1988 Pontiac Bonneville SSE review from North America

The heater core, ball joints and radiator needed replacement under the manufacturers' warranty - not a huge deal; more of an inconvenience.

Recently, all three of the engine mounts have cracked - two of them twice within a year! Radiator needed a new core, and A/C compressor + evaporator done last summer.

Cosmetics: the clear coat comes off easily. Inside headliner coming loose. Replaced leather on the driver's seat with vinyl.

Electrical: Driver's Information Centre and electronic compass died in 2000. Power seats can be finicky.

The aforementioned list of problems should not discourage anyone away from this car!

After 14 years on the road, including repeated trips from Toronto to Tampa and Phoenix, the Bonneville is still humming away. The engine is as vibrant as ever. The transmission can hit hard between 2nd and 3rd, but is smoother and far more precice than a lot of new cars that I have tried. Excellent steering feedback!!

Mechanically, after 14 years, it's solid. It's not the fastest car on the road, but is surprisingly quick. 120 km/h (~65 MPH) is achieved at ~2000 RPM, so it really is a highway car.

As far as comfort goes, it beats all cars I have been in, including my father's Cadillac Catera. Excellent features, seats, visibility, everything!