Pontiac Bonneville

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Comments

  • theicemantheiceman Member Posts: 736
    Mark,

    Do you think Ken could handle all that power? ;-)
  • ezraponezrapon Member Posts: 348
    My warranty ran out yesterday. I've been looking at some on line plans (warrant gold), but have yet to make the leap. It really feels risky to be on the road without the safety net of the GM gods to watch over me. I am torn between getting the warranty and keeping the car in the family, or commiting to a new GXP or GTO. At least I've always got my block heater to fall back on... you can't put a price tag on the peace of mind that it brings!
  • theicemantheiceman Member Posts: 736
    Ezrapon: I felt the same way. I went with the GM warranty (which, as outrageously priced as it was, was still at the dealer's "cost") because if I trade in the Bonnie before the warranty expires AND I buy another GM with an extended warranty, they'll give me a credit for the unused portion of the Bonnie's extended warranty.

    That "detail" made it a no-brainer for me as the additional 3/60 takes me to (perhaps) beyond when I'm likely to hold on to the Bonnie.

    Although hanging on the Bonnie is still an option (for my wife) - as is getting a GXP. If we go that route, we'll likely wait until my wife's GP lease runs out (in '05).

    ice
  • montanafanmontanafan Member Posts: 945
    This is what my dealer has heard for the lastest dates.
    2003 Production ends June 3rd (includes last of the SSEis)
    2004 SE & SLE starts up October 13, 2003.
    2004 GXP starts up December 1st, 2003.
  • ezraponezrapon Member Posts: 348
    What kind of deal did they float you on the 3/60?
    Can I expect them to follow suit? Although I'm searching for property in British Columbia as we speak, I'm not versed in the exchange rate... give me your answer in american dollars/miles. Did they offer to finance it?
  • theicemantheiceman Member Posts: 736
    Essentially, it was $US 1400 and I didn't enquire about financing.

    So where's this place in BC? (and don't say "BC"...)

    ice
  • ezraponezrapon Member Posts: 348
    we are looking in Vancouver and West Vancouver. I am surprised by the weather and the relatively reasonable property costs. I have a few obstacles to overcome i.e., working and possible citizenship issues. Word around the campfire is they are reluctant to take in expatrioted americans unless they can fill a dire Canadian need. As a special ed teacher, I would be in demand, but there are many other factors at play. I'll probably have to drive up there this summer and check it out.
  • theicemantheiceman Member Posts: 736
    I lived in Vancouver from '69-'72. It is indeed a nice city. You'll enjoy it, I'm sure - if you can get past the rain...

    (rather be) ice
  • adf1adf1 Member Posts: 20
    That's really bizarre; 2002 SE, 31500 miles, Firestone Affinity stock tires, and almost no thread left on BOTH the front tires. I’ve rotated every 8K, and looking yesterday I suddenly noticed the external side thread, on both wheels, has almost gone. Yet, the 2 in the rear look like brand new!!!
    The only thing out of ordinary driving, was 2 trips from LA, CA to Vegas on the I-15. At a certain part of the road, 10-15 miles each direction, I recall hearing a loud whistle, caused by the road surface. Other than that everything was normal. Has anyone had similar “quick rubber fading”? Any suggestions?
    Thx,
    A.D.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,701
    Did you keep the pressure about the recommended
    30 psi? IS the tire worn on inside and outside
    on each front tire or just the two outside edges?

    Sounds like
    1. low air pressure
    2. lots of fast cornering wearing the edges
    3. bad set of tires with softer rubber than normal from Firestone
       remember the tires in the 67 68 era from Firestone?

    The originals on my LeSabre lasted 40K and I took them off early just to get Michelins on to replace the originals.
    Do you carry something heavy in your trunk that might have lifted the front causing the camber to go positive on both wheels if it's just the outside edges that wore.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • tpkentpken Member Posts: 1,108
    It's freezing here in the office - everyone wearing coats, outside there's snow everywhere like Feb. I'm heading to Fla next Wed the 16th with the family loaded up in the Suburban. Staying for a week in Orlando area and hoping to thaw out.

