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2000 Pontiac Bonneville Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
2000 Pontiac Bonneville Review
Pontiac's full-size sedan is redesigned for 2000 with new styling but carried-over powertrains. Front side airbags are among new standard features, and General Motors' StabiliTrak antiskid system is included on the top-line model.

Wheelbase and overall length increase nearly two inches, but interior leg room is unchanged and head room shrinks slightly.

SE, SLE, and SSEi models are offered. All come with front bucket seats, but the SE offers an optional bench for 6-passenger capacity. The only engine is a 3.8-liter V6. SE and SLE models have 205 horsepower, the supercharged SSEi 240. The only transmission is a 4-speed automatic. Traction control is standard on SSEi, optional elsewhere. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes replace a disc/drum setup, and a tire-inflation monitor is a new standard feature on SLE and SSEi. SSEi's StabiliTrak is designed to selectively brake the front wheels to counteract skids in turns. SSEi models also come with GM's EyeCue head-up display, which projects main instrument readings onto the windshield, and GM's OnStar assistance system.
Competition
This segment has been hardest hit by the huge popularity of sport-utility vehicles. Just a few years ago there were more than 12 cars in the segment and now there are just seven. Heading up the field as Best Buys are the Chrysler Concorde and Dodge Intrepid twins. They have real room for six, exceptional road manners, and plenty of power.

Toyota's Avalon and Buick's LeSabre are twoRecommended choices. Both have room for five and offer a comfortable ride (with modest handling capabilities). If you are looking for towing ability or don't mind having a rear-drive car, then we recommend you take a look at the Ford Crown Victoria. With its rear-drive layout and body-on-frame chassis it's a dinosaur in this class, but Ford has updated it nicely over the years and it comes at a reasonable price.
News
Bonneville's year-to-year sales rose nearly 21 percent in the first four months of 2000 after dropping 24-percent in calendar 1999 vs. '98, so it appears the 2000 redesign came none too soon. Bonneville's next complete makeover is now scheduled for the 2005 model year, at which point one of two things will happen, say industry sources: Either Pontiac will drop the nameplate or attach it to an upscale version of the midsize Grand Prix, which is to be redesigned for 2003. Whichever occurs, Bonneville's current G-platform design will continue without fundamental alteration until then, though a heavy restyle is a good bet for '02 or '03.
2000 Pontiac Bonneville Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration Rear-seat comfort
Passenger and cargo room Fuel economy
Ride/handling
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

SE SSEi Class Average
6 7 5.6

Strong, despite Bonneville's slight weight gain. SE and SLE have good throttle response throughout the speed range, while the strong SSEi's does 0-60 mph in a brisk 7 seconds. With either engine, the transmission changes gears smoothly and downshifts quickly for passing.
Fuel Economy

SE SSEi Class Average
5 4 4.6

Our test SE averaged 20.6 mpg, a good figure for a full-size sedan. The SSEi requires premium fuel and averaged 15.7 mpg in our tests.
Ride Quality

SE SSEi Class Average
6 4 6.1

The SE rides softer than the sporty SLE and SSEi, but all are comfortable enough over bumps.
Steering/Handling/Braking

SE SSEi Class Average
4 5 4.9

Generally balanced and composed on any model, but SLE and SSEi feel sharpest, thanks in part to their lower-profile 17-inch tires. The SSEi's StabiliTrak antiskid system is designed to selectively brake the front wheels to counteract skids in turns. Our test SSEi suffered annoying torque steer (pulling to one side in hard acceleration).
Quietness

SE SSEi Class Average
6 5 6

Engines are smooth, but highway wind rush and noises from suspension and tires over coarse or rough surfaces don't bespeak top-drawer engineering.
Controls

SE SSEi Class Average
3 3 5.3

Flamboyant dashboard design doesn't hide any gauges or controls, but the overall look is cluttered with numerous curved cut lines and eight prominent air vents. Hard plastic surfaces give a low-budget feel.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

SE SSEi Class Average
7 7 6.9

Two adults get plenty of room. The middle position is a real squeeze.
Room/Comfort (rear)

SE SSEi Class Average
4 4 5.8

Taller passengers will miss the 2000's lost inch of rear headroom, 3-across seating is a squeeze, and the entire cushion is too soft and poorly shaped to provide comfortable support. Overall, there's not much more usable room than in Pontiac's midsize Grand Prix.
Cargo Room

