2005 Pontiac Bonneville Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
After 47 years on the market, the Pontiac Bonneville hears the fat lady sing in 2005. Starting life as Pontiac's sporty full-size coupe...
After 47 years on the market, the Pontiac Bonneville hears the fat lady sing in 2005. Starting life as Pontiac's sporty full-size coupe and convertible in the 1950s and evolving into the boat-size sedan and station wagon of the 1970s, it had reconnected in its last years with its full-size performance sedan roots. But lack of marketing and poor consumer buying response has prompted Pontiac to pull the Bonny and replace it with the Grand Prix GXP in 2006.
As such, few changes were made to the 2005 Pontiac Bonneville. OnStar became standard across the SE, SLE, and GXP trims, and the SLE borrowed some exterior styling from the GXP in terms of its fascias, lights, and body moldings. The SE and SLE models featured a 3.8-liter, 205-hp V6, while the racier GXP housed a 4.6-liter, 275-hp V8. All came standard with 4-speed auto tran, dual front airbags, and ABS brakes. Traction control was standard on SLE and GXP trims, and side airbags were standard on the GXP and optional for the others. Though the GXP was tricked out with top-of-the line features, including an independent sports suspension, the SE was a great value. The V6 performed well, and it came with many standard features.
The 2005 Bonneville was a good compromise for drivers wanting the practicality of space, but the fun of a performance engine and the luxurious comfort of pricier imports. It has always been known for roominess, and though the current batch of Bonnies sacrifice some rear head and legroom for its sportier styling, it still seats four comfortably and offers a spacious trunk.
Drivers love the Bonneville's speed, handling, good cornering, and smooth comfortable ride. They say it makes a great cruising car, comfortable for long trips. They also love the exhaust rumble in the GXP. Acceleration is instant and confident on the highway. Downsides include the cramped backseat, lack of manual transmission option to really enjoy the V8, an overdone and complicated instrument panel, cheap plastic parts that break, and no fold-down seat option. Some mention noticeable brake squeal and the poor depreciation value of the Bonneville.
What owners say
"Overall, owners really appreciate the 2005 Pontiac Bonneville for its reliability, sporty feel, and impressive power. Many drivers highlight its comfortable ride and head-turning looks. However, some dislike its fuel economy, with several mentioning that gas mileage could be better. Overall, it's seen as a fun car that offers a great driving experience."
11/20/10 = Just found my 2005 Bonneville GXP, white tricoat with 18,000 miles. What a find. Have only driven a few hundred miles but I love it. A real head turner. Love the Northstar smooth power delivery and throaty sound. Very comfortable. Mileage not bad, 17 city, 24 highway. Really awesome so far.
November 22, 2010Awesome car! Rides great! This car is a head turner down the road! Love the throaty exhaust and the tinted windows. Only bad thing is the gas mileage, 18 on the highway is not the best, but I still love this car! Its amazing!
April 9, 2010This has been the car I've loved the best so far. I drove it to the Fairmont in Dallas, and the valets LOVED the car. Everywhere I take it and leave it, they seem to like it better than the expensive German metal.
December 24, 2007What owners say
11/20/10 = Just found my 2005 Bonneville GXP, white tricoat with 18,000 miles. What a find. Have only driven a few hundred miles but I love it. A real head turner. Love the Northstar smooth power delivery and throaty sound. Very comfortable. Mileage not bad, 17 city, 24 highway. Really awesome so far.
November 22, 2010Awesome car! Rides great! This car is a head turner down the road! Love the throaty exhaust and the tinted windows. Only bad thing is the gas mileage, 18 on the highway is not the best, but I still love this car! Its amazing!
April 9, 2010This has been the car I've loved the best so far. I drove it to the Fairmont in Dallas, and the valets LOVED the car. Everywhere I take it and leave it, they seem to like it better than the expensive German metal.
December 24, 2007Hugs the road like a Cheetah chasing a Gazelle, I absolutely love the instrument panel, reminds of a small plane's cockpit. Everything is accessible from the driver's seat. Makes driving more enjoyable for me, versus past cars I've owned (with the exception of my 1979 Hurst/Olds.)
July 7, 2013I highly rate this car its very reliable luxury sporty it shows the same platform as to Buick LeSabre and the Oldsmobile Aurora parts are easy to come by 2005 havent had one lick of problem its a very comfortable car feel real comfortable gun in the gas thats a green light with the car next to you because it pulls pretty good but you can also take passengers its hard to compare this car to any other car because its in a class so its all its a Pontiac there are no more Pontiacs they just get more rare and then going up in value choice trust me you will not be disappointed my cars got 300,000 miles and she still looks good and friends like friends
February 4, 2022great v8 sound, moves when you step on it, looks fast when standing still, limited production
January 3, 2008Nice car. Sporty. Good mileage. Leather interior. Lots of interior room. Lots of power
June 15, 2008Pontiac has been a favorite of mine since owning my Firebird TransAms. This car has great handling, great traction, decent brakes and nice performancce. The cladding gave the car perfect looks. A great sound system with XM radio and On-Star. The Tricoat White Gold paint is beautiful. I wish Pontiac still made driving excitement cars. I thought this GXP was a worthy sports sedan to replacce the fun I had driving in My TransAm. Now I get my driving excitement from my Sky Red Line, another great orphan.
December 22, 20110-60 6.04 perfect brakes faster than dodge charger r/t, ford mustang g/t, camero, firebird, audi a8
July 12, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $28,690 | Seating 6 |
Engine 3.8L 205 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 18.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $36,310 | Seating 5 |
Engine 4.6L 275 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 18.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 18 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $31,075 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.8L 205 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 18.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain FWD |
