1998 Pontiac Bonneville Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$22,995 to $31,165

Original MSRP

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expert review

3.9

avg user rating

(16 reviews)
1998 Pontiac Bonneville Preview summaryImage

If 60 is the new 50, then granny car is the new sports car, as the Pontiac Bonneville combines the energy of a supercharged engine with the comfort of a roomy full-size car, and the luxury features of a high-end sedan. More sports sedan than fuddy-duddy old-timer, the 1998 Pontiac Bonneville saw few changes to its look or performance. New for the 1998 Bonneville is a rear deck spoiler on both SE and SSE trims. A disappointing change is that the SLE package for the SE, which added sportier features such as performance suspension and traction control, no longer includes the supercharged 3.8, 240-hp V6 engine. It does maintain the leather seats, audio steering wheel controls, power driver's seat, and keyless entry. The standard engine is the 3.8, 205-hp V6 matched with a 4-speed auto tran, and the only way to get the supercharged version is with the SSEi package. This also features a special automatic transmission that lets the driver choose between normal and performance mode, and Magnasteer variable effort steering, which allows for a lighter touch at lower speeds and stiffer grip at high speeds.
Being the sportier trim, the 1998 Bonneville SSE comes with ground effects, self-leveling suspension, and special badging. It also gets more standard features, such as the heads-up dash display (which lets you look at the panel without taking your eyes off the road) and second generation airbags. A digital information center, automatic climate control, sunroof, and power leather seats are already standard. Owners like the 1998 Bonneville's reliability, solid handling, and smooth feel on the road. They say it's great in the snow and the steering is responsive. Acceleration and highway speed are immediate and fun with both engines, but the supercharger is by far the favorite in terms of performance. Interior room and adjustable seats make for a comfortable ride. An easily cracked manifold that allows coolant to leak in is the biggest complaint. Others include cost of maintenance, problems with the transmission, wind noise, and a spoiler that's too flat. There are also complaints about the front seats being too low to the ground and the plastic materials breaking too easily.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 1998 Pontiac Bonneville

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User rating:
by Anonymous
Sep 28, 2012
These cars have a classic 90's look and. They were not made with allot of steel so allot of them rotted out in the northern states. Pretty good on gas millage and comfortable ride. The general quality of the car was pretty poor though.Sep 28, 2012
by Dan S
Mar 14, 2012
car has a very strong engine. i tried to blow it up but i couldn't... the tranny went out before anything bad happened. if i had found out what tranny went into the car i would have changed that but couldnt find any part numbersMar 14, 2012
by Ivan M
Dec 22, 2011
this vehicle comes fully loaded with plenty of room front, back and sides, and large trunk capacity. the ride is very smooth, no noises with nice a acceleration, braking and handling. it is a fun luxury car to ride. i was impressed how clean this car looks Dec 22, 2011

1998 Pontiac Bonneville Pricing

Original MSRP
$22,995 to $31,165
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
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YoY price change
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Trims & specs

Airbags

Dual front airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Roof

Moonroof: power

Seats

Front seat type: split-bench · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheels: chrome

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning

Airbags

Dual front airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Roof

Moonroof: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning

Airbags

Dual front airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Roof

Moonroof: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather

Suspension

Air Suspension: rear · Leveling: self leveling suspension

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning

Airbags

Dual front airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Roof

Moonroof: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather

Suspension

Air Suspension: rear · Leveling: self leveling suspension

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

See all trims (4)