SE SSEi Class Average
6 6 5.8

Numerous interior storage cubbies, although the front cupholders won't hold large beverages, The rear seat has a fold-down armrest and a trunk pass-through. The trunk is large, but the lid's hinges dip into the load area.
Value within Class

SE SSEi Class Average
6 5 6.3

A $25,000 SE is a good big-car value, and accounts for 65 percent of Bonneville sales. We like supercharged power, but a loaded SSEi can top $34,000--well into the near-luxury realm, where most cars have more panache and refinement.
Total Score

SE SSEi Class Average
53 50 57.3
Scores for all Large Cars

Low Score
50
Average Score
57
High Score
63
2000 Pontiac Bonneville Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/05/2000
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
SE 4-door sedan $23,755 $21,736 $655
SLE 4-door sedan $27,455 $25,121 $655
SSEi 4-door sedan $32,180 $29,445 $655
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
SE
Powertrain
3.8-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side-airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, variable-assist power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, rear seat trunk pass-through, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, tachometer, overhead console, map lights, intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, load-leveling suspension, 225/60R16 tires, wheel covers.
SLE adds to SE:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated power mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, dual-zone automatic climate control, interior air filter, 6-way power driver seat w/manual lumbar adjustment, remote keyless entry, upgraded sound system, illuminated visor mirrors, tire pressure monitor, compass, outside temperature indicator, remote decklid release, alloy wheels.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler, performance suspension, 235/55R17 tires.
SSEi adds to SLE:
Powertrain
3.8-liter V6 supercharged engine, traction control.
Safety
Antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar System (Global Positioning System, roadside assistance, emergency services), magnetic variable-assist power steering, leather upholstery, articulating 12-way power front seats, EyeCue Head-Up instrument display, AM/FM/cassette/CD player w/Bose sound system, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, park-assist passenger-side mirror.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Option Group 2
SE
$835
$743
Remote keyless entry, 6-way power driver seat, illuminated visor mirrors, remote decklid release, cargo net, theft-deterrent system w/alarm.
Option Group 3
SE
$2,655
$2,363
Option Group 2 plus leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, dual-zone automatic climate control, upgraded sound system, performance axle ratio, painted alloy wheels.
Powertrain
Traction control
SE, SLE
$175
$156
SE requires option group.
Performance axle ratio
SE
$20
$18
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
SE, SLE, SSEi
$980
$872
SE requires option group and universal garage door opener.
6-way power driver seat
SE
$305
$271
6-way power passenger seat
SE, SLE
$305
$271
SE requires option group.
Leather upholstery
SE, SLE
$850
$757
SE require Option Group 2.
Front split bench seat
SE
$150
$134
NA with Option Group 3.
Heated front seats
SSEi
$195
$174
AM/FM/CD player
SE, SLE
$100
$89
SE requires option group.
AM/FM/cassette/CD player
SE, SLE
$200
$178
SE requires option group.
12-disc CD changer
SE, SLE, SSEi
$595
$530
SE requires Option Group 3.
Upgraded sound system
SE
$100
$89
Requires Option Group 2.
Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls
SE
$175
$156
Requires Option Group 2.
Universal garage door opener
SE, SLE
$100
$89
SE requires Option Group 3.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler
SE
$110
$98
License plate depression cover
SE, SLE, SSEi
$10
$9
Engine block heater
SE, SLE, SSEi
$35
$31
Painted alloy wheels
SE
$285
$254
Chrome alloy wheels
SLE, SSEi
$595
$530
2000 Pontiac Bonneville Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Pontiac Bonneville 4-door sedan
Wheelbase, in. 112.2
Overall Length, in. 202.6
Overall Width, in. 74.2
Overall Height, in. 56.6
Curb Weight, lbs. 3590
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 18.0
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 18.5
Seating Capacity 6
Front Head Room, in. 38.7
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 42.6
Rear Head Room, in. 37.3
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 38.0
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  ohv V6 Supercharged ohv V6
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.8 /231 3.8 /231
Horsepower @ rpm. 205 @ 5200 240 @ 5200
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 230 @ 4000 280 @ 3600
Availability Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
   
4-speed automatic 19/30 17/28
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Pontiac Bonneville 4-door sedan
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%. Side-impact 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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain None/-- --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 6/100,000 --
Free roadside assistance 3/36,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: USA
Drivewheels: front-wheel drive
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