Shudders sideways when I hit a bump or pothole
Car feels like it is vibrating to the side when I hit a bump or pothole
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2005 Pontiac Bonneville Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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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.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Larry W
Feb 04, 2022
I 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 friendsFeb 04, 2022
by Jim S
Feb 28, 2020
Top Dog & a collectors car of sorts, since they were made only 2yrsFeb 28, 2020
by Jeremy B
Jul 07, 2013
Hugs 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.)Jul 07, 2013
User rating:
by Larry W
Feb 04, 2022
I 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 friendsFeb 04, 2022
by Jim S
Feb 28, 2020
Top Dog & a collectors car of sorts, since they were made only 2yrsFeb 28, 2020
by Jeremy B
Jul 07, 2013
Hugs 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.)Jul 07, 2013
by Jeremy D
May 09, 2013
fun car, drives great. expensive to maintain. love beating up on little tuners at the stoplight when they least expect it. looks like your typical car, but runs like a true sprts car. love it. 1 all the way. WOOHOO!May 09, 2013
by Donald O
Dec 22, 2011
Pontiac 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.Dec 22, 2011
by Anonymous
Nov 22, 2010
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.Nov 22, 2010
by Anonymous
Jul 14, 2010
I absolutely love my "Bonnie" GXP. It's my second one (First SE leaked in trunk). I love the exhaust,interior,ride,performance etc. However, I think I am the unlucky one that ended up with the poorly built version or dumb mechanics-heater fan suddenly really loud & vibrating,leaking in rear & front interior(supposedly via sunroof),sometimes transmission will not shift properly which was fixed once before (a small computer chip in engine)Jul 14, 2010
by John G
May 28, 2010
I love my GXP, we named him Reco. He has 45,000 miles and runs amazing. I love how when I drive, i always get stared at. I love it. It has quad exhaust, tinted windows, and remote start. I wouldn't wanna drive any other car. May 28, 2010
by John G
Apr 09, 2010
Awesome 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!Apr 09, 2010
by Nick L
Sep 17, 2009
Strong V8 and tone
Good bang for buck
Looks aggresive and sporty yet classy
Highway mileage is decent (24 mpg)
Very fun to drive
Brakes should probably be upgraded
Handles pretty well for a heavy car
Could have had a few more interior upgradesSep 17, 2009
by Nijou H
Jul 12, 2008
0-60 6.04
perfect brakes
faster than dodge charger r/t, ford mustang g/t, camero, firebird, audi a8 Jul 12, 2008
by Dale K
Jun 15, 2008
Nice car. Sporty. Good mileage. Leather interior. Lots of interior room. Lots of powerJun 15, 2008
by Anonymous
May 20, 2008
Breaking was a bit slow untill I put D/S rotors and Ceramic pads on. Now it breaks awesome.May 20, 2008
by Mukit A
Mar 15, 2008
smooth power house Mar 15, 2008
by Michael S
Jan 03, 2008
great v8 sound, moves when you step on it, looks fast when standing still, limited productionJan 03, 2008
by Douglas H
Dec 24, 2007
This 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.Dec 24, 2007
What users have asked
2005 Pontiac Bonneville acceleration issue
What can I do to help with the acceleration and power?
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Trying to figure out what’s connected to the engine of a Pontiac bonneville
Something unconnected to my engine. It still starts but when I put my foot on the gas it shakes real bad.
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Overheating engine. 2005 Pontiac Bonneville what would cause my engine to overheat?
My radiator is full to the top. Looks too full to me. Overflow tank is up to full line. Found antifreeze on the ground under the car and heater barely warm. Why?
40 views
Transmissions
What other orher transmissions are compatible to a 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
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Top Comparisons
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2005 Pontiac Bonneville Pricing
Original MSRP
$28,690 to $36,310Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Air Suspension: rear · Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth
Suspension
Air Suspension: rear · Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Center console trim: leather · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats
Suspension
Air Suspension: rear · Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent