1996 Pontiac Bonneville Review
1996 Pontiac Bonneville Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What’s new
The Series II V6 has been supercharged for 1996, pumping out 240 horsepower. Styling front and rear has been tweaked, and daytime running lights debut.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1996 Pontiac Bonneville SLE 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$195/mo for Bonneville SLE
Bonneville SLE
vs
$213/mo
Avg. Large Car
Vehicle overview
If ever there was an American sedan that combined traditional full-size accouterments with European style and class, it is this edition of the Bonneville. Introduced in 1992, the Bonny competes with near-luxury offerings such as the Lexus ES300 and BMW 3-Series, but kills the competition with seating for six, dramatic styling and amazing performance capabilities for a big, front-drive four-door.
The Bonneville benefits from a powerful base engine; a Series II 3.8-liter V6 that pumps out 205 horsepower and gets an amazing 30 miles per gallon on the highway.. New for 1996 is an optional 240-horsepower supercharged variant of the base V6, which replaces the old 225-horsepower supercharged 3.8-liter previously available. And, if you must have the supercharged engine but don't want all the goofy aero add-ons and tacky gold trim that come standard on the SSEi, you can get the blown motor in the base model. One stipulation exists, though; you've got to order the SLE package, which gives you some of the goodies that come with the SSE. Confused? Let's clarify the Bonneville roster.
Base model is the SE, and this is the only trim level to consider. Next up is the SSE, which is basically a sporty version of the SE. The SSEi is a package available on the SSE that includes the supercharged engine and flashy exterior trim. Since everything you need to build a competent sport sedan is optional on the SE, we recommend you start there.
For example, an SE with the SLE package, performance suspension, CD player with premium sound, power moonroof, traction control and 16-inch alloy wheels runs just about $27,000 and includes stuff like leather seats, antilock brakes, power everything and an anti-theft system. The Bonneville makes good economic sense, and doesn't punish you for spending less.
Styling revisions differentiate the 1996 Bonneville from previous models. New alloy wheel designs complement the fresh appearance, and daytime running lights have been added. Twilight Sentinel, an automatic headlamp control system, is standard this year and switches the DRL's to regular intensity low beams as the sun sets. GM's Magnasteer variable effort steering gives the Bonneville improved feel and response. Power lock and remote entry systems gain new features, and a rear window defogger is now standard equipment. SSE models get standard automatic climate controls, and new interior/exterior colors are available across the Bonneville lineup.
The Bonneville continues to provide excellent value for your full-size car dollars. If the Chevrolet Impala SS is a bit too brash for your tastes, the Euro-chic Bonneville SE should meet your requirements for a large, stylish and speedy sedan.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1996 Pontiac Bonneville.
5 star(66%)
4 star(34%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
29 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
Very reliable
wdridge, 04/13/2002
1996 Pontiac Bonneville SLE 4dr Sedan
Love the styling, bought new, have had
only 1 mechanical problem w/a water
pump going at about 60,000 miles. Has
been a great car.
4.88 out of 5 stars
The BEST car!
Speed Demon2488, 02/09/2009
1996 Pontiac Bonneville SE 4dr Sedan
This car is my first car and it is far better than the cars I was looking at. It is so much fun driving in the snow. The ride is smooth and sharp. I have put over 1,000 miles on it. I have experience driving all kinds of cars and the Bonneville has the best ride of them all. This car can move! I just wish people would stop calling it an old persons car. I enjoy taking it on the … interstate just so I can see it move. The trunk is massive!
4.75 out of 5 stars
Almost 300,000 miles and still reliable
12 yrs of a great ca, 01/17/2009
1996 Pontiac Bonneville SE 4dr Sedan
Great car! My husband thought it was incredible when the odometer was turning over to 250,000. Now it has 299,210 miles and our Pontiac is still running with very few problems. We did put in a new starter a while back but what can you expect after nearly 300,000 miles. We had a few problems with the oxygen sensor many miles back but nothing expensive. We wonder how many more miles … we will get out of our Bonny. The check engine light has been blinking for about 20,000 miles but we decided after having it looked at that we would just drive it until it died. It has nine lives!
4.5 out of 5 stars
Great Car
Great Car!, 08/12/2008
1996 Pontiac Bonneville SE 4dr Sedan
I bought this car brand new and have had very few problems. It drives and looks almost brand new. Love the looks and it's engine, great interior, auto air, auto lights, and comfort and room.
1996 Bonneville Highlights
SSE
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $195/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 18.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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