1990 Pontiac Bonneville LE 3800 V6

Summary:

This car is very durable for a very low price

Faults:

So in all the time I've had this car I've replaced the following:

- Heater core.

- Water pump.

- Radiator.

- Thermostat.

- Upper hose.

- Driver's side brake hose.

- 1 set of pads and 1 set of tires.

- Crankshaft & camshaft sensor.

- Harmonic balancer & crankshaft seal.

- Alternator & 2 batteries.

- Serpentine belt.

- Oil pan gasket.

- Brake calipers.

- O2 sensor.

- Transmission filter & fluid.

- Hood & Windshield (my fault).

General Comments:

I know I've changed a lot of parts on this car, but it has gotten me everywhere, and even when the parts do break, I'm still able to get home first! Although a lot of that stuff is preventative maintenance because of the high miles. But what a steal for $750, and I drive it everyday still. I've taken it out of state 10 times and never been stranded.

This V6 is bulletproof and has great torque. Starts every time. Almost every feature still works, although I got the standard LE model. The body is a little rough, with some rust and peeling clear coat. I've restored the interior for the most part, but hey it's 30 years old.

Love all the space inside the car, under the hood, and the trunk, and despite what people say, I like the overall design of the car. What a tank! Wish I could have it in perfect condition, but I'll just see how long it lasts. One of the best ever built.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th March, 2020

1990 Pontiac Bonneville LE 3800 LN3

Summary:

Reliable to a fault

Faults:

112,XXX - MAF sensor died.

116,XXX - Harmonic balancer replaced.

117,XXX - Cam shaft interrupter magnet failed.

122,226 - Ignition key switch fell apart.

122,258 - Starter replaced.

General Comments:

It's a great running car, has just needed a few new parts. It's comfortable, reliable and would trust it to take me anywhere. The camshaft magnet failed which results in extra cranking when starting and slight loss in fuel economy (26hwy vs 27hwy). Great winter car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st February, 2018

25th Feb 2018, 04:16

The first 3 items were an epidemic when these were new.

Once you got them addressed, all was well.

Enjoy!!!

1990 Pontiac Bonneville LE 3.8 LN3

Summary:

Awesome

Faults:

Oxygen sensor.

General Comments:

It's a great car, the 3800 V6 and THM440-T4 is a great drive train. All I've done is put in new spark plugs and an air filter. It starts right up no matter what the weather, and the trans shifts as smooth as butter. it handles good and is a great highway cruiser.

The only issues are the O2 sensor needs to be replaced and the fuel weeps a bit because it's starting to rust thru.

I hope to put many more miles on this tank.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th January, 2017

1990 Pontiac Bonneville LE 3.8

Summary:

My Bonneville is the Yoda of cars

Faults:

Hard for me to explain, the thing where the spark plugs go, not the engine, was leaking green stuff.

General Comments:

This car is nothing short of amazing. I bought it at the price of 550. The body isn't so hot anymore, but it drives well. I drive it hard, I do 75 to 80 every time I get in it, and it knows how to get up.

I am very impressed how it hasn't had any major problems with it, the only thing was the transmission and the previous owner had it fixed. But other than that, it is a great car to have.

It preforms when it is supposed to, and you do it in comfort.

Ohh by the way, did I mention it's 18 years old! Like me! I must say that it does have a certain presence to it. Like it's one of these rare cars that demands some type of attention. Well done Pontiac.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 16th September, 2008

16th Sep 2008, 14:23

"My Bonneville is the Yoda of cars"

- Who the heck is Yoda?

16th Sep 2008, 16:48

WOW!! Congrats on your first car. It caught my eye because my first car was the same age as me too. I was 16 and so was it. That was a LONNNNG time ago!! I just turned 60!!

I love Pontiacs and have a mint 2001 Grand Am with slight modifications that makes it a real screamer for a basic compact. My family also has a 53-year-old Pontiac with over a quarter of a million miles. It's been restored and is now used basically for shows and parades. I hope you enjoy yours. The '90 Bonneville was a real tank. They'll last forever.