2003 Pontiac Bonneville: Road Test
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2003 Pontiac Bonneville ▼
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- MSRP: $26,695 -$34,020
- Invoice: $24,426 -$31,128
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Our road test for the 2003 Pontiac Bonneville includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Pontiac Bonneville from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Pontiac Bonneville, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Pontiac Bonneville help you decide if a 2003 Pontiac Bonneville is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| SE | SSEi | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 5.5 |
SE/SLE have good throttle response throughout speed range; supercharged SSEi is even stronger, running 0-60 mph in about 7 sec. Transmission changes gears smoothly, downshifts quickly.
FUEL ECONOMY
| SE | SSEi | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 4.6 |
Test SE averaged 20.6 mpg--good for a full-size sedan. Our SSEi averaged 15.7. SE and SLE use regular fuel; SSEi requires premium.
RIDE QUALITY
| SE | SSEi | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6.8 |
SE has softer damping than SLE and SSEi, and thus floats more over high-speed bumps and dips, but all models are comfortable enough.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| SE | SSEi | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 5.5 |
Generally balanced and composed on any model, but SLE/SSEi feel sharper than base SE. SSEi's StabiliTrak antiskid system helps keep you on course in emergency maneuvers, but SSEi test cars suffered annoying torque steer--pulling to one side in rapid acceleration. Stopping power strong enough, though pedal effort is high and modulation poor.
QUIETNESS
| SE | SSEi | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 6.3 |
Engines smooth, but prominent highway wind rush and suspension/tire noise over coarse or rough surfaces don't bespeak top-drawer engineering.
CONTROLS
| SE | SSEi | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
Controls for audio and climate systems easy to reach and decipher. Two-tone surfaces enhance dashboard appearance, but design is gimmicky and plastics look and feel low-budget.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| SE | SSEi | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6.9 |
Plenty of room with buckets. SE's available bench seat squeezes a middle adult. Safety belts integrated into seatbacks; some testers find this convenient, others complain of poor fit over the shoulder. SSEi's 12-way power seats are very firm, but include memory.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| SE | SSEi | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5.9 |
Short on head room for taller passengers; an adult will be cramped in the middle. Seat cushion too soft and poorly shaped.
CARGO ROOM
| SE | SSEi | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
Numerous interior storage cubbies, but front cupholders don't hold large containers. 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 |
A Bonneville SE offers good big-car value, with the SLE adding some useful amenities at a reasonable premium. The SSEi's supercharged power is impressive, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 57 | 54 | 59.8 |
Total Score: 56
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