Used 1998 Pontiac Bonneville Sedan Consumer Reviews
Used Bonneville for sale
My Bonnie is the best car I've ever had
Stephiey13, 05/13/2010
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi 4dr Sedan
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I bought this car from an individual, and I am ashamed to say that I was very ruluctant to buy it because of a Grand Am I had before, which was a big piece of junk, but now I am so glad that I did. It's the best and most dependable car that I have ever owned. Rides smooth, the seat adjustments are awesome, very comfortable, has a lot of kick when you need it. She has 230,000 miles on her and shows no signs of stopping. I have had to replace the water pump, a pulley and the belt, and the radiator hose, thats it. Awesome car, and I would love to buy another one but they are getting hard to come by anymore, the 98 models are the best in my opinion.
Great Car
Cassie, 10/01/2010
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SE 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought my Bonneville with 140,000 miles on it. It now has 158,000. The person I bought it from replaced the transmission and struts. It's a really great car. I had to replace the water pump (really cheap part, and fairly easy to repair). I love driving it. It's been extremely reliable, and it's nice and roomy.
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Ben, 08/06/2009
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SLE 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I purchased this vehicle last year. It has 237,000 miles on it and still drives great. I have put over 20,000 miles on it. Just needed oil changes and tires so far. There is a small whining noise under the hood, and the paint on top of hood peeling. But for the high mileage, still has plenty of V6 power and very comfortable.
BEST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED!!!
Feyee, 01/25/2010
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SE 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is a fantastic car, drives like a dream, corners well, handles well in ALL weather conditions. Have driven 14+ hours a day, could never do that in most vehicles. Seats are unbelievable comfortable for driver & passengers. Have enjoyed having a sunroof. VERY Reliable, if could would buy the same car over again!!!LOVE IT!!! With over 121,000 miles on it trying to decide to sell or not?? Hate to let it go.
Fun Sedan
ejant, 05/23/2002
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This was my third Bonny. 90 and 96 prior years. This it one strong sedan. Not too much out there can be comparable in performance for a sedan. Truly "Luxury with Attitude". The alternator went on it at 23,000 and the transmission at 34,500. other than that nil. Ya gotta drive it to beleive it.
Comfortable car - engine issues
kjkrgk, 06/28/2002
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SE 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought the car new because I fell in love with the looks and ride. Had absolutely no problems for 3 yrs, only needed routine maintenance. At 48000 miles the engine suddenly siezed, needed total engine replacement. After 2 months of aggravation and argument, GM and the dealer each covered a third of the repair costs, and threw in a $1500 certificate for a new GM vehicle. I still love the car, but don't have the same level of confidence when I first bought it. I plan to keep the car for another 4 to 5 years, hopefully no further major problems will develop.
Legitimate Review
D Bone, 07/16/2002
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Overall very comfortable vehicle to drive. Excellent performance for its class real strong engine 3.8L V-6. Reliability on major componenets has been good trany and engine are solid 81 K miles burns virtually no oil and holds good pressure. However,wter faile at 40K, been through 2 alternators, one at 38K and one at 70K, Minor oil leak at 30K (new gasket fixed), blower motor (ac/heat)at 40K, replaced trany gasket at 79K. Semi- minor stuff but powertrain is solid. Mileage 19-20 in town 25-29 on highway, pretty good considering the power and size of the vehicle.
150,000 and still willing
601Sunset, 02/13/2008
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought this because my wife thought it was nice. Then she kept it for herself and wouldn't share except on weekends. Had to much fun with it so I ended up buying her a new car just so I could keep it all to myself. So I just had to make a decision whether to save it's life or DNR but I decided to have the tranny fixed, cost me $3100.00. Call me crazy but I had it fixed, so what's that say about the car. It's been a great affair with it and hopefully it continues once it gets healthy. It's amazing what your willing to do for a loved one.
Rock solid car
bnw, 10/06/2014
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We've had Saabs and VWs, Olds and Buicks, Dodges and Triumphs. This Bonney, now at 237,000 miles, is the best car I've ever had (even though it's being a sedan kept us from being able to move furniture in it). Time, distance, and New England winters are finally catching up with it -- no major repairs ever needed until this past year -- and I'm finding that I cannot find anything near as good and as responsive and comfortable to drive (while being affordable) as the Bonney nowadays. Massive, major mistake to deep-six Pontiac and Oldsmobile.
intake problems
robb, 03/02/2002
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
the vehicle has been a great car. the only problem is the intake manifold. issues of cracks, i had the problem at 54k miles and pontiac did help out. i was a second owner and they stood behind the product i was happy for that.
I'm spoiled now
Builtforcomfort, 11/13/2003
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used. The dealer had purchased it in a Florida auction. The ride is smooth and comfortable, second only to an older Oldsmobile. The wide seats are extremely comfortable, with plenty of room in the back. It came with every option that Pontiac makes for this car, and I've never had any trouble with any of them. I definitely prefer the power of the SSEi - I felt I didn't have quite enough power in the SE.
