General Comments:
I bought this car used. It was a rental car, the dealer made sure I knew that. No matter. I really like this car.
I have the "base" SE model. I put base in quotes because they really give you a lot of features on the base. It's not like the old days, when a base model was 4 wheels and a motor. I won't list the options here, suffice it to say, it's "nicely equipped".
I like the styling. Even though it's a full sized car, it has a sport look to it. The dashboard is a little "Star Wars" like, but you know what? I like that. I am a guy, I like buttons and knobs and flashing lights.
The first time I started it, I knew I was in danger of making a purchase. It has a nice throaty sound. Not loud, but, you know it's not a toy. This is the kind of car where, you look forward to going places just so you can drive it. I still feel this way, and I've owned it for a year now.
It sits very well, but I'm not a tall man. I'm 5'9". There isn't a lot of head room. I would say if you are much more than 6'1", this would be a problem. But for the 6' and under club, it sits very well. You don't feel like you are sitting down into the sit peering up over the dash like the old full size cars, (boats). It actually is reminiscent of how my old 1972 Camaro sat.
The Bonneville SE performance is good. At times it's astonishing. Other times, it's merely OK. It has to do with the transmission/computer. When I accelerate onto the freeway from about 20mph, the car jumps! I get a slight torque steer, and it really moves. But, if I'm going about 5 mph and hit it, it's a bit more sluggish. It's not that the power isn't there, but the car won't rev up as it would if it were a manual. I'm not disappointed, but I am a car nut. Makes me wonder if maybe I shouldn't have held out for the SSEi, (25 more horsepower, supercharged!).
It's quiet, it rides and handles very well. You don't sense you are in a big car when you drive it. It's nimble, and responsive considering the size of the vehicle.
The stereo is another item that was well done. The Bonneville has become popular with my teenagers because of it's stereo. It has an excellent sound, and very adjustable. It has a goofy pseudeo graphic equalizer, but it works.
To summarize: The ride and handling are very good. The creature comforts are excellent. The acceleration is good, but I'm demanding. This car makes you WANT to go on that errand.
8th Mar 2011, 19:08
I just bought a 00 Pontiac Bonneville SSEI.
I think these cars are nice and reliable. What happens is people think because it is a supercharger that they can mistreat this car. The supercharger was designed to move the heavy car, all 3500 pounds I think.
The 2000 SSEI Bonneville are good cars, but some people don't want to take care of this car because when it breaks it is expensive to fix.
The series 2 supercharger engine is the world's best engine award in my opinion, mine is running good at 161,000.
What it is is that some people don't want to fix their Bonnevilles because the parts are ridicoulous high price.
Thanks.
Let every one know Bonneville are the best sedan money can buy...