1997 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi review from North America

Replaced brake pads at 58,000 miles.

Replaced water pump and pulley at 85,000.

Replaced A/C compressor and drier at 89,000 miles.

Replaced oil pan and valve cover gaskets at 88,000 miles.

Otherwise, just maintenance.

Leather drivers seat starting to wear. Had 1992 Bonneville SE with cloth velour with almost no wear at 130,000 miles.

Have had my 1997 Bonneville SSEi for 8 years. Have had six Corvettes and was a fighter pilot so tend to like fast cars. The supercharged six is simply amazing. Great mileage (30 MPG + on highway) plus more than enough power for everyday driving. At 7 seconds 0-60 MPH according to the magazines, it is actually faster than some of my mid-70's Corvettes. The car seems faster since the power band is broad and instantaneous due to the supercharger. Engine has been flawless since owned.

A really nice daily driver, I like the real Heads-up Display and good instrumentation. The 8 Bose-speakered stereo is the best factory car stereo I have ever heard. Nothing has even come close.

The 18-way power seats are a novelty with their 3 electric lumbar supports. Without Memory Seats, getting them adjusted the same way twice is not possible. But the seats are comfortable.

Just bought a new G8 GT with 361 HP. Although it is lots of fun and handles like it is on rails, I miss the Heads-up Display, Electronic Rear View Mirror, soft ride, and great mileage. The SSEi has the better stereo by far and better cooling during the summer since the windshield is not so raked back. I'm tired of the hot sun on my upper legs in the G8. Plus a much better keyless entry fob. I would have been happy keeping the SSEi for a few more years until Pontiac improves the above in the G8 but guess I will sell the SSEi now that I have made the move. Somebody is going to get a great car!

One other note. The G8 has a slight lag in downshift when passing that is well over a half second. Compared to the instantaneous rush and quick downshift from the SSEi, it is annoying. Yes, I could drop the hammer on the G8 but you just don't floor a car with that much horsepower when you are just changing lanes to pass. I much prefer the SSEi in that situation as it seems at least as fast as the G8 during the initial part of the pass. You really gotta' love the supercharged 3.8 liter six!