2004 Pontiac Bonneville: Road Test
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2004 Pontiac Bonneville ▼
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- MSRP: $27,185 -$35,270
- Invoice: $24,874 -$32,272
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Our road test for the 2004 Pontiac Bonneville includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Pontiac Bonneville from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Pontiac Bonneville, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Pontiac Bonneville help you decide if a 2004 Pontiac Bonneville is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| SE | SLE | GXP | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 5.5 |
V6 models have good throttle response throughout speed range. Transmission changes gears smoothly, downshifts quickly. Pontiac pegs the new GXP at 6.8 sec 0-60 mph. It feels noticeably stronger than a V6 Bonneville in any situation, but isn't neck-snapping quick.
FUEL ECONOMY
| SE | SLE | GXP | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 4.7 |
Test SE averaged 20.6 mpg--good for a full-size sedan. No chance yet to measure with GXP. Pontiac recommends regular-grade fuel for SE/SLE, premium for GXP.
RIDE QUALITY
| SE | SLE | GXP | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 5 | 6.7 |
SE more softly sprung than SLE, and thus floats more over high-speed bumps and dips, but both models comfortable enough. Firmer GXP has less float and more tied-down feel, but its lower-profile performance tires thump over sharp bumps.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| SE | SLE | GXP | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 7 | 5.4 |
Generally balanced and composed on any model. SLE feels sharper than SE. GXP is athletic for a big sedan, but steering lacks precision. Stopping power strong enough, but pedal effort fairly high, modulation poor.
QUIETNESS
| SE | SLE | GXP | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 6.5 |
Smooth engines, but prominent highway wind rush and suspension/tire noise over coarse or rough surfaces.
CONTROLS
| SE | SLE | GXP | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.8 |
Audio and climate controls easy to reach and decipher, but busy dashboard's buttons could intimidate first-time drivers. Interior plastics OK, but lack high-quality look and feel.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| SE | SLE | GXP | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 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.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| SE | SLE | GXP | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 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 | SLE | GXP | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Cabin offers useful storage, 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 | SLE | GXP | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 5 | 4 | 6.7 |
A Bonneville SE offers good big-car value; SLE adds useful amenities for a bit more money. But add a few popular options and both exceed $32,000--well into the near-luxury realm, where most cars have better pedigrees and more refinement. The new GXP appeals for its V8 power, but at $36,000, suffers the same shortfalls as the SE and SLE in comparison to newer, like-priced performance-oriented sedans.
Total Score
| SE | SLE | GXP | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 58 | 54 | 53 | 59.7 |
Total Score: 55
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