1996 Pontiac Bonneville SE from North America
Summary:
The car is a spoiler
Faults:
Power seat control failed.
Power door lock failed.
General Comments:
This is my second Bonneville, and I just got it used two weeks ago when the injectors went out on my '93. Big money fix, so I decided it was time for another Bonneville.
Before I got my used '93 Bonneville in 2000, I drove a 1984 Fiero (the "Pontiac Porsche") that I thought no car in the world could compare to.
Boy, was I wrong. Still love Fieros, but now I'm spoiled by the creature comforts of the Bonneville.
Both my '93 and my '96 Bonneville are the most comfortable cars I've ever owned. The interior is plush, the ride solid, and all in all, a great car for long distance cruises. Very driver friendly.
The only problem I have with them is they seem to be gas hogs. As long as I drive like a Grandma, I get better mileage. But if I drive over 55 mph for any length of time, I can go through a tank of gas in no time flat.
In rush hour traffic the other day, I had seconds to go from a dead stop to merge into a lane of traffic at about 40 mph. I nailed it, the tires barked, and I took off like the Space Shuttle! It was great, but the gas gauge said don't do that again.
Will be getting a new stereo system put in, the last owner of this Bonneville liked to jam like I do! The speakers are still passable, but the bass is starting to sound kinda funky.
I'll be getting the repairs made to this car before winter sets in, and I hope to have this car for many years.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 20th October, 2004
17th Feb 2004, 23:30
Mine dumps water in the trunk too. Very poor design.
It is comfortable and fast. Can drive it 10 hours across Texas and not get a back ache or a neck ache. But lots of repairs. You covered most of the problems.
My engine blew up at 38,000 miles. Not covered under warranty.
My heater fan also began working intermittently at 76,000 miles and finally conked out at 86,000.
Fuel regulator went bad at 84,000 and car started dying at left turns. It's too bad. It's a great long distance car for a solitary driver or a family, but it's not reliable. I have that window rolling up difficulty as well.