2001 Pontiac Bonneville SE 3.8

Faults:

Both rear windows dropped within 4 days of each other due to a cheap plastic part breaking. Then they get you to buy a complete new regulator assembly at over $300 each. My car has about 68K miles and if the rear windows have been up and down more than 100 times each I would be surprised. My neighbour also had this on his Bonneville.

Because of the "high" mileage (~68K!!!) they will not offer any assistance in rectifying what appears to be a regular problem. After living with a 99 Chevy Malibu that had just about every problem discussed on car forums, I think that after 20 plus years of only having GM cars it is time to look elsewhere.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th October, 2006

13th Oct 2006, 22:59

Having driven Ford, Chrysler, GM and two Japanese cars, I suggest you try Ford next time. Although we've never had the window problem with our GM cars (Pontiac and Chevy), the Fords we've owned have been the absolute best as far as great build quality and tremendous reliability. The worst were the two Japanese cars. Chrysler builds good cars, but they tend to be very bad about not honoring their warranty if you do encounter a problem.

2001 Pontiac Bonneville SE 3.8L 3.8 Series

Summary:

I like the car in general, but question the quality

Faults:

17,700 miles - Battery positive terminal fell out of battery. Warranty replaced, but dealer left spilled battery acid eating metal pan under back seat.

17,700 miles - Steering intermediate shaft had a popping noise when turning. Dealer packed with grease under warranty.

35,900 miles - Steering shaft popping noise returned. Replacement shaft not available - national backorder.

38,900 miles - Steering shaft replaced by GM dealer at no charge. I requested wheel alignment check, shop did a poor job of steering wheel alignment. Steering wheel not set to center level.

47,300 miles - replaced tie rod ends that had play in them. Dealer wanted nearly $500 to replace.

48,000 miles - left rear door window regulator cabling came apart and allowed window to go down. Dealer wanted over $500 to replace. I will have it rebuilt at Mirror Guard Co. of Brooklyn, NY for $85 plus my shipping cost to NY. They guarantee the rebuilt unit to be superior to the original.

General Comments:

This is my second Bonneville. I was happy with the 1993 that I had owned previously.

I like the style of the 2001 and it is a nice road car. It handles well and gets decent gas mileage.

The seats are not as comfortable as the 1993.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th July, 2006

20th Aug 2006, 21:00

That's really too bad that you had a bad experience with your Bonneville. I bought one not too long ago and the only problem I've had so far is that water gets in the trunk whenever there is a major downpour. I've brought the car back to the dealer once already for this problem, but it still doesn't seem to be resolved. I think you may have just gotten what some call a "Monday Car". I wouldn't think all Bonneville's are bad, just the one you bought and maybe a few others. Besides the trunk, I love the car.

18th Jan 2007, 12:29

I have the same problem. The dealer said it is not a safety issue, but for the cost of a newly redesigned shaft plus installation, the noise would go away. My guestion is for how long? Plus, just where is the shaft located in the steering assembly?

13th Aug 2007, 20:01

Anyone have any suggestions on dual climate control problems? Passenger side cool as can be, but drivers side hot as a firecracker, with thermostat set at 60 both sides.

Any insights appreciated.

14th Aug 2007, 15:52

I have a 94 Bonneville. For the past few months the antilock brake light on the dash stays on all the time. My brakes seem fine. Is this a sensor issue? I guess my main concern is... is this a safety issue?

22nd Aug 2007, 14:38

We own a 2001 Bonneville SE and are experiencing some of the same problems. We bought the car used, with approximately 60,000 miles on it.

The trunk takes on water any time it rains.

At approximately 75,000 miles we had to replace front axle bearings. The tie rod ends were shot as well.

At approximately 100,000 miles, the rear passenger window gave up the ghost, due to the plastic parts breaking.

At approximately 105,000 miles the oil gauge quit working, but we appear to have plenty of oil pressure.

I previously owned a 1992 Bonneville and would still be driving it had it not been involved in an accident.

26th Apr 2008, 21:43

Has anyone had problems with emission detectors or check gas cap warning signal?