1992 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi 3.8 V-6 supercharged

Summary:

A mobile easy-chair

Faults:

Had to replace front driver's side bearings at 98K when they made a loud growling noise.

Other than that, nothing out of the ordinary for a car with 100K miles (brake pads, plugs and wires, etc...)

General Comments:

I love it! I've found it to be far more reliable than most people say. I could drive across the country in this car and not feel a single ache or pain. I think this can be a good car for anybody that has the time, patience and money to put into it. I love the power the S/C provides when I gun it, it's VERY easy to pass other cars.

The heater works excellently in the winter, and with the leather it's a to-the-bone heat. The AC is almost too cold, I find myself turning it down and jacking the temp up a little bit after a while on a hot day.

The seats are extremely comfortable. I have the 9-way power option, which means there's absolutely no way to have an uncomfortable ride. The back seats are incredibly roomy, and provide everything a passenger could want (cup holders, ashtray, air-vents, reading lights, storage compartment).

My biggest complaint about this car is that it seems to be leak prone. When I bought it, the guy before me had put some form of caulking or putty in the seals to seal them better. The back passenger side door still leaks, and I can't find the source to save my life.

It's an excellent college car, I couldn't ask for more.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th December, 2000

1992 Pontiac Bonneville SE 3.8L V6

Summary:

Not your average run-of-the-mill sedan

Faults:

Door locks failed.

Tranny stumbles.

The driver's side door lock likes to jam up, so you have to jam the key in. It got replaced once under warranty, then when it started doing it again, I went out and spent $50 on keyless entry. Problem solved.

Also the tranny stumbles going up hills, you have to either let off the gas or push down to downshift. Not as big a deal as it sounds.

General Comments:

All in all, this is a great car. The 3.8L V6 has oodles of power, even though mine's only rated at 170hp (!). The supercharged version is even better. Let's just say that I'm 18 and have raced quite a few people with their Civics and Celicas and whatnot. The Pontiac kills their 4-bangers all the way up to the governor at 108mph.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st October, 2000

7th Jun 2002, 11:06

Hey, I was wondering about the sound system. Maybe you would know about it. I was told I could keep the head unit and hook up a changer to it with only purchasing an adapter cable (not using RF). If you know anything about the system, I would appreciate the advice.

If you could recommend any other sites for accessories on this particular car, that would also be helpful thanks.

7th Aug 2002, 10:57

For connecting a changer without using an FM modulator, I have no idea. I had the crappy tape deck and four speaker system; it was pretty bad.

Hope this helps.

1992 Pontiac Bonneville SE 3.8

Summary:

A high maintenance rattle trap

Faults:

Interior trim falling apart: glove box door latch, glove box vent, driver power window and lock housing pops out every time the door is shut.

Rear driver's side door light falls out of its housing every time the door is shut.

Air conditioning doesn't work even after servicing.

Replaced the belt tensioner twice.

Replaced electrical ignition sensor and other ignition components.

Problems with thumping brakes persist.

General Comments:

Car is a pain. I'd be willing to work with it if everything inside you touch wouldn't fall apart. My Toyota had 200,000 miles and never had a tenth of what has gone wrong with this car. No more GM cars for me. I'll stay with the Toyota even if I have to go into a higher debt ratio to do it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 21st September, 2000

15th Jun 2008, 21:05

Go ahead and pay more for a Toyota. It will be a waste of time. You got a raw deal on your Bonneville. I would put the 3800 against any foreign car engine.

3rd Jan 2010, 22:49

Thumping brakes are an out of round rotor or drum.

AC not working after a recharge - sounds like it's leaking out.

Half of these problems are easy fixes, the car's not to blame. Might want to find yourself a better mechanic though.

1992 Pontiac Bonneville SE 3.8L

Faults:

Shortly after purchasing this car, a donut shaped seal between the exhaust manifold and tailpipe went bad.

Some interior trim is beginning to come apart.

I have replaced the fan and alternator belt once.

General Comments:

I have serviced the engine every 2000 miles, and the transmission every 30000 miles. This car has not given me problem one and is approching the 90000 mile mark. It has been a pleasure to own and drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th February, 1999