Acceleration

SE	SLE	GXP	Class Average
6	6	7	5.8

V6 Bonnevilles have good pep for most needs. No opportunity yet to time a V8 GXP, but it feels considerably stronger than the V6. Pontiac says it does 0-60 mph in 6.8 sec. Smooth, responsive automatic transmission aids performance in all models.

Fuel Economy

SE	SLE	GXP	Class Average
5	5	4	4.6

Test SE averaged 20.6 mpg--good for a large sedan. GXP averaged 16.9 mpg in an even mix of city/highway driving. Pontiac recommends regular-grade fuel for the SE and SLE, premium for GXP.

Ride Quality

SE	SLE	GXP	Class Average
7	6	5	6.6

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	5.8

Generally balanced and composed in 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	6.7

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	6

Large gauges, but some testers don't like the red-colored instrument lighting. Audio and climate controls easy to reach and decipher, but dashboard's many buttons can intimidate the uninitiated. Interior a mix of boldly shaped hard plastic surfaces and padded panels that nonetheless lack quality look and feel.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

SE	SLE	GXP	Class Average
7	7	7	7.6

SE's available bench seat squeezes a middle adult. Plenty of room with buckets, but some testers find deficiencies in contour and comfort with both types. Testers also divided on safety-belt design. Belts are integrated into seatbacks; some find this convenient, others complain of poor fit over the shoulder.

Room/Comfort (rear)

SE	SLE	GXP	Class Average
4	4	4	6.5

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
6	5	4	6.6

Bonneville's SE model is a good big-car value. The SLE adds useful amenities for a bit more money. But ordering a few popular options pushes both into the price realm of cars with luxury-brand pedigrees, better interiors, and more refinement. The GXP appeals for its V8 power, but suffers the same shortfalls as other Bonnevilles, so it doesn't compare well against newer sporty sedans of similar price.

Total Score

SE	SLE	GXP	Class Average
57	55	54	61.8

Scores for all Large Cars

Low Score		54
Average Score		61
High Score		71