1989 Pontiac Bonneville LE 3.8 Litre V6 from North America

Summary:

Can't live with it, Can't live without it

Faults:

Fuel line replaced (completely rusted)

Fuel filter replaced (rusted)

All four door latches replaced (latch would stick, rendering door inoperable- $90.00/latch)

Power windows slow

Trunk leaks

Shocks need replaced

Front brake lines replaced

Alternator replaced

Seat belts probably don't work

Emergency brake does not work

A/C needs recharged.

General Comments:

The engine is powerful and responsive for the car's age.

Handling is OK- struts need replaced.

At this point, only my driver's door opens - I don't have to haul anyone around.

Spare tire is still in great condition -I've used it several times.

Cruise control is a nice feature.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th July, 2003

1989 Pontiac Bonneville SE 3.8 litre V6 from North America

Summary:

America can build an outstanding car

Faults:

I have gone through approx 4 alternators, but I bought with a lifetime guarantee. It only takes 10 minutes to change out the alternator on this car.

I have gone through 3 water pumps.

I replaced one power steering hose at around 50,000 miles.

The transmission fluid was leaking into the coolant in the radiator. Had that fixed at around 150,000.

I replaced the timing chain at about 165,000.

I replaced the headliner at about 170,000.

I had the car repainted because of the clear coat falling off around 180,000.

Also front and rear struts at 130,000 and 185,000 respectively.

I had to replace the dash "light" switch at 215,000.

General Comments:

This car is unbelievable. I do take extremely good care of it, but most every one I know since I bought my car has traded their car off because of problems, many of them foreign cars. It runs as good as the day I bought it. I still get 20+mpg commuting to work and 28+ @75mph interstate.

It has the original transmission (I believe the transmission cooler I had installed helped), original exhaust system, ball joints and front end and air conditioning, just one re-charge!

Everything still works on this car!! Power windows, windshield washer, gages, etc.

Also, it only burns roughly 1/2 quart of oil every 3,000 miles. I added a bigger sway-bar on the rear and installed 17" rims and performance tires and this car handles extremely well. I autocross it occasionally and have a blast.

Also, I still have an original headlight bulb I have yet to replace.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th May, 2003

26th Dec 2006, 23:22

Please e-mail me at stormtrooper8989@yahoo.com, and tell me where in the heck you found a headliner for this car!

27th Dec 2006, 13:43

I had a 1990 with a missing headliner entirely. You can hit some upholstery shops that also do headliners drop it off and have it back same day... my quote was under $150.

2nd Mar 2009, 21:25

I have an 1989, and I get 21mpg around town and 32 highway. Only has 119,000 on it.

I had to replace the water pump and thermostat at 110,000.

I used what is called saggie stop twist pins to hold up my head liner.

1989 Pontiac Bonneville SSE 3.8 from North America

Summary:

A all option sporty car

Faults:

Had to change the alternator a couple of times since having the car.

Had to also change the water pump about 2 times since I had the car.

Had the ABS Master Cylinder changed too. Would had cost me a lot of money to get a new one from the dealer and to put it on. Went and got one from the junk yard and had it on for half the price the dealer was going to charge me.

Since having the car, only changed the starter once in 2003.

Having problem with rear door lock. It would not unlock. As of today, the door is still unopenable. Seems like the hinge would not unlock all the way.

Window motor is starting to slowly loose it strength to go up and down fast like I first had it. Had to replace front passenger side motor once and now its getting weak again.

Replace both back tail light cover once. Seen many other Bonneville on the road having their back tail light cover mess up and foggy.

Currently having problem with the power steering fluid container. Keep on leaking. Not sure were the leak is coming from. Maybe the container itself is the problem.

The paint on this car is not all so great. My original car color was medium garnet red. Now it seems like I have two shades on red on there. One light red and the other dark red. Paint could of have been more better.

Ceiling cover seems like it is not sticking to the top no more. It has air in there making it loose.

General Comments:

Friends told me to get a new car, but I love this car. Change oil every 3000 miles and maintain its condition like it was still brand new.

Handling is great. Handle and styling like a sport car and all options and leather like a luxury car.

Nice, roomy and trunk is very spacious.

Thinking about it, what other car during that year had all the option like the Bonneville SSE??

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th March, 2003