2001 Pontiac Bonneville Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2001 Pontiac Bonneville includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Pontiac Bonneville from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Pontiac Bonneville, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Pontiac Bonneville help you decide if a 2001 Pontiac Bonneville is right for you.

2001 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

SE/SLE have good throttle response throughout speed range; supercharged SSEi even stronger, running 0-60 mph in about 7 sec. Transmission changes gears smoothly, downshifts quickly.

Fuel Economy

SE	SSEi	Class Average
5	4	4.8

Our test SE averaged 20.6 mpg on regular--good for a full-size sedan. SSEi averaged 15.7 mpg in our tests on the required premium fuel.

Ride Quality

SE	SSEi	Class Average
6	4	6.1

SE rides more softly and floats more over high-speed dips than sportier SLE and SSEi, but all are comfortable enough over bumps. Kudos for standard load-leveling suspension.

Steering/Handling/Braking

SE	SSEi	Class Average
4	5	5

Generally balanced and composed on any model, but SLE/SSEi feel sharpest. SSEi's StabiliTrak antiskid system helps keep it on course in emergency maneuvers, but test model also suffered annoying torque steer (pulling to one side in hard acceleration). Stopping power strong and sure, though pedal modulation not always uniform.

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

Controls for audio, climate systems easy to reach and decipher. Two-tone surfaces enhance dashboard's appearance, but plastic feels low-budget, overall look cluttered.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

SE	SSEi	Class Average
7	7	7

Two adults get plenty of room. Middle position on bench is a real squeeze. Safety belts integrated into the seats. SSEi's 12-way power seats are hard, but include memory.

Room/Comfort (rear)

SE	SSEi	Class Average
4	4	5.9

Short on headroom for taller passengers; center passenger will be squeezed and uncomfortable. Seat cushion too soft and poorly shaped. Door openings large, but cloth seats in SE/SLE too grippy to easily slide in or out.

Cargo Room

SE	SSEi	Class Average
6	6	5.8

Numerous interior storage cubbies, but front cupholders won't hold large beverages. Rear seat has fold-down armrest, trunk pass-through. Trunk is large, but lid's hinges dip into load area.

Value within Class

SE	SSEi	Class Average
6	5	7

Bonneville SE is a good big-car value, but a Grand Prix has nearly as much interior room and costs less. 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