2000-2005 Pontiac Bonneville Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Pontiac Bonneville. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Pontiac Bonneville.

2000-2005 Pontiac Bonneville Review

Pontiac redesigned its front-drive full-size sedan for 2000, again similar to the Buick LeSabre, with fresh styling but carryover powertrains. Wheelbase and overall length increased by nearly two inches, but head room shrunk slightly and interior leg room was unchanged. Side-impact airbags for front seats were newly standard. GM's StabiliTrak antiskid system was installed in the top-line SSEi model, designed to selectively brake the front wheels to counteract skids in turns. The lineup also included SE and midrange SLE sedans. All Bonnevilles had standard front bucket seats, but the SE offers an optional bench for 6-passenger capacity. Only a 3.8-liter V6 was available, as before, in two ratings. For SE and SLE models, the V6 produced 205 horsepower. In the SSEi, a supercharged version delivered 240 bhp. Both engines were hooked to a four-speed automatic transmission. Traction control was standard on the SSEi and optional on others. Antilock all-disc brakes replaced the previous disc/drum setup, and a tire-inflation monitor became standard. GM's EyeCue head-up display, which projects primary instrument readings onto the windshield, was standard in the SSEi.

Year to Year Changes

2001 Pontiac Bonneville: After a season's absence, GM's OnStar assistance system became available again in Bonnevilles--standard for the SLE and SSEi, or an option for the SE. The SE sedan gained a tire-pressure monitor, and the SLE added standard traction control. Heated seats now were optional in all Bonnevilles.

2002 Pontiac Bonneville: SE models got minor styling alterations for 2002. A CD player replaced a cassette as standard on the SE, and SLE/SSEi got revised alloy wheels.

2003 Pontiac Bonneville: Front bucket seats were revised for '03. Side airbags became an option on all but the SSEi. XM Satellite radio was a new line-wide option.

2004 Pontiac Bonneville: In order to make room for a new V8 later in the year, Pontiac's loses its supercharged V6 for 2004. Added midyear was a 275 hp 4.6-liter V8 available on the new GXP.

2005 Pontiac Bonneville: Pontiac will drop its largest sedans after 2005, which carry on with few changes. The main news for '05 is that the SLE looks more like the GXP by virtue of revised nose and tail styling and a new lower-bodyside treatment.

2000-2005 Pontiac Bonneville Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Fuel economy (SSEi)

Ride/handling	Rear-seat comfort

Cargo room

Automatic-transmission performance

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Dynamically, at least, Bonneville matches the best front-drive full-size sedans. Despite a weight hike, acceleration is strong in SE and SLE sedans, with good throttle response. Performance is outstanding with the supercharged SSEi. With either engine, the transmission changes gears smoothly and downshifts come quickly for passing. An SE averaged 20.6 mpg, while the SSEi got just 15.7 mpg on premium gasoline. Engines are smooth, but wind rush and suspension/tire noises over coarse surfaces may appear. Softest-riding version is the SE, which floats more over high-speed dips, but all are comfortable over bumps and nearly devoid of the front-end bobbing that sometimes plagued previous Bonnevilles. A standard load-leveling rear suspension improves stability. Handling is impressive--balanced and composed--sharpest in the SLE and SSEi. Watch out for torque steer (pulling to one side in hard acceleration) in the SSEi. Though the SSEi's StabiliTrak can get confused during rapid sawing of the steering wheel, it should help the Bonneville stay on course in emergency maneuvers. Space is abundant for four adults, in an interior that has a more sporty flair than most full-size sedans. Still, the lost inch of rear head room won't help taller passengers. A protruding center section in the rear seatback discourages 3-across seating, on a cushion that's soft and poorly shaped. Leather-covered buckets in the SSEi have 12 settings but aren't all that supportive. Instruments sit close to the driver, though the dashboard looks cluttered. Some plastic panels feel low-budget. Audio and climates controls are easy to reach and decipher. Entry/exit is easy through large doors. The trunk is large, but hinges dip into the load area.

