1997 Pontiac Bonneville Review

After 12 years

Written by: David in PA on 05/02/2009

Vehicle

1997 Pontiac Bonneville 4 Dr SSE Sedan

Review

Nice looking car, paint still looks great after 12 years. Previously owned a 1988 SSE. Replaced original two position sport struts with Monroe Reflex after 75,ooo miles. Reflexes are great! Avg 16 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Traction control is nice in snow. Intake manifold gaskets leaked at 55,ooo then again at 102,000 miles. Luckily engine wasn't damaged. Transmission replaced at 75,000 miles because trans yoke body went bad. Car would surge at highway speed when going up a slight incline. There's a tech bulletin on this but no recall. Overall I really like the car.

Favorite Features

Nice Bose radio. Dash looks great at night, many compliments from friends. Heads up display is useful but off (slow) by 4 mph at 60 mph. At night the taillights look nice.

Suggested Improvements

Cup holders in doors aren't very useful. Single cup holder in center console nice for driver, needs two holders.

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1997 Pontiac Bonny SE

Written by: hazenguy on 05/02/2009

Vehicle

1997 Pontiac Bonneville 4 Dr SE Sedan

Review

I bought my Bonny for a whopping $500. The guy thought the reverse was out on it, when their was no fluid in the trans. I put 3 qts in it, drove her home. My car has 268000 miles and looks great! Everything works on the car! I have tuned her up. She has been well maintained. I would recommend this car to anyone needing a good car on a budget. You can pick up a NICE one Cheap! The parts are common and there is alot of info on the "trouble spots" and "how to's" on the car. I usually would NOT buy a car with this mileage, BUT so far so good!!

Favorite Features

LOVE the stylying, the engine, interior cloth [in mine] has held up very well, no tears. The car is still "tight" , paint is great, easy to work on!!

Suggested Improvements

PCV valve placement [hidden], these cars have slow shifting trannys [common prob] but mine is good, the driver's seat could be a little higher for my taste. HATE the theftlock radio, but easy to figure out if you r patient.

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Love my Bonneville SSEi

Written by: Wayne S on 11/04/2008

Vehicle

1997 Pontiac Bonneville 4 Dr SSEi Sprchgd Sedan

Review

Have had my 1997 Bonneville SSEi for 8 years. Have had six Corvettes and was a fighter pilot so tend to like fast cars. The supercharged six is simply amazing. Great mileage (30 MPG + on highway)plus more than enough power for everyday driving. At 7 seconds 0-60 MPH according to the magazines, it is actually faster than some of my mid- 70's Corvettes. The car seems faster since the power band is broad and instantaneous due to the supercharger. Engine has been flawless since owned. A nice daily driver, I like the real Heads-up Display and good instrumentation. The 8 Bose-speakered stereo is the best factory car stereo I have ever heard. Nothing has even come close. Great car.

Favorite Features

HUD. Supercharged V-6. Bose stereo system. Climate control.

Suggested Improvements

Bring back the supercharged V-6

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fun fun fun

Written by: supercharged on 06/17/2008

Vehicle

1997 Pontiac Bonneville 4 Dr SSEi Sprchgd Sedan

Review

This car was great and fun to drive. It was one of the most comfortable cars to drive and had a lot of power.

Favorite Features

the supercharger

Suggested Improvements

better handling

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97 SSEi

Written by: Kevin on 05/31/2008

Vehicle

1997 Pontiac Bonneville 4 Dr SSEi Sprchgd Sedan

Review

Great car to drive! Powerful and still good fuel mileage! With a few Mods, Upgraded exhaust, Cold air intake, upgraded Supercharger pulley and PCM upgrade, Car is even more powerful ( up to about 290 HP.) And driving normal still gets great MPG. Love it !

Favorite Features

Power, Comfort and Looks !

Suggested Improvements

Other than a couple of minor oil leaks, (valve cover and oil pan) No complaints !

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