Faults:

Normal wear and tear of driving it 30k/year.

Intake manifold at 90k.

Transmission repair at 170k due to clutch pack between 4 and 5th gear in automatic transmission.

General Comments:

Great reliable vehicle.

Has handled a lot of hard driving.

Just now replacing the original suspension at 200k.

Great power and freeway passing ability.

Handles great in Midwest winters.

Faults:

The only problem I had during the seven year I owned it was an alternator that went out.

General Comments:

This was the best car I have ever owned. I am 56 years and really am impressed with a good piece of machinery. This model and engine/transmission combination was a big hit for my family. It was the most comfortable car to take on a long trip. The nine position car seats made an unlimited combination of adjustments for comfort on a long haul.

Pontiac did a major mistake by removing this model from the stable. I have left the Pontiac line since it was changed to the New GXP or is it the G6P.

I would have bought another Bonneville if it was still produced. Figures an American company would do away with a winner.

Faults:

The day after I picked the car up from the dealer I returned with a leaking gas tank. The dealer was very apologetic, but I couldn't believe a new car could have a tank that leaked. The car performed well for the next 45,000 miles. All required maintenance was accomplished. This car was driven mostly by my wife and then one day while driving to Charleston, SC., I noticed some problems with the automatic transmission. To make a long story short, I reported it to the dealer, but was told they could not find anything wrong and dismissed it. I reported it to them on four other occasions, (48,000 - 51,000 - 54,000 - 55,000 and finally at 58,000 miles). The last time I decided to take the car to a local Chevydealer, my extended warranty was done at 50,000 miles. The Chevy dealer told me that there was a code in the computer, which had been there for quite some time that stated, "transmission slipping", I needed a new transmission. After a heated debate with regional Pontiac and my dealer it was replaced free of charge. That made me happy until a new alternator was needed at 65,000 miles. I still have the car, I use it as my go to work car, it has 94,000 miles and now the battery cables are corroded and will be replaced later this week.

General Comments:

In 1997 this car sold for just over $25,000.00.

I will never buy another American engineered car.

Thankfully the Japan automakers are using US workers to assemble their better engineered cars.

Faults:

The only things that have gone wrong on the car are:

Battery at 175 000kms.

Water Pump at 195 000kms.

Alternator at 215 000kms.

Catalytic Convertor at 300 000kms.

Front Brakes roughly every 50 000kms.

General Comments:

This has without a doubt been the best car I have ever owned.

It has never let me down with all the driving I do (roughly 50k/yr).

It is fast, roomy, handles decently for a big car and carries 4 golf bags with 4 big guys with no sweat in comfort and style.

There were a few small problems with some squeaking and creaking when new which were addressed by the dealer (just some tightening of a couple of screws here and there).

Overall, it is a fantastic car and still has another 150-200k's left in her.

Faults:

After purchasing, the water pump had to be replaced. The dealer was kind enough to replace it. I thought this was very nice considering it was used with no warranty.

Next, the serpentine belt had to be replaced at 68,000 miles. I consider this routine maintenance.

We had a leak in one of the lines on the back brakes. This was relatively inexpensive to get fixed.

At 80,000 miles we had the head gasket replaced. We were told this was common for this model because GM used cheap plastic gaskets. The replacement was aluminum which hopefully means that it will last longer. this cost roughly $730.00 to fix.

General Comments:

Overall, I have to say that I love this car. Sure, we have had to fix some things, but I consider this normal. It is a man made piece of machinery. Over time it will cause some problems if not well maintained. We caught the gasket problem early on and avoided major engine problems with coolant and oil mixing.

This car is a great family hauler.

The car also handles and takes cures very well.

The transmission shifts seamlessly and beautifully.

This car also has a tougher look about it which makes me want to own it longer. Who knows, maybe we will reach 200,00 in this car.