Value for the Money
Volume leader is the SE, which is a fine value. Supercharged power in the SSEi is satisfying, but at a far higher price--though Bonnevilles have not held their value especially well. Besides, a lot of cars on its level are more refined and promise more verve.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Pontiac Bonneville SE	Rating

Performance	6

Fuel Economy	5

Ride Quality	6

Steering/Handling/Braking	4

Quietness	6

Controls/Materials	3

Interior Room	7

Room/Comfort (rear)	4

Cargo Capacity	6

Value within Class	6

Total:	53

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.

2000-2005 Pontiac Bonneville Reliability

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 column-mounted shift lever is hard to move out of park due to the interlock cable being too long. (2000)

Brake wear: The original-equipment rear brake pads cause a humming or moaning noise, especially when the brakes are hot or warm. (2000)

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. (2000-04)

Coolant leak: Coolant loss via plastic intake manifold is corrected by installing upgraded manifold and gaskets plus new PCV kit. (2000-04)

Horn: If the horn becomes difficult to operate or sounds by itself in cold temperatures, the airbag module will have to be replaced. (2000)

Steering noise: A countermeasure high-pressure power-steering hose will reduce vibrations, shudders or moans from the steering wheel during slow-speed turns. (2000-01)

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	$525

Alternator	$275

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$895

Brakes	$485

Constant Velocity Joints	$750

Exhaust System	$565

Radiator	$450

Shocks and/or Struts	$975

Timing Chain or Belt	$325

NHTSA Recall History

2000: Some cars have internal fluid leaks in brake hydraulic-control unit; when rear-brake proportioning, antilock braking, traction control, or stability-control feature is activated in some driving situations, feature may not perform as designed.

2002: When shifting from 5th gear into reverse, a shift inhibitor causes the transmission to be in 4th gear, even though the lever indicates reverse gear.

2002-03 SSEi- supercharged V6: Faulty fuel-tank sensors may have been installed in certain vehicles, leading to fuel leakage. Dealer will inspect and replace all affected parts.

2000-2005 Pontiac Bonneville Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

2000
Bonneville SE, SLE	$4,800-6,000	$4,000-5,000	$1,800-2,300
Bonneville SSEi	$6,300-7,200	$5,500-6,300	$2,800-3,200

2001
Bonneville SE, SLE	$5,700-7,200	$4,900-6,200	$2,300-3,000
Bonneville SSEi	$7,500-8,500	$6,800-7,700	$3,800-4,300

2002
Bonneville SE, SLE	$6,800-8,800	$6,100-7,800	$3,200-4,100
Bonneville SSEi	$9,500-10,500	$8,600-9,500	$4,900-5,500

2003
Bonneville SE, SLE	$8,100-11,000	$7,300-9,900	$4,100-5,600
Bonneville SSEi	$11,500-12,500	$10,400-11,300	$6,300-6,900

2004
Bonneville	$9,500-13,000	$8,600-11,700	$4,900-6,800
Bonneville GXP	$14,000-15,500	$12,700-14,100	$8,500-9,500

2005
Bonneville	$11,000-15,000	$9,900-13,500	$5,900-8,100
Bonneville GXP	$17,000-18,500	$15,600-17,000	$10,900-11,800

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.

2000-2005 Pontiac Bonneville Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	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.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Basic Bonnevilles used a 3.8-liter, overhead-valve V6 engine that produced 205 horsepower, driving a 4-speed automatic transmission. A supercharged version of that V6, developing 240 bhp, went into the SSEi sedan. In 2004, the supercharged V6 was dropped to make way for the 4.6-liter 275 hp V8, available on the new-for-'04 GXP.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

ohv V6	3.8 / 231	205	230	4-speed automatic: 19/30	4-speed automatic: 20.6

Supercharged ohv V6	3.8 / 231	240	280	4-speed automatic: 17/28	4-speed automatic: 15.7

dohc V8	4.6 / 278	275	300	4-speed automatic: 17/24	4-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	2000 Bonneville

Front Impact, Driver	4

Front Impact, Passenger	5

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%.

Built In: USA

Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

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Also in the 2000-2005 Pontiac Bonneville Review:

Pontiac Bonneville

Pontiac Bonneville Road Test

Pontiac Bonneville Reliability

Pontiac Bonneville Prices

Pontiac Bonneville Specs & Safety

Pontiac Bonneville Photos

Pontiac Bonneville Full Review