    Michael - PLEEEEEEEEZE have the sun out for us!!!
  • mfahey1mfahey1 Member Posts: 419
    I'm counting on you, buddy, to have things all warmed up for me next week in Maine. Getting there next Thursday and leaving on Monday night. Please, please have a major thaw so I have at least a hope of getting back to our place. In past years, I've buried two rental cars up to their axles in mud and even had to realign one with a sledge hammer to get it back to the airport.
  • tpkentpken Member Posts: 1,108
    Mark - the weather pattern is supposed to improve here for next week so you may get decent temps but I sure wouldn't bank on the ground being firm yet.
  • mlm4mlm4 Member Posts: 401
    Ken, you're coming to the right place. Summer is here in Central Florida. Not only will you thaw, you will sweat and by the end of the week you will have had enough and be thankful to go home. Trust me, I just had some friends down from upstate New York who couldn't wait to get here and then complained about how hot it was. And you'll be here in time for the first love bug season to begin (we have two per year, and the first examples are already on my windshield). My Bonneville is now garaged for the next month 'till the love bugs are gone.

    P.S. Make sure the Suburban's A/C and cooling system are in good working order.
  • adf1adf1 Member Posts: 20
    imidazol97 - The tires pressure has been 30 PSI at all times. Both front tires are worn only on the outside edges. I carry nothing in the trunk or even in the back seats. I drive 99& fwy so not many chances for cornering at all. I do drive normally 75-80mph, usually on the cruise control (enjoying every second!). So this is really something very uncommon.

    I just wonder where to take it from here, the dealer, alignment place, tires place, is it covered by warranty (only 32K miles)?
  • evandroevandro Member Posts: 1,108
    Worn outer edges is a clear symptom of underinflated tires. I guess that either you use an imprecise gauge that displays 30PSI when there's actually less than that or you don't check the tire pressure frequently enough.

    In both cases, the solution is easy: either buy a gauge at WalMart or any parts store (I like those with a dial and a button to release air) or inflate a little more, say 31 or 32PSI, so that by the time you have the pressure checked again the wear will even out.

    HTH
  • adf1adf1 Member Posts: 20
    imidazol97 - The tires pressure has been 30 PSI at all times. Both front tires are worn only on the outside edges. I carry nothing in the trunk or even in the back seats. I drive 99& fwy so not many chances for cornering at all. I do drive normally 75-80mph, usually on the cruise control (enjoying every second!). So this is really something very uncommon.

    I just wonder where to take it from here, the dealer, alignment place, tires place, is it covered by warranty (only 32K miles)?
  • adf1adf1 Member Posts: 20
    evandro - You know, I really doubted the pressure so I went out and checked with this pencil like gauge, and on both wheels it's ~31 PSI.

    This whole tire deterioration occured on the last 4K miles as I rotate it every oil change, and look/check the tires.

    As indicated before, it's very unusual and I'm looking for the cause.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,701
    Sounds like you need to see a good alignment shop to first check the ride height at the four corners per the specs and then the alignment...
    You've certain done everything right with rotation and tire pressure.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • tpkentpken Member Posts: 1,108
    Michael - you live somewhere around Orlando don't you?? Any interest in dropping by to say hello while we're there??

    Just call Marriott Grande Vista anytime after the 18th and ask for Ken Galle. It would be nice to see you.

    Looking forward to lots of pool time!
  • ezraponezrapon Member Posts: 348
    Cards are heading to Boston and New York this summer. Makes me think about a road trip east. I imagine tickets at Yankee stadium might be next to impossible to come by. St. Louis is the only MLB team with a winning record over the Yanks, I imagine the New Yorkers will be out in droves for revenge. I think the the Bo Sox probably want to even things up as well. Guess I better get a warranty in place. Thank god I have a block heater.
  • theicemantheiceman Member Posts: 736
    Just when I was starting to feel like it was time to trade in the old Bonnie, I was reminded of the sheer joy in having both the extended warranty and the block heater. I've got years of worry-free block heater-induced high performance in front of me. Why trade?

