with internal shift valves. (1995-97)
Automatic transmission:
4T60E transmissions may drop out of drive while cruising; shift erratically; or have no second, third, or fourth gear because of a bad ground connection for the shift solenoids. (1992-94)
Coolant leak:
The 3.8-liter V6 may leak coolant into the engine from the intake manifold. A new gasket kit, revised throttle body nuts, and sealing compound is available. Redesigned manifolds are also available in the aftermarket. (1993-99)
Coolant leak:
Coolant loss via plastic intake manifold is corrected by installing upgraded manifold and gaskets plus new PCV kit. (1995-99)
Cruise control:
If the cruise control doesn't stay engaged, or drops out of cruise, the brake switch can usually be adjusted. (1992-95)
Engine noise:
Bearing knock was common on many 3.3- and 3.8-liter engines due to too much clearance on the No. 1 main bearing. (1992-94)
Engine noise:
A rattling noise from the engine when the car is started after sitting is often caused by automatic-transmission pump starvation, or a sticking pressure-regulator valve. (1992-95)
Engine temperature:
Overheating and coolant loss may be due to rough surface on radiator filler neck. Neck should be sanded smooth and cap replaced. (1999)
Horn:
The horn may spontaneously sound in cold weather. Airbag assembly must be replaced. (1999)
Oil consumption and engine knock:
3.8-liter engines are prone to excessive oil consumption often accompanied by spark knock due to failure of the valve-stem seals. (1993-95)
Steering noise:
The upper-bearing mount in the steering column can get loose and cause a clicking, requiring a new bearing spring and turn-signal cancel cam. (1994-96)
Transaxle leak:
The right front-axle seal at the automatic transaxle is prone to leak. GM issued a revised seal to correct the problem. (1992-94)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| 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 |
Our price chart for this generation Pontiac Bonneville details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 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 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Pontiac Bonneville include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
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 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Under the hood sits the same overhead-valve 3.8-liter V6 that has powered full-size GM cars since they were switched to front-wheel drive in 1986. However, GM adds more horsepower, with 1992 models featuring a 170-horsepower at 4800 rpm and 220 pound-feet of torque at 3200 rpm. For the sporty 1992-93 SSEi models, Pontiac provides a supercharged edition that delivers 205 horsepower at 4400 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque at 2800 rpm. Both V6 engines come paired with an electronic 4-speed overdrive transmission. For 1993, torque on the base engine rises slightly to 225 pound-feet at 3200 rpm, with an all-new engine arriving in 1995. The new unit is a reengineered 3.8-liter, called the Series II 3800 V6. In its new form it delivers 205 horsepower--35 more than before--and 230 pound-feet of torque, up 5 from the previous version. For '94, the more potent 225-horsepower supercharged edition of the V6 is available for those ordering the SSEi Supercharger Package. It provides 275 pound-feet of torque at 3600 rpm. Both engines remain teamed with an electronic 4-speed automatic transmission. For 1996, power for the optional supercharged engine jumps to 240 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque at 3200 rpm.
| 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 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Pontiac Bonneville include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
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%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1992-1999 Pontiac Bonneville directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1992 w/console shift:
Control cable on some cars may disengage from bracket and falsely indicate gear position.
1992:
Parking-brake lever may release one or more teeth when applied.
1992-93:
Transmission-cooler line in cars with certain powertrains, sold in specified states, can separate at low temperature.
1995 w/Twilight Sentinel:
Excess current leakage can cause loss of headlights and parking lights.
1996 w/3.8-liter V6:
Backfire during engine starting can cause breakage of upper intake manifold, resulting in nonstart condition and possible fire.
1996:
Damaged capacitor may cause failure of "Key in the Ignition" warning chime and driver-seatbelt-unbuckled warning chime and indicator lamp; other functions may also be impaired.
1997:
Seat cover trim on a few cars does not meet flammability requirements.
1998-99:
A faulty fuel-pressure regulator may allow a fuel leak to enter the intake manifold, resulting in possible fire. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
1999 w/chromed aluminum wheels:
Studs on some wheels could break, causing tire/wheel assembly to separate.
1999:
Clip that secures linkage of transmission-detent lever can loosen and disconnect; indicated gear would then differ from actual state of the transmission.
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