2000 Pontiac Bonneville SE 3.8 from North America

Summary:

Rough around the edges, but virtually bulletproof

Faults:

A/C compressor locked up the engine and had to be replaced.

Clock doesn't always work.

Water leaks into the trunk.

The body rusts like crazy.

The headliner has started to sag.

Leaks a little oil.

General Comments:

This is a fantastic car. It definitely is not the best looking or nicest car anymore, but it has been reliable and fun over the years. The engine is smooth and powerful enough to lug around this big sedan with no problems.

Cosmetically, it's a mess. It's rusting away everywhere and water gets into the trunk whenever it rains.

Mechanically, it has been near perfect. The only time it hasn't started was when the A/C compressor locked up the engine. After it was replaced it ran as good as ever.

The interior has stood up well over time. The leather seats have minimal cracking and the dashboard has no cracks at all. All the gauges still work, and save for the clock, all the electronics are in good working order. The headliner, however, is a different story. It's started to sag towards the rear and is currently being held up with velcro.

Overall, I'm very satisfied with this car and I love it to death.

Used examples are dirt cheap and if they're taken care of, will run forever. I'll definitely be buying another Bonneville when this one becomes too expensive to maintain.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th February, 2017

2000 Pontiac Bonneville SSEI 3.8 supercharged from North America

Summary:

Issues here and there, overall a great car though

Faults:

As much as I like this car, it's had its share of issues. My dad bought this car new for my mom. I got it in 2013 from them.

All window regulators have been replaced.

Intake manifold gasket has been changed 2 times, still leaking. I believe it was the shop that did not replace it correctly.

The crankshaft position sensor and map sensor have been replaced as well. It has an issue now that I cannot figure out. It cuts out under a load; 2 shops couldn't figure it out.

General Comments:

Very comfortable car, gets 33+ MPG on the highway, very quick for the size.

My coworker thought his riced out Civic SI could smoke me; the Bonneville left him in the dust.

Bose sound system is nice, and it handles very well.

Doesn't like synthetic oil. My dad was running Mobil 1 oil; it was burning oil like crazy. We switched to Kendall gt-1 oil and consumption went way down.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th December, 2016

2000 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi 3.8L supercharged from North America

Summary:

If you want a reliable, fully loaded car with power and good gas mileage, this is your car

Faults:

Front wheel bearing went out.

Sunroof won't open.

Digital clock display light out.

Service stability system flashes on display screen, which makes my traction control not work.

Rear windows won't open.

Cadillac converter clogged.

AC condenser went out, ruining the compressor as well.

General Comments:

This 3.8 supercharged engine is unstoppable, and gets great gas mileage for the amount of power it gives out.

Bought this car in 2009 on an auction for 1,800 dollars, and after a tune-up, have had no major problems with it. Looks and runs great.

Most problems seem very common with other similar models, and after replacing these with aftermarket parts, have had no more problems.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th December, 2010

29th Dec 2010, 15:40

It's catalytic converter by the way... for the price, even with the issues, this is a great car.

2000 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi 3.8 supercharged from North America

Summary:

Awesome if taken care of

Faults:

It would randomly shut off for no reason.

The rear windows don't work, the motors due, but I am assuming the regulators have gone bad.

The trunk leaks water.

The heated seats only work on high.

Radio lights are half out.

General Comments:

The car is fun to drive, has great acceleration in both supercharged and normal variations.

I have owned 4 Bonneville's 2 1994 both had reached over 170000 miles with only regular maintenance needed. A 2003 Bonneville SLE that other than the intake gasket needing replaces has been a joy to own. It does not have any of the problems that my SSEi has, and has everything the SSEi has, except the heads up display and memory seats.

The 2000 SSEi was the first run of the body style. It has been a joy to drive. Gas can be a bit expensive, seeing as it needs premium to run at its best. I have always loved Pontiac's; have owned 2 Grand Am's; 92 SE was awesome, 97 SE hit 100000 and was traded with a coolant leak we never found. Both Bonnie's were traded for newer ones.

I want to buy a 2005 GXP Bonneville next.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th September, 2010