1996 Pontiac Bonneville SE 3.8 from North America
Summary:
Powered by the energizer bunny, keeps going and going and going
Faults:
This car is very reliable! Since I have had it, only minor problems have occurred. I replaced the brakes and water pump around 90000 miles. other than that I just change the oil every 3500 miles.
General Comments:
I love this car. It starts with half a turn of the crank in any weather. I am a 20 yr old male. When I first got this car My Initial thoughts were, great I have a family car. This car has been the complete opposite of that. This car has great acceleration and handling. I take the high way to school daily. The car loves the on off ramps! I feel very comfortable going 50mph on a 25mph ramp. As soon as I get off the ramp, my gas petal is digging in the carpet. The 3.8 v6 accelerates to 90 mph in seconds. The cars tachometer stays around 2500 to 3000 rpm while traveling at 90mph. Being a male and 20 years old I tend to find my self leaving intersections with a cloud of smoke behind me. from a dead stop you can light up the tires and go through 2.5 gears while spinning the tires! Try entering an empty parking lot going about 35 and push down on the emergency brake while turning the wheel and flooring it. The Bonneville spins like a top, while smoking out the whole parking lot. The Pontiac's interior if fit for a king. It is very comfortable and convenient. I love the on steering wheel radio controls. The car is very roomy and comfortable for you and 3 of your friends. very road-trippable. I would recommend this car to anyone that wants a very reliable comfortable car, that will perform over and over no matter how much abuse it given.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 19th April, 2003
7th Apr 2003, 15:42
What you have described are not huge problems compared to others who have the Series II 3800 engine like you. I have a 1994 SSE that is at 111,000 miles, and there are no major problems, but I too had a leak as you do.
It took me a while to fix it. If you have the optional moon-roof on your car, I would bet that your drain hose(s) became clogged at one point and came apart. My hoses were disconnected on both sides, flooding the floor with water. Gently pull back the ceiling material to see (if you have the moon-roof) if your hoses are apart. Simply connect them again if they are. I have not had one drop of water leak into my car since.
*** If anyone else has had a leak onto the rear floor, this may very well be the solution! ***
I know quite a bit about Bonnevilles, and know others who can get quick first-hand information on them as well, so feel free to contact me: bonneville94sse@hotmail.com.