2003 Pontiac Bonneville Reviews

I just bought (Feb./09) a 2003 Bonneville SSEi with 60K miles on it, but in mint (very well maintained and cared) conditions, for $ 8,600.00, with four new Pirelli PZero tires.  The paint is the original factory Rain Forest Green Metallic color, and is like new (waxed every month).  The interior leather and interiors are like new too.

This is my second Bonneville, my previous one was a 1997 SE.  I just don't think there is any other large american car that could be compared to this one.  I truly believe that this was GM's best kept secret.  I don't know why it was discontinued in 2005.  I guess not many people have tried it.  If they do, they would buy it.

Because of it's smooth, yet powerfull, Supercharged 3.8 L V-6 engine, it has the performance of a V-8 when you push the pedal (240 + HP), but the economy of a V-6 when cruising (29 average MPG on HWY), not bad for a large luxury car.

It has an excellent premium 8 speaker soound system (I connect my IPod via a high fidelity FM transmitter I bought on E-Bay). There is no need for a 12 CD changer these days.

Excellent handling. The suspension is very smooth and strong at the same time, you just don't feel the road imperfections.

It is certainly fun to drive and beautiful inside and out.

It has all the luxury that you can find in a Cadillac Seville, but with a sleek and sporty look.

It has a 5 star safety rating which includes dual front and side air bags for driver and front passenger.

Strongly recommend it. Specially when you avoid all of the depreciation costs paid by the original owner.

Acceleration was confident, but the engine was too small for such a big car. Braking was decent with good pedal feedback - you could tell exactly what was going on at all four corners. Handling - it didn't handle very well, almost like a fat man on rollerskates. Tons of understeer under hard cornering. Build quality was not good - it started getting lots of rattles and squeaks around 30K miles. GM saw us on NUMEROUS occasions with this car. Heated leather went out a few times, auto headlights would shut off in the dead of night while on the highway, dual zone climate control simply quit, ***Steering wheel shaft went out so many times we forgot*** This is a known issue with GM, and they have NO fix for it. It causes a loud "CLUNK" when you turn the steering wheel. It's caused by inferior metal at the gears...when it slips, it causes a loud "CLUNK" to come up through the steering wheel and sounds like something falling out from under the car. I loved this car, but it's apparent it didn't love me. Styling was beautiful, nice lines, aggressive front fascia and beautiful chrome plated rims with 16" low profile tires. Rode like a cloud on the highway and so quiet you could hear a pin drop in the cabin.

Bought this car with 35,000 miles on it.  Now has 99,000 and has had no problems.  Performance is a little slow but isn't bad considering the car weighs 3800 pounds.  The car gets about 28 mpg on the highway and about 20 or 19 mpg in the city.  Overall a good family car.

Responsive, comfortable, fun to drive.  Downside?  Only that she requires premium gas.  The heads up display is such a safety feature I'm not sure why they're so rare.  The onboard air compressor is always available, no quarters needed.