1987 Pontiac Bonneville V6 3.8L

Summary:

This car is wonderful, however I am considering retiring it in the next year

Faults:

When I first got this vehicle, all of the hoses were replaced.

The water pump went at around 95,000.

The cam gear went at 100,740 miles, along with the timing chain having to be replaced.

The rack is tight and binds to the right somewhat. When you let it warm up, this car steers wonderfully.

General Comments:

The V-6 3.8L engine is great, gas mileage is good. The car has a lot of room (especially if you are Ham Radio Operator or Volunteer Firefighter), but is not as big and bulky as my old 85 Chevy Caprice.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th March, 2002

1987 Pontiac Bonneville 3.8 liter gasoline

Summary:

A pretty good car

Faults:

Needs brake lights.

Heater lights stopped working.

Stabilizer link pin kits need replaced.

Sometimes doors won't lock when using the power locks.

Muffler is now held up with coat hangers.

General Comments:

The headrest is useless, if you try to rest your head on it you'll be staring at the ceiling.

Doesn't get the best gas mileage, but what can you expect from a car it's size.

It's not the coolest or fastest car around, but it will go over 85 MPH without a problem.

It's been reliable so far, I've only had it for 6 months, but I drive it 2,000 miles a month and have had no major problems.

Big front seat.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th February, 2002

1987 Pontiac Bonneville 3.8 Liter V6

Summary:

Who needs to spend 500 dollars on a cruise ticket when you can go cruisin in my Bonneville for free!

Faults:

Tires pop when you don't know how to line up with the curb. From having this car I now know how to jump start a car.

Spray paint works well with this car, to transform it into a beautiful, well as beautiful as an 87 Bonneville can get.

General Comments:

It's not a good car to pick up men in.

It's a good car if you want to go sailing in.

Basically I bought a land boat.

But on a good note it's still going strong for a car that was cheaper then my prom dress!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 26th June, 2001

1987 Pontiac Bonneville 3.8 liter V6

Summary:

Will it make it to 300,000 miles? Yes

Faults:

The car has had very few things go wrong with it other than routine maintenance.

The thermostat has had to be replaced about 3 times, I think that was due to the rotted out radiator which had Stopleak added into it more than once.

The exhaust was replaced from the motor to the back at approximately 145,000 miles.

The transmission lines started leaking, I replaced that with a cheap $15 hose kit and some clamps.

The motor mount on the driver's side had to be replaced, that is about it for this very fine piece of machinery.

General Comments:

What an awesome car, I nominated this as my winter car about 3 years ago to take on the harsh Minnesota winters and it just keeps on going.

The doors don't hold up to well due to the salt. They may need a little Bondo every couple of years.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd November, 2000

5th Feb 2001, 15:51

I love these cars. But can you guys start posting pictures of your cars??

5th Feb 2001, 18:21

steven@carsurvey.org:

Sorry but this site currently doesn't offer picture hosting. However it is perfectly acceptable for people to post links to a website containing pictures of their car.

Best Wishes,

Steven

2nd Oct 2003, 18:00

GM vehicles are touchy on this trans line problem, My Bonny hasn't seen this yet (or anything else), but my TBD 350 supercab PU did when the temp got below -10 (Minnesota), This problem is easily fixed in several ways. Just tightening clamps will fix the problem and did mine, but some like to replace rubber sections with metal (less risk of deteriorating over time and killing a perfectly good trans). Price the fixes and park in the same spot everytime. The fixes for trans or oil leaks are almost always cheap, but always necessary.

1st Jun 2004, 07:46

I just got my 87 with 260,000. how far will it go?? I'm waiting to see.

8th Sep 2005, 17:19

My family has owned 3 Bonneville's (my dad also had one before they married) and we still have all of them. The first thing we always do when we get one is install an after market transmission cooler, for a couple of bucks it makes all the difference. We haven't had a transmission go yet.

12th Mar 2023, 06:31

Does the 87 have any cupholders at all? I am going from an 89 6000 to this and my biggest issue is the lack of cupholders.

In reply to 12th Mar 2023, 06:31

12th Mar 2023, 21:25

Nope. Not many American cars had cupholders back in the 80s.

In reply to 12th Mar 2023, 21:25

15th Mar 2023, 11:59

Thank you, this car is over a decade older than me so I was unsure and was honestly not expecting a reply.

In reply to 12th Mar 2023, 06:31

15th Mar 2023, 23:04

Not sure about the '87, but I had a company car '89 Bonneville with an identical interior to the '87 and the '89 had a combination fold down center arm rest that opened as a storage compartment with a flip out single cup holder. All depends on the interior style. Bucket seats with console may have been different and didn't have them.