1994 Pontiac Bonneville SE 3.8L V6 from North America

Summary:

The motto "we build excitement" still applies

Faults:

I recently purchased this car in order to refurbish and perhaps customize it, so I don't know much about its mechanical history, but here are some of the faulty items:

The passenger side door lock will lock automatically, but will only unlock manually from the inside of the passenger door.

The front center armrest latch is broken and is difficult to open, and the flip out cup-holder is broken.

The dash-illumination control is very touchy, making it difficult to set.

My 'on-the-wheel' radio controls won't work, but the button lights are on. I haven't checked it out yet, so it may be a simple problem.

The headliner has sagged in places (which isn't abnormal on an older vehicle with a sunroof) and needs replaced.

General Comments:

I was devastated when a deer smashed into my '99 Concorde and totalled it out, but as luck would have it, I found a project car with little in the way of defects.

I have been a Bonneville fan since I owned an SSE, and when I saw this one on a sales lot, it screamed "Buy me! Fix me up! You won't regret it!" I couldn't resist.

For a 12 year old car, the Bonneville still performs well, and for only 170 ponies, it'll move.

Stock interior parts (i.e; center console compartment latch, cup-holder, etc.) are so hard to find.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th September, 2006

1994 Pontiac Bonneville SE 3.8 Tuned Port Ingection from North America

Summary:

Great reliable vehicle

Faults:

There are only two things I can think of that have gone wrong with the car.

The brakes are kind of choppy so I replaced the rotors and that made a big difference.

The second thing is that the A/C compressor went out at about 170,000 miles, but I guess that can be expected shes getting old.

General Comments:

Anyone that wants to buy a good stater car or a good reliable car that you can put miles on if you are a everyday commuter I suggest getting one of these cars. GM really knew what they wanted out of this car when they made it and does it ever show.

Plus these cars have a great safety system my brother recently hit a road approach going 60 MPH and flipped it a few times and the car was ugly, but he came out without a scratch.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st July, 2005

1994 Pontiac Bonneville SE 3.8L from North America

Summary:

If my next vehicle could match it's reliability and performance, I would be extremely satisfied

Faults:

The alternator needed replaced at 110,000 miles.

Passenger side can only be unlocked manually from inside the car.

Driver's seat bracket broke, had to replace leather seat.

Doesn't have the best turning radius.

General Comments:

This car has been the most reliable vehicle I have owned.

The 3.8 L has a lot of get up and go for 125K miles, and still seems to have a lot of miles left on it.

The body still maintains a nice shine for being over 10 years old.

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

Review Date: 29th July, 2005

1994 Pontiac Bonneville SE from North America

Summary:

Great Fun Car!

Faults:

Small oil leak around 110,000 miles.

Air conditioner stopped working around 160,000 miles.

Replaced windshield wiper motor.

Replaced driver side power-window motor.

Passenger side power-door lock no longer unlocks.

Power antenna no longer functional.

Leak in engine coolant around 140,000 miles. Repair cost approx $150.00.

General Comments:

Car runs great, for a car with almost 180,000 miles runs as good as new. Few major repairs needed, most problems are minor discomforts.

Rides great! Bonnie gives me a very comfortable ride with all the performance and power I could ask of her. Easy to drive, and handles quite nicely. Love the engine, love the cabin, love the style, love the car!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th March, 2005

1994 Pontiac Bonneville SE 3.8 from North America

Summary:

It's a well-made machine

Faults:

Lost the oil pump at 161,000 miles.

Replaced the transmission at 162,000 miles.

General Comments:

For the mileage on this car, I believe that my maintenance has paid off. The body won't last much longer, but the 3.8 will survive!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th January, 2005

1994 Pontiac Bonneville SE 3.8 Liter V6 from North America

Summary:

Great Car, Very Reliable

Faults:

Only trouble spot I have had with the car is 2 Alternators, otherwise routine parts for a high mileage car like inner tie rods at 164000, replaced EGR valve at 160000.

General Comments:

This car has been nothing, but a pleasure to own. Nothing goes wrong with it. It doesn't burn any oil, gets 22 city and up to 32 on the highway. Installing new shocks at 145000 made it ride like new again. I never thought I would own a car with 166000 miles, but I plan to drive it many more years!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th January, 2005

10th Jul 2005, 00:36

Adding on to the review, the car has 172,000 miles and still smooth-will need a wheel bearing soon (first one). Developed a problem with the ABS where it would act up every once in a while during a routine stop. Antilock light was on also. Mechanic tested it and the ABS module is fried and one wheel sensor is going bad. (Wheel bearing and sensor are one piece). If the ABS light stays on the ABS automatically disables itself. I pulled the fuse so no more ABS and no expensive repair.

7th Nov 2006, 18:11

Another update-I replaced both of the front wheel bearings and the ABS problem (sensors are part of the bearing assembly) stopped. I just did another water pump which only lasted 3 years junk pump I suspect. Now has 183,000 miles.