    ;-b

    To be honest, though, I really do like what I'm reading about the new Grand Prix. It sounds like GM has improved virtually ever part of the GP that left me tepid before. And the GTP Comp package looks impressive. Yet one more option to consider when my wife's GP lease draws to a close...

    ice
  • ezraponezrapon Member Posts: 348
    The one thing that kept me out of a GP 4 years ago is still present and still bugs me. I can't stand the cheap way the sun roof looks as it lays on top of the roof. It looks cheap and belongs on a Ford Escort. I THINK, the regal sun roof retracts into the roof. If a sunroof was not a factor, I'd seriously consider the newer GP, provided it came with a block heater... won't need one if I venture up to Vancouver, just good wipers!
  • rjs200240rjs200240 Member Posts: 1,277
    I wonder if that was a change for more headroom. My dad bought a 1997 GS and looked a lot at the GTP at the time. The headroom was terrible, though, with the sunroof. I am only 6'. The GS was much better with a sunroof. A few years later we sat in another GTP with a sunroof and it seemed to have acceptable headroom. Maybe that was because it stopped retracting into the roof.

    I agree, though, having it roll on top is cheap looking.
  • adf1adf1 Member Posts: 20
    Well, it was all an alignment issue:
    Front wheels Total Toe - before was 1.78 now 0.21 (allowed 0-0.4)
    How did it get in this position, only god & GM know.
    Thanks for all the help.
  • adf1adf1 Member Posts: 20
    Another surprise: 02 SE, 32K miles, the SERVICE ENGINE SOON ligh came on. Checked with the computer and it shows "code po1133 undocumented error".
    Anybody knows what it is?
  • mlm4mlm4 Member Posts: 401
    I just like typing all those "G"s :-)

    OK, this isn't a GP forum but I think it's fair for Bonneville owners to compare with the younger sibling. I have not read through all the comments on the GP forum about the '04 but the reviews seem to say it has missed the mark. One might debate what the mark is but for me it's the same one GM missed with the Bonneville. Great car but not as well executed as it should be. And it still looks like a Pontiac from the '90s; the cladding wasn't the only problem with the style. (Up close, those cheap plastic wheel well liners give it away.) The Comp G package appeals to me (as the SSEi does) but I guess until I try one I should reserve comment on how well it drives. I still want a GXP, however rational that may or may not be. And I still think the Bonneville is the best looking sedan on the road. My Humble Opinion.
  • theicemantheiceman Member Posts: 736
    The Bonnie is likely still the better car. Nevertheless, the GP is getting really strong reviews - especially on its interior. Now that's music to my ears as my one beef with my wife's '01 GP (and to a far lesser extent with my '00 Bonnie) is the design of the interior and the quality of its components. What I've seen of the photos of the GP interior (and read of the reviews), they've made enormous progress in this area.

    Plus, the (finally) added split fold-down rear seats.

    Oh yeah and 260 horsepower.

      ;-b
  • rayainswrayainsw Member Posts: 3,192
    The latest date I have seen from GM for opening of 1st 2004 Bonneville GXP order.
    Anyone know how firm this is?
    I presume that means pricing may not be final until then?
    And when Job 1 is scheduled?
    Thanks,
    - Ray
    Still impressed with a couple of drives in '04 GTPs but curious . . .
    2022 X3 M40i
  • montanafanmontanafan Member Posts: 945
    You are probably right on the order date. The last head is that production will start 12/1/03.
  • lordvader2000lordvader2000 Member Posts: 4
    I have a 2000 Pontiac Bonneville SLE. I was reving the engine to locate a small coolant leak when I encountered what seemed to be a rev limiter which kicked in at about 4,000 rpm (the car was in park. If it is not a rev limiter, there is a serious problem...)

    Is there a rev limiter on an SLE? If so, what are the rev limits?

