1997 Pontiac Bonneville Review
1997 Pontiac Bonneville Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Full-size comfort, good value, excellent powertrains, can equip SE like go-faster SSEi for less
Cons
- Dated overdone styling
What’s new
Changes for 1997 are few. Supercharged Bonnevilles get a new transmission, a new Delco/Bose premium sound system is optional on the SSE, and the EYE CUE heads-up display has a new motorized adjustment feature. Two new exterior colors, a new interior color and a new interior fabric visually liven up the aging Bonneville.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Pontiac Bonneville SE 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 $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$216/mo for Bonneville SE
Bonneville SE
vs
$224/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 roomy offerings such as the Ford Taurus and Toyota Avalon, but kills the competition with full-sized seating for six, attractive styling and amazing performance capabilities for a big, front-drive four-door.
The Bonneville benefits from a powerful base engine; a 3800 Series II V6 that pumps out 205 horsepower and gets an amazing 29 miles per gallon on the highway. Optional is a 240-horsepower supercharged variant of the base V6. If you must have the supercharged engine but don't want all the goofy aero add-ons and wizardly doo-dads 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 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 easily runs less than thirty grand, 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.
Pontiac carries the Bonneville over nearly intact for 1997. Supercharged models get a new electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. Order an SSE, and you can equip it with a new Delco/Bose premium audio system. The optional head-up display now has a motorized adjustment feature, and lap/shoulder belts are easier to release thanks to the relocation of the "eject" button to the end of the latch. Two new exterior colors debut, and interiors are newly available in Dark Pewter.
The Bonneville continues to provide excellent value for your full-size car dollars. If the Ford Taurus and Eagle Vision are a bit too loud 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 1997 Pontiac Bonneville.
5 star(59%)
4 star(35%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(0%)
46 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.63 out of 5 stars
Amazing Bonneville
Gerry, 09/15/2010
1997 Pontiac Bonneville SE 4dr Sedan
My dad purchased this car new 8/1997. He left the car to me after he passed on in 7/2004 with under 90,000 miles. I've been driving it since and now has 215,000 miles. It is the best car I've ever owned. Except for routine maintenance, I've only replaced the exhaust system, struts and the alternator. It is a shame that GM decided to throw Pontiac under the bus. In the end all Pontiac … had were rubber stamped Chevys. Instead, they should have been allowed to develop newer cars.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Jackpot
hosie, 11/18/2004
1997 Pontiac Bonneville SE 4dr Sedan
My dear bonneville just crossed its 174000 mile mark. Not a single major repair since I owned it. I have driven this car for Boston to San Francisco and back. The most comfy ride ever. You can never go back to a smaller car once you have driven this. It gives me 26+ mpg. A no-fatigue drive. I have used and abused this car and it sure takes a beating. The car fits a 10 ft long piece of … 2x4 lumber completely with the trunk closed. Highly recommended.
4.38 out of 5 stars
1997 Pontiac Bonny SE
hazenguy, 05/02/2009
1997 Pontiac Bonneville SE 4dr Sedan
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!!
4.63 out of 5 stars
Sporty Look and Ride
Peachy, 05/31/2005
1997 Pontiac Bonneville SE 4dr Sedan
Smooth ride, reliable car. Took a chance and bought used at 108K for $3K. Had to replace power steering pump and rack and pinion, because someone poured something in there. Cost $550. Relay switch burned out and interior fan would not cut off. Cost $125. Other than that..great car..good gas mileage and leather is holding up not too bad. Has a CD player and cup holder and back seat has a … little fold out to put longer item in the trunk. It juts out into the back seat. Rear bumper paint worn, but all else good. Our color is plum. Driver side mirror loose, vibrates just a little. Dash lights are sporty red at night.
1997 Bonneville Highlights
SSE
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 20 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $216/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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