1996 Pontiac Bonneville SE 3.8 series 2 from North America

Summary:

Great family car and even better sleeper..

Faults:

The alternator went about a month and a half after I bought the car.

The mass air flow sensor died after 3 months of getting the car.

General Comments:

I love this car for many reasons.

The car is very roomy and Being 6'1" I definitely need the headroom and the leg room.

The radio could be better positioned though.

The car has good acceleration and handling characteristics.

The trunk is OK, but it gets soggy when it rains.

Transmission has a hiccup in it shifting from 1-2 but it is still strong and doesn't slip at all... its the original transmission.

The motor is starting to ping, but for and original block and heads I'd say that it has had a good run. I can still romp on it when those sub compact rice burners try to take me at the light.

After learning them about a big cars style and handling I continue onto the store to get the milk my wife asked for.

I love the car and its abilities. I bought a second salvage one just for the parts I plan on getting 300 thousand out of this car and have every confidence in doing that.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th October, 2003

23rd Feb 2004, 09:26

You plan on getting 300 out of it, where is it now?

For a '96, you can't be above say, 200 yet. Email me at CS1046@yahoo.com to let me know.

15th Nov 2006, 18:09

My 96 just crossed 300,000. Still runs great.

29th Nov 2006, 12:50

My '96 has 195,000. Hoping for 300k!

1996 Pontiac Bonneville SSE from North America

Summary:

Generally a good car with some problems

Faults:

I replaced the alternator (myself). It was easy to get to, but hard to replace if you don't have a tool to release the tension from the serpentine belt.

Had to have the belt tensioner replaced.

Vibration in the right rear wheel. Got somewhat better after replacing the tire, but now is starting to return.

Air conditioner sometimes blows hot in summer, and cold in winter. Other times it works properly. Have not yet had it serviced.

Leaks oil (about 1 qt per month)

General Comments:

Rides well when the wheel doesn't vibrate.

Plenty of power.

Excellent gas mileage (approx 30 mpg highway)

Nice looking.

Not too many maintenance problems.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th August, 2003

1996 Pontiac Bonneville SE 3.8 from North America

Summary:

A high performance Pontiac Bonneville SE

Faults:

I changed my water pump two times, and I also changed the fuel pump. I also had problems with the lights inside the car like all the radio light didn't work and those lights by the transmission.

General Comments:

This car is very comfortable, and luxurious. It has a lot of room, and its fast. Also it runs quite and its safe. I think this car is the best one I ever had, and my next one is going to be the same.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th August, 2003

1996 Pontiac Bonneville SE 3.8L V6 from North America

Summary:

A dependable and high performance sport luxury

Faults:

I noticed a leak in antifreeze at 135000 miles. I put some stop-leak in and have had no problems since.

The car needed new rotors at 140000 miles.

Not to mention there was a dead mouse in my engine. Fortunately, the mouse did not chew up any wires or cause any problems with the car.

General Comments:

The car is extremely reliable and at 140000 miles, it runs like new.

The ride is so smooth that it feels like I'm floating on the road.

The 3800 V6 gives the car a lot of pep. It can't beat cars such as a corvette or a trans am, but it can certainly hold its own among the rest.

This is a very comfortable and spacious car. The black leather seats are still plush with absolutely no rips.

The car is very sporty, luxurious and safe as well. It is big.

I would recommend a Bonneville to just about anyone. It would be great for a family as well as a younger person who wants a nice sport luxury car.

I see too many people taking out loans on new/used Grand Prixs The deal I got on my car (which is just about as nice as a new Pontiac) seemed too good to be true. I paid only $3500.

My Bonneville is seven years old and has 140,000 miles. I intend to get 200,000 miles out of it at the very least.

And do not forget the excellent gas mileage!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th May, 2003