    Does anyone know where I could find this info?
  • mlm4mlm4 Member Posts: 401
    You're right on target. For the non-supercharged engine, fuel cutoff occurs at 4000 RPM in Park and Neutral and Reverse (5000 for supercharged). In Drive, the cutoff is at 5950 and 4000 respectively. This is from the factory service manual.
  • bunky36bunky36 Member Posts: 94
    Well, the GXP wheels (Mille Miglia Evo5) that I put on my ’03 SSEi are gone. I have replaced them with some chrome 17-inch 5-spokes from American Racing. You can see them with the rest of my SSEi photos at
    http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4290489113&idx=10 They are at photos 9 and 10. The GXP wheels had an annoying vibration at 60-80mph that my wheel and tire shop couldn’t eliminate, and they use some pretty sophisticated balancing equipment like the Hunter ground force measurement system: http://www.hunter.com/pub/company/press/2001/pr07-02-01.htm. They got the wheels balanced on the balancing equipment just fine, but on the car they vibrated. I took the car to Goodyear so they could check to ensure that the RSA tires were all OK. I watched them do the checks, and the tires were not the problem. Everyone eventually concluded that the Mille Miglia wheels, although described to me as being hub-centric wheels manufactured to Bonneville specs, were really not hub-centric. They came with “centering rings” and some very unusual looking two-piece “centering” lug nuts that neither the wheel shop or Goodyear techs had ever seen before. The net result was that although they tried several times, the wheels could not be mounted properly to eliminate the vibration. The American Racing wheels, on the other hand, are true hub-centric wheels with the center bore matching Bonneville specs exactly and using standard lug nuts. With the Goodyear RSA’s mounted on them, they run like velvet at all speeds. I'm sure Pontiac will work out any balancing kinks with the Mille Miglia wheels before they release the Bonneville GXP with those wheels on them. In hindsight I’m just as happy we couldn’t stop the vibration because I like the looks of the chrome American Racing wheels a lot better.
  • smfransmfran Member Posts: 432
    I stopped by just to say hi and let you all know how happy I am with the Envoy XL. I get many compliments and really haven't missed having a Bonneville. It certainly was time for a change. There have been a couple of occasions when a Mustang or Grand Prix have cut me off or jumped in front of me just because they could; these things never happened while in an aggressive looking Bonnie.
    The Envoy has more wind noise than I would like so I'm having the door seals, etc. looked into to hopefully minimize it. I must say that the solid feel and lack of rattles (so far - 5,000 miles) is impressive.
    My wish was for a Bonneville SUV and this is fitting the bill.
    Good luck to all and if anyone is considering an Envoy (iceman), feel free to email me.
    Stephen
  • tpkentpken Member Posts: 1,108
    But those miles were on our Suburban rather than the Bonneville.

    We had a great vacation in Orlando and Myrtle Beach SC and the driving was enjoyable except for a major accident in NYC on the way down and very heavy traffic on Apr 25 from Orlando to Myrtle Beach. Naturally I would have prefered to be driving the Bonneville but all in all it was a great trip. PERFECT weather and lots of R&R.

    I really would like to make that trip in the Pontiac but with 3 kids and loads of stuff it just isn't practical right now. Someday......
  • mfahey1mfahey1 Member Posts: 419
    Many thanks, Ken, for the wonderful weather we had in Maine for our short trip there. It's always nice to know that someone you know can order up nice weather for you.
    Boy, do I appreciate the Bonneville even more after the last two days. I took a rental Mitsubishi Lancer(no cruise control) from Chicago to St. Louis and back and got just over 30mpg. My Bonneville would have gotten close to that under the tailwind conditions. I was shocked that the POS Lancer would only get barely above 30mpg with a tailwind.
  • tpkentpken Member Posts: 1,108
    Mark

    I'm glad to hear you enjoyed your trip to Maine. I've heard from a number of people that the weather wasn't so good here last week so you must have picked the best days.

    Gas mileage difference between small and large cars just doesn't seem to be dramatic anymore and would suggest that more people consider the larger and more comfortable cars that we love. It's great to be able to drive our comfortable and roomy Bonnevilles and not get fleeced at the pumps.

    I even averaged around 17.5 to 18 mpg in my fully crammed 100,000 mile 1995 Suburban over a good deal of my recent trip. No complaints here.
  • mlm4mlm4 Member Posts: 401
    Ken, glad to hear you had a good road trip and vacation. Sorry I didn't get in touch with you while you were in Orlando. The resort you stayed at is only about four miles from my home as the crow flies. I was out of town over Easter weekend and working crazy hours the rest of the week (and I still am).

