1998 Pontiac Bonneville Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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...

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.