The brakes squeal even though they were replaced three times by GM!
Maybe is related to the poor air ride control system. My biggest gripe. I had the same problem on my previous SSE model, that I thought was just bad luck. Poor dealer support to correct.
Now I know it must be that Pontiac has a problem with their air ride control system. When the air bleeds down, the car sags, and causes the alignment problem.
I like the Pontiac styling, but the mechanical problems with the suspension, on both my top of the line Bonnevilles, tell me I had better look elsewhere when I am ready to replace.
I just recently purchase a Bonneville SSEI. I have had nothing but problems. It has left me stranded twice. Once on the highway trying to get it back to the dealership to be repaired. It has already had 3 repairs made. I feel GMC do not stand behind making sure their customers are satisfied with the purchase of their product. I wish I had never set foot on a Pontiac dealership lot.
Please don't give up on your car. Did you get it new or used? If used get better extended warranty and you'll do fine.
I've had a 1994 Bonneville and it's given me very few problems. It's been in the family for 8 years and with 140,000 miles it shows no sign of giving up any time soon. The only issues that car has had is the fuel system. Everything except the fuel tank has been replaced and the GM certified fuel pump had to be replace twice in 10 months. All in all I think that Pontiac is (or at least was) an excellant line and you shouldn't give up so easily.
I own a 94 Bonneville SSE and have had no problems, also the warranty is the only way to go, Just lowered the car 4" by adding new racing rims and high performance tires. got thit stealthy look and awesome ride. Good luck.
I have 2 Bonneville's (98 and a 92) and they are the most reliable car I've ever owned. My 92 has 129k miles and is going strong, my 98 has 78k miles and runs and looks new. A friend of mine has a 93 with 280k+ miles on it and it still runs strong. If you're having problems with this car you may be doing something wrong.
Someones comment on the fuel pump has me concerned. If your running your car (ANY CAR) below a quarter of a tank of gas STOP IT. Any time that a electric fuel pump draws air it cuts its life span greatly. It will burn it up if its not pulling fuel.
My 92 has had no air shock problems. The air only bleeds down when its not running for a long while so alignment isn't an issue then. The air ride system should hold a psi level for a given amount of time. If yours doesn't then you have a leak that needs traced.
And to the the kid that lowered his Bonneville. Oh forget it. You labeled yourself and your car. I just rather you did that to an import and not to the type of cars I like. : (
I own a 1997 Bonneville ssei and I'm having steering problems just like the cars in GMs new recall, but the 97 Bonneville is not listed, but my problems are the same as the recall I wonder if there is any others having this problem too.
I have a 1997 pontiac bonniville sse, i bought used with a 130,000 miles now I have a 160,000 miles on it. the 3.8l v-6 has given me no problems at all. I get full accleration in a breeze. the only problem I had was replacing the float in the gas tank. I think I can get 250,000 without missing a beat, parts are low and very cheap, I'm aming at the 2003 ssei.
I've got a 97 ssei and the only problem I have had was a pop in the front end, But I have got that fixed. I have had it for 6 months. It had 130000 miles on it when I got it and now it has 145000 miles on the odometer. The light in the stereo went out and my gas gauge is messed up, but it runs great and is fast enough to out run almost anything on the road. In fact it out ran a 01 Grand Prix GTP with half the miles on it. And if you care it runs a 14.2 at 98 mph in the 1/4 mile. I would tell anyone thinking of getting a bonneville (particularly an SSEi) to go for it. I plan to add a smaller pulley, adjustable fuel pressure regulator, flowmaster exhaust, and a thrasher transmission; which should put me down the 12's in a car that I can drive on the street and get good gas mileage.
I'm looking at a 1996 SSEI with 94.000 km on it. It appears to be very clean and I need to know is it imperative to use premium gasoline all the time? Premium gas is a bit dear here in Ontario, Canada.
This car is the bomb with Driving Impressions
There's been a long-running argument whether it's better to have two valves or four, push rods or overhead cams. The Bonneville's 3800 Series II V-6 convincingly argues for the simpler, push-rod design. This engine delivers lots of power and responsiveness, surprisingly good mileage and environmentally friendly emissions numbers. Normally aspirated, the Series II delivers a comforting 205 hp and 230 lbs.-ft. of torque. Opting for the supercharger increases the pony count to 240 and torque jumps to 280 lbs.-ft.
Premium fuel is a must in the supercharged engines because of high compression ratio that requires very little knocking (what happens with the cheaper gas that causes a misfire) to avoid damage. I own a 94 Bonneville SE and it runs like a dream. I would recommend getting a N/A (naturally aspirated..i.e. no supercharge) if you need to run less than 91 octane. The N/A 3800's have plenty of power and if you need more theres always a few mods that can be done...
I got a 92 SSE with 180,000 and still running strong an smooth.It's going to the bodyshop to be cleaned up an painted. I love this car.
Hi, I have a 1996 SSEI and its been good to me so far. Just recently though I'm getting a clunk from my front suspension, mostly when backing up. My mechanic looked at it briefly and said everything was tight and if it persisted bring it back. I noticed my touring ride and performance ride console buttons were both on and the manual says you've got a problem. I'm wondering if anyone else has had this problem or any ideas what it may be. Also what is the air inflator button in the trunk used for???
Has anyone had their Bonneville just stop dead while driving? On my way home from work the car just died. I had no power and had trouble steering and stopping. I was lucky I wasn't driving very fast because it happened during rush hour traffic. mferguson81@yahoo.com.
If your Bonneville just died.. With out studdering or what not.. just like the engine turned its self off.. its most likely the EGR valve... you will need to get that replaced.. its like 50 bucks..
To tell if you need it replaced.
Does your car ever have trouble accelerating like it used to?
A rough start when coming out of a stop?
If you do then that's it. a lot of bonnevilles get the egr valve messed up for some reason.
It took the mech working on my car forever to figure out why it kept stalling and had no power anymore. So I just searched for that stuff and found it on the net.. now it works fine.