1996 Pontiac Bonneville SSE 3.8 from North America

Summary:

Affordable luxury

Faults:

Alternator - GM just seems unable to make a good alternator; had the same problem with my Grand Prix.

General Comments:

A very good car. I am surprised at how reliable it has been since it's only my second GM. Very comfortable and smooth on the road.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th March, 2001

1996 Pontiac Bonneville SSE 3.8 V6 from North America

Summary:

You will become attached to this car

Faults:

Le Bra car bra caused condensation in the paint (not the fault of the car). Now the hood needs replaced. Do not use car bras on Bonneville!!!

Alternator whines.

Speakers fail constantly (I've replaced 3 of 4).

General Comments:

This has been one of the most comfortable and reliable cars I have ever owned. The seats are unmatched (even by the new model Bonneville). I highly recommend this car. It is exceptionally easy to drive and remarkably reliable.

Responsive engine with a very smooth easy shifting (and therefore un-GM like) transmission.

Climate control system is logical and easy to use (although dial knobs would have been better than push buttons), radio control buttons on the sterring wheel are wonderful, head-up display seemed gimmicky at first, but now have become extremely attached to it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd February, 2001

27th Sep 2002, 21:26

I would buy another bonny as long as its new. I wish I got mine brand new in the year of the newer long bodies. Only complaint that I have with the car is the suspension. I had to share that because I heard another Bonneville owner say that.

4th Nov 2002, 00:12

Whats so difficult with the climate controls people? Set the temp you want and go. If your window gets foggy press the window defrost button and when it clears hit auto again. If it had dials it couldn't auto coordinate the temperature controls. I own a 92 SSE and a 98 SE, best damn cars on the road. If your worried about depreciation in value buy a used one. I know of a 93 with 280k + miles on it. Take care of these cars and they'll take care of you.