    I presume you did a lot of interstate driving. I-95 is a nice, level, straight-shot from the D.C. area all the way to Florida, but there can be heavy volume at certain times of day. I recently drove up to Myrtle Beach and back and found that U.S. 17 north of Ridgeland, S.C. was much better than I-95/U.S. 378. Time-wise they were about the same but north of Charleston U.S. 17 was wide-open (nothing out there) and four-lane median-separated most of the way. U.S. 378 is single-lane for about 60 miles and there are very few passing zones (especially if you're driving the family truckster). The Bonneville would just be frustrated in traffic on that road.

    Had to order some touch-up paint as I knocked a thumbnail-sized chunk off the car just behind the right-rear wheel. It's amazing how easily the paint comes off the plastic parts; I only brushed up against a corregated cardboard box in my garage.
  • tpkentpken Member Posts: 1,108
    Michael - maybe next trip we'll get together.

    The drive from Orlando to Myrtle Bch on Fri Apr 25 was tedious at best. Lots of folks leaving town after Easter week vacation and it took 5 hours to get to Jax Fla from Orlando! I looked at Rt 17 as you suggest on the map and had Rt 95 not finally opened up by the time we got to Savannah I would have taken it.

    Driving the Bonne would have been as frustrating as it was in the Burb but at least up high you get a better view of the miles of stop lights ahead of you :(
  • mlm4mlm4 Member Posts: 401
    J.D. Power and Associates 2003 Initial Quality Study: the Bonneville and LeSabre were ranked in the top three in the full-size car segment, with the Crown Victoria ranked highest.

    http://www.jdpower.com/news/releases/pressrelease.asp?ID=2003028
  • theicemantheiceman Member Posts: 736
    Not the definitive indicator by any stretch of the imagination but a fair indicator of the (decent) quality that one can expect from a Bonneville.

    Jives well with my experience - after 2 1/2 years and 40k miles.

    ice
  • haropharop Member Posts: 59
    I am one happy and proud BONNY owner. It
    is 95 Fully Loaded 3.8 regular. I just
    did a 210M trip last Sunday here in TX to
    Dinasaur Valley State Park(from North Dallas),
    and ended-up around 30mpg. This is very
    impressive.
    I got ~126K on odometer, the trunk was full, the
    AC was on all time, and we were four people( well
    two boys). Average speed was 65 I guess.
    Is there any japanese "fuel efficient" car for
    the same size, that can match BONNY?
    Not that I know :)
  • wesley1derwesley1der Member Posts: 49
    Any new news about the GXP?. No one is talking about anything. What's happening????
  • mlm4mlm4 Member Posts: 401
    I hear Pontiac dealers will be able to put in orders for the GXP beginning in late September for late October delivery.
  • wesley1derwesley1der Member Posts: 49
    Thanks for the news. I drive a Lincoln LS. The lease is up in December, so that would work. Had SSEI before and always liked it. Has a little more rome than the LS. Thanks again.
  • montanafanmontanafan Member Posts: 945
    If you think a GM car is in your future, investigate the GM Mastercard family, and earn possible rebates towards a purchase. I believe currently all GM cars are covered at some level, so would expect GXP to have coverage.
  • wesley1derwesley1der Member Posts: 49
    I do have a GM Card with about $4,000.00 worth of credit. I am interested in a CTS but sure would be interested in taking a look at the GXP.
  • montanafanmontanafan Member Posts: 945
    Excellent.
  • xavier64xavier64 Member Posts: 76
    Hope everyone is doing well. Mother Nature has been washing the Bonnie lately but I believe that this Saturday will have some sunshine. Hope to give the Bonnie a nice spring cleaning.

    Previously I had brought up the idea of a Bonneville members meet. Perhaps there could be one in New York State for those in the New England and Mid Atlantic states, another meet in North Carolina in the fall for those located in the Southern states, those in the midwest, perhaps a place like Dayton, Ohio.

    I would believe that a mall or outlet type location would be able to handle this. Would anyone be interested in trying to workout a time and whoever can make it , great.

    Any input would be appreciated and if not this year, how about 2004.

    Take care and hope someone in this country is getting some sun...

    Steve
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