2002 Pontiac Bonneville Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Minor styling alterations to the base SE model highlight the few 2002 Bonneville changes. SE, SLE, and SSEi models return. All come with front bucket seats, but SE is available with a front bench for 6-passenger capacity. All have automatic transmission and a 3.8-liter V6; the SSEi's engine is supercharged for more power. Standard are front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, tire-pressure monitor, and load-leveling rear suspension. Optional on SE and standard on the others are traction control and General Motors' OnStar assistance system. SSEi exclusives include a standard antiskid system and head-up instrument display. Also for '02, a CD player replaces a cassette as standard on the SE, and SLE/SSEi get revised alloy wheels. Bonneville shares its basic design with the Buick LeSabre and Oldsmobile Aurora.

Competition

This segment has been hard hit by the popularity of sport-utility vehicles. Just a few years back 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 two Recommended choices. Both have room for five and offer a comfortable ride (with modest handling capabilities). If you are looking for towing ability, the Ford Crown Victoria with its rear-drive layout and body-on-frame chassis is an option. Ford has updated it nicely over the years and it comes at a reasonable price.

News

After sagging 24 percent in calendar 1999, Bonneville sales jumped 45.4 percent in 2000, likely on the strength of the 2000-model redesign. But Pontiac's full-size was down again in '01, year-to-year sales sliding 21.8 percent through the third quarter.

The latest buzz from Detroit's rumor mill says Bonneville will be dropped after the 2004 model run. The reasons aren't entirely clear, but Pontiac seems to be betting its future on the youth market with offerings like the new Vibe sportwagon, which emphasizes low cost and a high fun-to-drive quotient. Full-size sedans don't really fit the "active lifestyle" image Pontiac is now trying to shape for itself, hence Bonneville's likely imminent demise.

2002 Pontiac Bonneville Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Rear-seat comfort

Ride/handling	Fuel economy

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 is even stronger, running 0-60 mph in about 7 sec in our tests. Transmission changes gears smoothly, downshifts quickly.

Fuel Economy

SE	SSEi	Class Average
5	4	4.6

Test SE averaged 20.6 mpg--good for a full-size sedan. Test SSEi averaged 15.7. SE and SLE use regular fuel, SSEi requires premium.

Ride Quality

SE	SSEi	Class Average
7	6	6.7

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 rear suspension.

Steering/Handling/Braking

SE	SSEi	Class Average
5	6	5.3

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 quick acceleration). Stopping power strong and sure, though pedal modulation not always uniform.

Quietness

SE	SSEi	Class Average
6	5	6.1

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 design is cluttered.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

SE	SSEi	Class Average
7	6	6.9

Two adults get plenty of room. Middle position on bench is a real squeeze. Safety belts integrated into seatbacks. 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.

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	6.9

Bonneville SE is a good big-car value, but a Grand Prix has nearly as much interior room and costs less. We like the SSEi's supercharged power, but a loaded example can top $34,000--well into the near-luxury realm, where most cars have better pedigrees and more refinement.

Total Score

SE	SSEi	Class Average
55	52	59.1

Scores for all Large Cars

Low Score		52
Average Score		59
High Score		65

2002 Pontiac Bonneville Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/17/2002

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

SE 4-door sedan	$25,865	$23,666	$680

SLE 4-door sedan	$29,055	$26,585	$680

SSEi 4-door sedan	$33,285	$30,456	$680

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

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, tire-pressure monitor.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, 6-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, rear-seat trunk pass through, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, overhead console, map lights, intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, remote decklid release, automatic headlights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, rear spoiler, fog lights, load-leveling suspension, 225/60R16 tires, alloy wheels.

SLE adds to SE:

Powertrain

Traction control.

Comfort and Convenience Features

OnStar System w/one-year service (roadside assistance, emergency services; other services available), leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, dual-zone automatic climate control, interior air filter, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Performance suspension, 235/55R17 tires.

SSEi adds to SLE:

Powertrain

3.8-liter V6 supercharged engine.

Safety

Antiskid system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery, articulating 12-way power front seats w/memory, head-up instrument display, Monsoon sound system, universal garage-door opener, memory mirrors w/park-assist passenger-side mirror.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Option Group 1SC
SE	$2,130	$1,896
OnStar System w/one-year service (roadside assistance, emergency services; other services available), traction control, performance axle ratio, leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, dual-zone automatic climate control, automatic day/night rearview mirror.

Seat and Heat Pkg.
SE, SLE	$530	$472
Heated front seats, 6-way power passenger seat. NA w/front split bench seat.

Powertrain
Traction control
SE	$175	$156


Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
SE, SLE, SSEi	$1,080	$961
SE and SLE include universal garage door opener.

Leather upholstery
SE, SLE	$850	$757


Front split bench seat
SE	$150	$134
NA w/Option Group 1SC or traction control.

Heated front seats
SSEi	$295	$263


AM/FM/cassette/CD player
SE, SLE	$100	$89


12-disc CD changer
SE, SLE, SSEi	$595	$530
SE requires Option Group.

Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls
SE	$175	$156


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Engine block heater
SE, SLE, SSEi	$35	$31


Chrome alloy wheels
SLE, SSEi	$595	$530

2002 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	20/29	18/27

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

Front Impact, Driver	4

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Side Impact, Driver	4

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	4

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

< 2002 Pontiac Bonneville Photos

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