1990 Pontiac Bonneville 3.8L V6 from North America
Summary:
Cheap and reliable style
Faults:
The car came with a full service record and the previous owner had no major problems.
At 182,012 miles the timing chain broke, and cost me $800.
The car started using oil at about the same mileage.
I figured I got my money out of it and traded her in.
General Comments:
A tradition, American highway cruiser that delivers 100%
Very reliable, until the very end.
A very solid car, not a squeak, rattle, or thump, even after 182,021 miles.
Roomy and comfortable, and in mint condition (like mine) it still gets looks.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 9th July, 2004
6th Aug 2004, 18:50
First of all... they never offered a supercharger in 1990 on the Bonneville. - So sounds like your vehicle has been redone, and questionably so.
Secondly, 89-91 Bonnie's shouldn't have to be touched until they roll 300K miles.
Any Good mechanic will tell you that.
If that much stuff is going wrong, the car has been mistreated in the past.
I've got 265K miles on my 3.8L Bonneville, and its still running like a champ, and keeping up with the new bonneville's.
Thirdly, the bulbs shouldn't be popping that fast - sounds like something is funky with the electrical system.
I've only changed head light bulbs in ours, and 1 tail light bulb since we bought it new in 90.
Fourthly - In my opinion, these engines are Stronger than the current 3800 series II.
The All aluminum manifold on the 90 never will melt and hydro-lock the engine like the new ones will.
The block is thicker on the 90's, and doesn't require all the cross bolting to hold it together.
These are awesome cars, and I would buy another 90 in good condition in a heartbeat!
If you've got a lemon 90, Find another one that's a 1 owner and taken care of.
You won't be sorry.