Great Car
bflbarlow, 12/05/2011
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with 155,000 miles on it for a straight $2000 in 2008. I loved my Bonnie, but I was a pretty brutal driver. Although some things broke (lever for high beams, speakers, side mirrors, etc), I'm actually surprised more didn't break under some pretty heavy use. The only engine problem I had was serpentine belt snapping that lead to a few other problems such as a blown radiator and teaked power steering. I took this car to DC and back a few times and had an extremely comfy ride. This car is HUGE and great for moving. Has great pickup and gets to 100 easily. Bad city mpg, but great hwy mpg approaching 28-30mpg (lazy 5th gear). Heavy handling, but fun enough to drive. Great Car.
Big Green Lemon
haugent, 06/25/2009
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SSE 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought this used, with clean CarFax and low miles. Put few miles on per year, and keep up with routine maintenance. Thank God I got an extended warranty. Thousands in repairs of all sorts in the 4 year warranty period, including a replaced engine - which lasted 5500 miles before the 3rd engine. Add'l items not covered by warranty, like sunroof, gauges, fuel lines, starter, and on. Rusting in odd locations - under fuel fill, window pillar on driver's door. HUD is cool, but invisible on sunny days. Power is inadequate - couldn't outrun anything but a heavy truck.
Great Car! I love my Bonneville
1998bonnie, 07/06/2013
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 1998 Bonneville SE in 2004 with 76,000 on it, now it has over 143,000. Being that it was sitting on a Chicago used car lot for I don't know how long, I didn't know if it was a good deal or not buying through Ebay. After I got it, I have several things done to it. It's still a good over all great car. In 2011 I had the anti-freeze problem fix with gaskets replaced, upper plenum (Upper air intake) replaced, water pump, radiator, spark plugs, wires, all hoses, all sensors, and starter replaced. Even though nothing was wrong, I still wanted to be safe than sorry. The new radiator sprung a leak and I fixed that with Bar's Leak. I also replaced the stock muffler with a Flowmaster.
Run away from Bonneville & GM
Nomorbonnevilles, 05/08/2002
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SSE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchase my Bonneville SSE new in 1998. At $56,000 the plastic intake manifold cracked, allowing fluid into the cylinders which locked down the engine. Now at 102,000 miles the same thing. No help from GM either time. I am out over $2000 for this poor engineering design. The more I look into it, this is a very common problem with this engine. From day one, the car has had a vibration. I replaced the Goodyear tires with Michelin and the dealer replaced 2 more sets until he found tires that were close enough to perfect to reduce the vibration. Is the suspension so bad I have to search the country for 4 perfect tires so the vehicle doesn't vibrate?
Project Bonneville
Trent, 04/12/2009
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought the car from family a year ago, first of three. My first car at seventeen, my Bonneville is one of thirty or forty cars I've drove and I'm beyond happy with it. I underestimated the performance before I owned it; I've ran the car in about twenty races, losing twice- once to a 2004 v8 mustang and a second time to a v6 celica. The cars been modded to be a sleeper and has as much performance add ons as possible without ridding comfort. I love it but am considering a full ssei conversion, or maybe even reinforcing the entire car and putting in a gto or ls1 engine along with new transmission and exhaust layouts. I love this car and am extremely satisfied with it.
I'll miss this car
Karl, 08/28/2009
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with 44,000 miles on it and will be selling it at over 203,000. This car has provided me with safety (through 2 deer accidents), reliability (only one major engine problem- a gasket recall) and comfort (the a/c went but everything else still works fine). The performance was never top notch but it could more than get out of its own way (and past the occasional highway fool). Some rust here and there but I still walk out, stop and admire the way it looks; the lines of the car never get old. Unfortunately, the signs of old age have arrived all at once. Problems with the gas tank and filler and some big maintenance hurdles. Don't know what to buy now. Too bad GM axed Pontiac.
Amazing
Jared T, 02/06/2010
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this car for $222 after taxes from my dealership about a year ago. A fillup of chevron gas and a dose of Mystery Oil and she is running like a brand new car with 322,000 miles!!!! Best buy I have ever made. It gets better gas mileage than my 4 cyl camry, and it has more power than any V6 I have ever owned. It runs 90mph without any effort. The ride is smooth and fairly responsive, but it does lack the grip my camry has, which might have somthing to do with the cheap tires it is riding on. Overall I love this car best $222 I have ever spent!
I love this car
lillovebug09, 11/02/2010
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SSE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It was a great car I have it right now but will be trading it for a newer car, haven't had any problems with it :)
The car you dont want to buy
james101, 07/20/2002
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Pontiac in 1998 its been the worst car I ever owned. I like the way the engine runs and the way the car looks, but thats where it stops! I had to replace the engine in it, had to replace the main oil seal, the power stearing pump twice, and i had to change the starter twice you do not want to buy this car just for this reason! Luckly its all under warnty or i would have around 5,000 to 10,000 in work done to it.
