2000 Pontiac Bonneville Overview

2000 Pontiac Bonneville Overview

Overall User Score

4.2⁄5

Based on 23 reviews

A new generation of Pontiac Bonnevilles in 2000 sees a new redesign of the front end, headlights, body cladding, and a 2-inches longer wheelbase.  The 2000 Bonneville loses a bit of headroom due to a more angled windshield, but gains a more rigid frame and more aggressive exterior styling, but overall features and powertrain options remain unchanged from 1999.

The special SLE and SSEi package options from the '90s now become full-fledged trims.  Base model SE and the sportier SLE feature the 3.8-liter, 205-hp V6 engine from previous years.  The SE gets more standard features, including power mirrors and lighted entry.  The SLE adds on dual climate control, 6-way power seats, keyless entry, a new tire monitor, and performance suspension.  The sportiest of the 2000 Bonneville trims is the SSEi, formerly a package on the old SSE trim.  This features the rocket-like supercharged 3.8 V6, getting 240-hp and 280 lb-ft of torque.  Standard features include leather seats, traction control, 12-way power seats, a garage opener, and anti-skid program.  Most of these are available as options on the SE.  All trims have 4-wheel ABS brakes, new side impact airbags, and new load-leveling suspension which provides smoother handling.
Owners of the 2000 Bonneville like its room and comfortable seats.  The supercharged V6 is a big hit, making the Bonneville fast on the highway, and with immediate pickup response.  Driving is smoother, and the stiffer frame adds better maneuverability.  Drivers say it handles like a smaller car, and the fuel econommy (18/27 mpg) is impressive.  Despite the redesign, there still seem to be problems with cracks in the manifold, and cheap plastic parts easily breaking.  Owners say repairs are often and costly, reliability is poor, and that the Bonneville depreciates heavily.  Some would like split-fold rear seats instead of just a trunk pass-through.