1989 Pontiac Bonneville LE 3.8 liter V-6 from North America

Summary:

A great car - when operating properly

Faults:

I have replaced the following:

Alternator.

Starter.

Air conditioner compressor and flywheel.

Front wheel passenger side ball joint.

Transmission pan gasket.

Fuel pump - 3 times.

Fuel lines and filter - completely rusted.

Power antennae.

Ventilation fan.

Numerous headlights.

Spark plugs and wires (serious arcing problem).

I have repaired the following:

Rust, rust, and more rust.

A rusted out stress crack on the A (windshield) pillar.

Rear driver door did not want to unlock or open.

I had to weld several parts of the exhaust system back together.

I still need to fix these items:

Power windows are slow.

Transmission makes noises and does not always shift on time.

Electrical noise coming over radio.

General Comments:

When the car has nothing wrong with it - it is real smooth and powerful. However, it is rare that the car does not have a problem with it. The car is treated very well, or it has been since I have owned it. I am not sure about the last owner.

The steering is responsive and so is the throttle.

The handling is rather lacklustre as would be expected from a car this size. It seems to dip a lot in corners.

The interior is great, hardly any wear marks, and all materials seem to be in their original condition.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th June, 2001

1989 Pontiac Bonneville Suncoast Edition 3.8 from North America

Summary:

If you can find a better built car from 1989, SHOW ME

Faults:

Water pump at 137000.

Radiator at 150000.

Power antenna at 134000.

General Comments:

VERY VERY nice car, handles nimble for a mid sized, power is not lacking.

Very comfortable, all electronics still function. Looks like it came off showroom floor still. Would have another just like it if possible.

Very reliable and well engineered.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st May, 2001

27th Aug 2004, 19:11

Actually, the Honda Accord was a better built car in 1989.

19th Apr 2007, 17:13

Ha ha...your right... GO BONNEVILLE!!!

1989 Pontiac Bonneville SE 3.8 V6 from North America

Summary:

Very fun and reliable

Faults:

So far I have rebuilt the transmission.

The guy that I bought it from had just rebuilt the engine and replaced the brake master cylinder.

Other than that, not much except normal maintenance and a paint job... the clear coat was peeling off.

General Comments:

This is the first car I have ever owned that just "fit" me. I will miss her when she is gone, after almost a quarter of a million miles though she is still going strong.

All of the small things still work (gauges, interior lights, warning lights, etc). I have been VERY impressed!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th May, 2001

1989 Pontiac Bonneville LE 3.8 V-6 from North America

Summary:

Really good first car

Faults:

I had to replace the radiator.

Both of the passenger doors don't work.

No interior lights.

I had to replace the starter and solenoid.

Power window motors are really slow.

1 battery.

Something is wrong with the transmission.

General Comments:

Overall, the car rides smooth. For having almost 170,000 miles on it, it's not that bad a car. I've only put about $200 into it. Pretty fast car too.

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

Review Date: 25th May, 2001

1989 Pontiac Bonneville LE 3.8 from North America

Summary:

It has surpassed my greatest expectations!

Faults:

Water pump.

Compressor.

Thermostat.

Fuel pump.

Each of these items were replaced some time after approximately 100,000 miles; however not all at the same time.

The housing for the seat controls have become cracked and/or detached.

General Comments:

This car is one of the best ones of its size. I've had several to remark how smooth it (still) rides and how comfortable and roomy the seats are.

Considering the age and mileage, I think I've got my money's worth and more, and with continued maintenance, it will probably be my daughter's starter car.

It's had several collisions: a close encounter with a garage door, a side bar meeting with a 4x4, and rear-ended at least twice.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd May, 2001

1989 Pontiac Bonneville LE 3.8 V6 from North America

Summary:

Solid reliable transportation, that has plenty of power

Faults:

Alternator 2 months after acquisition (car has been parked for a year prior).

Water pump at 170,000 miles.

Air conditioning hasn't worked since I bought it - never bothered to find out what is wrong with it.

Clear coat is peeling on the roof, hood and trunk.

General Comments:

Bought the car as a temporary fix until I could afford to buy a newer vehicle. Car has run so well and been so reliable that I have had no reason to buy another car.

With such high mileage on it the transmission still shifts flawlessly and the car burns less that half a quart of oil per 3000 miles!

3.8 V6 is powerful and responsive.

Car is very reliable and has never let me down.

Good stock stereo.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th March, 2001