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Pontiac Bonneville
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Comments
I'd like to stay in the GM family but haven't found the successor to the Intrigue yet. I like the looks of the new Caddy CTS but I'm a little uncertain about the whole first model year syndrome and also not sure I want to push very far into the $30,000+ category yet.
So Saturday I'm going to test drive the Bonneville. What do you folks think about your Bonnevilles? What do you like? What don't you like?
All comments appreciated.
dwg
This board is packed with kudos about our cars, but I guess it's not reasonable to go back through 2250 messages to find them all. So here's my short list:
The Good: performance (the car is a blast to drive), engine (the 3800 Series II is a tried-and-true -- if somewhat less refined -- workhorse), styling (unique love-it-or-hate-it), and "value" (relative to the imports, which are not full-size sedans at this price point). Also, I've noted that there are relatively few complaints about the new Bonnies compared even with other GM products.
The No-So-Good: GM build quality (not what it should be for the price), maybe not enough headroom for tall folk (especially with sunroof), too much torque steer, did I say build quality? I'm not saying plastic is bad, but it can be done better.
The Bad: none. We love our cars! Any questions? :-)
Do you have an SSEi or one of the other offerings?
One other question for the board in general: did anyone consider the Bonneville vs. the 300M? Just curious.
Keep the comments coming. Thanks.
dwg
The car was great in the snow last winter even with the OEM Firestone Affinities which are about to be replaced now.
I do have a clicking of some kind that is felt in my brake pedal and steering wheel and I am not sure if this is the ISS that Intrigue and Impala owners have been plagued with. Time will tell. No one else has mentioned that here.
Tire or wheel vibration at 75 mph became noticeable after my last rotation and better go away with these old tires or I'll be forced to consider alternative sources off warranty.
As the others here, I can't say enough positive things about this car - the best I've ever owned.
Best wishes in your car buying evaluations
Ken
Problems 1. replaced brakes/rotors twice- replaced by dealership-under warranty- no charge- had wrong size pads on car- brand new from factory-now have over 17,000 miles on pads etc- no problems with brakes.
2. front drivers side window jammed- replaced with new window modulator- under warranty- no charge.
no other problems with this car- its a pleasure to drive, has plenty of power- even with the 205 hp engine in the SE- very good gas mileage- mid 20's per gallon and we love the looks and style of the car plus- you stand out- not too many of them on the road like everyone and their brothers are driving Honda's or Toyota's etc.
Bottom line- its your choice- i would own a second one if i could afford another one, -
you mentioned the Chrysler 300 M- comparison shop-test drive both vehicles, compare both vehicles on line etc-, read comparisons on both cars by their owners- Good Luck with your choice, whatever you decide to buy.
Chuck.
Ken
The Intrigue was at the top of my list, but being an Alero owner then, I was finding it difficult to have it serviced and the steep depreciation turned me off.
Anyway, a few things I discovered about the Bonnie when test driving it: the optional performance axle on the SE makes the car much more lively, perhaps because the tranny gets a new programing too; the SLE and up have thicker anti-roll bars and its behavior over undulations and in curves is more to my taste, yet it's still very comfortable.
HTH
- more expensive;
- less roomy longitudinally, transversally and vertically, both at the front and at the rear seats;
- not as well finished;
- inferior number of accessories and features;
- low torque at low revs;
- nicer interior styling touches;
- sportier transmission.
Anyway- glad you had a wonderful TG- same here!
Good to see Kevin is posting again also.Maybe someday next year a re-meet at Rockaway with a better turn-out?
Happy Holidays to all,
Chuck
Ken
Regards,
Chuck
WE LOVE THIS CAR!!!
I had some issues with the operation of the A/C climate control, but nothing major.
I liked the looks of the 300M, but I know too many people that have had reliability issues with newer Chryslers, so we stayed away from it.
Good luck with you decision. If you buy a Bonneville you will not be disappointed.
For them, the Bonneville is simply too big as they live in Chicago with very, very tight parking at their condo. By way of example, two years ago as a sort of wedding present, I painted their Volvo for them. It lasted all of a month until a concrete pillar jumped out and bit it. The Intrigue seems to be about the same size as their 760 so should fit OK in their parking spot.
We also have had more than our fair share of Chrysler woes in the past. However, we have a 2001 Grand Caravan ES and have actually had fewer issues with it than with the Bonneville. None of the problems have been particularly bad, save for an ignition issue on the Bonneville and overall, it is obvious that both vehicles are considerably better than their predecessors.
I bought my Intrigue 2 years ago after looking at the 300, Passat and Acura TL. I wanted to go back to the General (long time GM family) and was really impressed by the Intrigue. I hoped that Olds had turned the corner but, alas, not enough for that marketing genius Ron Zarella. Now, I've got a car that will be extinct next year and I'm starting to look at other options.
Out of the blue, I've really started to notice the Bonneville lately. It's good to read the positive comments, as well as some of the criticisms. They don't differ too much from my experience with the Intrigue.
I'll be taking a test drive shortly and will follow this forum for a while. Thanks again.
dwg
All that discussion on tires had me confused so when it's time to replace my tires, I'll probably replace with the ones I already have. They're Goodyear but I don't remember exactly which ones they were. Dan recommended some Goodyears not to get and I do know I didn't have those tires. I may have Eagle LS but I'm not sure. I'd have to look it up.
