Faults:

1. 1994

A. Alternator

2. 1995

A. Alternator

3. 1996

A. Alternator

Discovered SSEi uses a higher amperage alternator at a cost of $25 dollars over the cost of a stock alternator installed a SSEi alternator. This did require a slight modification of a bracket. Also by this time car was out of manufacture warranty. Car had about 55,000 miles. 4. 1997

A. Air Conditioner Compressor

This was a very expensive repair this repair was about $600 dollars at the Pontiac dealer.

5. 1999

A. Ignition Switch

6. 2000

A. Blown Intake Gasket.

General Comments:

I believe considering the mileage we have put on this car it has been very reliable. This vehicle still runs very well and I still drive it everyday. It has had some interior problems I did not list above because I have not bothered to fix them. Including the center console cup holder has broken off. I would say every Cup holder of this type is broke off within a year off owning car. Also none of the steering wheel radio controls work any more. Remember 192,300 miles though.

Faults:

I just bought the car from a guy down the street. I am only 16 but I am really in to cars. I have had some problems with the door panels and the CD player, but nothing a half-way intelligent person could not fix.

General Comments:

I like the car a lot, it was in fair condition when I got it and I have fixed some minor things in it. One thing is the low coolant fuse has a short because I have full coolant, but it still comes on.

Faults:

ABS failed after some time.

Compression problem, engine was rebuilt in garage for little money.

Design flaw in windshield, cracked in the center. Was replaced for 200 dollars.

Detonation. Checked at dealer, they claim it is normal for the 3.8. I suspect a worn timing assembly.

General Comments:

Handles great on original suspension.

Stops quickly, even with ABS disabled.

3.8L Gen I engine provides smooth, torquey acceleration.

One rust spot on rear fender after 9 years of being parked outside in Pennsylvania acid rain.

Wears tires better than any GM car, has never needed aligned.

Faults:

Needed sensor on drive shaft to engage engine. It wouldn't start. 105000.

Driver's seat is worn on the left side. But, the rest are in good condition.

General Comments:

A good car for the money.

It has all the equipment of an SSE, but without the higher price.

The dual power seats are still strong after 106000 miles, all the other power equipment still works great.

I didn't keep the stock stereo, exchanging it for a CD player (aftermarket). But, I have heard that the stereo is VERY good. My speakers are stock and work VERY well for all the different types of music I listen to.

Faults:

A month after I owned the car the hub bearings went bad because I found out the previous owner replaced them with junk yard parts.

I also replaced the rotors, which looked like Swiss cheese, and put some high quality ceramic brake pads on up front.

Recently I replaced the rear brake cylinders to be safe.

The previous owner never had to rebuild the transmission, but did put in a new battery, alternator, and tires.

General Comments:

I wasn't expecting to buy an "old people's" car after selling my 1970 Dodge Coronet, but I have no regrets in buying a Bonneville. This car is extremely reliable and is not what it looks like.

The 3800 Series engine under the hood dishes out some impressive power when stock. However I've given my Bonneville a run for its worth since I purchased it with the following additions:

16" Chrome Epic Rims

215/50/16 Firestone Tires

Superchips Mod Chip

MSD Super Conductor Wires

Splitfire Sparkplugs

Pro Zen Motorsports Ram Air Style intake system

Intake Timing Advance

180 degree Hypertech Thermostat

Dynomax muffler with stainless steel exhaust tips (y dual exhaust)

I have also tricked out some parts of the car with strobe lights in the headlights, as well as GTS headlight blackouts and a hood protector.

I have decals all over the windows as well as my car club's decal on the rear window which really catches people's eyes.

I would have to say that taking a car no one thinks much about and turning it into a head turner has been a very fun experience.

Just remember, don't underestimate grandma's car!