For snow driving, I'm sure you have to take a different approach. (When you get that bottle of cold air to send down south, you can leave out the snow. :>)
Good luck on your tire purchase,
Stacy
P.S. When you talk about Rockaway Mall, was Rockaway where that plane went down. It seems it was "Rock" something. I've never been to New York so I'm not familiar with the area.
The tires I've ordered are Goodyear Aquatread IIIs which are highly regarded for wet weather traction and general long tread life, fairly decent handling and ride. I plan to use them this winter and may go for a real snow/ice tire set up next winter with steel rims as well, depending on my experience this winter.
The Firestone Affinities on my Bonneville now have been fine and did well last winter through the stormy weeks but look marginal for this winter. I have a 'shimmy' that I'm hoping will go away with new tires.
Ken
I bought the car after I had test drove it and one factor I liked was that I was the first person to drive it since it had been built in June 01. I will be getting the first oil change down at the dealer (http://drivedavis.com/) and look towards many years of driving excitement.
I wish you the best in finding a car that you will enjoy and I can reccomend the Bonnie as a solid choice.
Ken, hope all is well. Checked my dealers web site, Davis Pontiac in Richboro, and they have 34 2002 Bonnies on the lot. Could this be the secret Pontiac site Area 52?! I don't know if this dealer sells a lot of these cars in the Philly area but I will find out Saturday.
Does anyone know if one can get a air filter for the passenger side if one did not come with the car? I had opened up the plastic compartment under the hood and though about asking Pontiac about it. Is this an option on the SE or will I need to $$$ for it.
Take everybody, back to work ZZZzzzzzz.......sxb
Bet you can get a great deal on a new one there.
Ken
I'm afraid I didn't get my first oil change until I hit the 4000 mark (instead of 3000). Hope that won't make too big of a difference.
Well, will be glad to have Mom and Dad back from their Hawaiian cruise. When they are away, they are missed. Anyway, I still have time to clean up
Have a safe weekend everyone, Ken, keep me in the loop for a Bonnie Fest at the Rockaway Mall in NJ....sxb
Ken
Was having my car serviced at the dealer and was talking with the only other person waiting for their car.
She got a nail through a tire on her SSEi and the dealer was the closest place to go. So they were bringing up the only available tire in this distribution area. She said they were charging her $280 for the tire. I didn't seek any details but she mentioned it was 17". She seemed comfortable with the situation.
I was a little shocked but realized it must be some some high performance tire. So what tires are OEM on SSEi?
AAMOF, the only car in which I could actually cross my legs in the rear seat was in the Intrepid. However, the Bonnie has more head room there...
:^(
After going through two rounds of them with the Bonneville, one of which was nearly 1100 miles from home, now the 2001 Caravan has done it to my wife. The key won't turn in the ignition no matter what. I know modern cars are highly complex, sophisticated machines and without question are better than in"the good old days" but this is getting frustrating.
anyone who wants to read these , just go to www.nhtsa.dot.gov and click on recalls etc.
Chuck
dual exhaust etc..) I just happened to come across your comments on the 300M, it does have me concerned. I've never owned a Chrysler product before and your comments are important.
However, I did drive a Bonne ssei and was impressed with the performance. But the interior felt cheap, Pontiac uses alot of plastic on this car and my concern is that thing will start to fall apart. Also this platform has been around along time and is starting to show signs of aging.
The Grand Prix GTP shares the same powertrain and is better looking of the two cars and is less expensive. I think the Bonne. days are numbered.
In conclusion, it's more about looks than anything else.
Richboro is about 35-45 minutes away ( depending on traffic). Took the Bonnie in last week for the first oil change and I am good until March.
Not only did they sell the new 2002 Bonnies but they had 6-8 late 90's and 2001 left overs. I did check out the Grand Prix and Grand AM and they looked very nice. It was great to be surrounded by all those Bonnevilles.
I hope everyone is getting to enjoy the extended summer weather and it is nice to put the windows down, the music up and go cruise'n.
Have a safe holiday and remember our country's veterans on this the 60th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor.
Steve
Today I pulled up to a stop light next to my twin, a Dark Bronzemist metallic SSEi. Unfortunately the other driver didn't seem as excited as my wife and I were. I don't think they even realized. Oh well.
Love the ride.
Thanks for the post on recalls Chuck - surely confirms the status of the car's reliability although I do believe I have something going on in my steering shaft these days - but no time to check it out yet.
Steve - I still havent had a chance to check out inventory at my dealer but have seen a number of new SEs on the road recently. Rentals? Maybe.
I notice new gen Bonnevilles every day around here and agree that most do not similarly recognize another 'Bonneville cuzin'. What's wrong with these people? lol
Take care all - stay away from this flu bug if you can - it's no fun!!!
Ken
Are you the only one here who has had a steering issue?
You may be right about the ISS on your car. The Bonneville is affected. See this:
http://service.gm.com/gmtechlink/Nov2001/articles/steeringshaft.html
Thanks for the link, Michael. I'll print it out and have it in hand when I get to the dealer (whenever I can manage to do that)!
Ken