No not a blown engine for $5,000.00 !
CHW, 08/24/2002
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Not recommended! The looks, ride and comfort are excellent, but it leaves alot to be desired from a reliability standpoint. The engine went out at 56,000 miles. It has already had a starter replaced. I usually get 150,000 from V8 rear wheel drive cars before any repairs.
1998 Bonneville
JoeB., 10/15/2002
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have the standard model (SE), purchased as a lease-end car. I have seen some horrible reviews for this car, and I know a lady whose tranny went out over 90,000 miles. I have to say, though, that my car has been one of my all-time favs. It rides well, handles well, has adequate power, is reliable every day. It has 103,000 miles on it, still going strong.
Same Engine Problem -Intake body
CAF, 10/17/2002
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Same experience as others ... cracked intake body allowing antifreeze to enter engine. A big mess ...about $2.2K in damage/repairs. Car never did seem to run well for a long period of time since we purchased it ... always replacing fuel injectors and plugs ... maybe that's why the original owner did a dump-n-run on it after 5K miles!?
Bad Manifold
Rick Vines, 11/05/2002
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Somewhere between 63000 and 69000 miles, my intake manifold leaked enough collant into my engine to destroy my lifters. The repair cost over $2000. Even though this was due to a design flaw and is a common problem, Pontiac told me that it's my problem and offered no assistance. The Pontiac dealer that did the repair said they have seen hundereds of these, and the replacement manifolds have been redesigned to address this problem. From what I've read, complete engine failure is not an uncommon result.
ok car-nothing special
gc22, 11/08/2002
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
basic car nothing special good mpg reliable
I'm not alone
Charlie B, 09/06/2003
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this vehicle because it looked good, had great acceleration, a smooth ride, and comfortable seats. I liked the layout of the interior and the the sound quality of the stereo. Since owning it, I have also had to replace the intake manifold. It caused about $800 worth of damage. And I have a main seal oil leak, too. Aside from this, I still like the car a lot and will consider a newer Bonneville when the time comes to replace this one.
1998 Bonneville SE
Canicuss, 10/02/2003
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I ran into a man who traded his 98 Bonneville for a newer Bonneville and was sorry he had. We both agree it's a reliable car, stylish and fun to drive. I've only invested in routine maintenance and haven't had any problems mechanically and the body is sound.
Nice Reliable transportation
Pontiac fan, 02/05/2004
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car based on the positive experience I had with my last Bonneville. I am happy to report that I have put 93K on it & have had to do only routine maintenance :=) I wish it had more cup-holders, and the trunk- spoiler design was better, but overall, I feel I have a good-looking roomy 4 door car that doesn't look like an old lady's car. I use the car like it is my "living room," and it is holding up well. I hope it continues to do so.
This car rocks!
ciahra, 02/16/2004
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fell in love with this car after reading review in 1995. Bought it used in 2002. Drove 90 mins to find it, and bought it days later. Power is incredible, handling is great after putting high performance tires on, corners well, brakes well, looks sharp. At 70K miles, car runs great. I am a firm believer in manual shifting, but this car has me thinking otherwise. Quick, responsive, comfortable, spacious. Best car I've owned to date. Plan to keep it for a long time.
Best used car for my money
Andrew A, 02/17/2004
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought a '92 Bonneville after meeting a real estate agent who has owned the $60K Corvette, a Lexus, a Mercedes, 2 BMW's, and 2 Bonnevilles (SE and supercharged SSEi). He said that of all of the vehicles he has owned, he likes the Bonneville best. I can see why. He did comment that he preferred the SE for its smoother ride. After the '92 Bonneville I upgraded to a '98 SE. I rented a 2000 once & just didn't like it as much as the '98. I love my '98. I bought an SUV recently & prefer the Bonneville. So far, no mechanical problems in the 35K miles I've had it. I'm no featherfoot on the accelerator, either.
A Reliable Machine
Wes, 05/22/2006
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very few, very minimal issues. Drives better 3 years later than it did when I bought it. 2 thumbs up.
Great American Car
Kevin, 08/05/2006
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car about a year ago from a private party with 70k miles on it. Now have over 90K miles Always liked the style but never owned a Pontiac. Wanted a large car for golf with a somewhat sporty look. The inside leather is luxurious. The response and handling is great with the 3.8 V6. Just a great car. The mileage on trips has never been less that 30 mpg at 70 mph. I have a 95 Lexus ES 300 and a 2006 Corolla S. Both the wife and I enjoy this car as much as either of them. I can only say this vehicle is very well built and an overall great value.
Reliability is not worth the price!
ATS, 03/11/2003
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We like the vehicle and the first 40,000 miles were fine. Then the problems began to appear. They included failed intake manifold (requiring engine rebuild) at 60K, ABS pump at 70K, transmission at 52K, radio twice, computer modules three times, and now at 105K, the manifold went again to the tune of $1200! For what we paid for the car, I would not recommend this model especially when GM has issued tech bulletins on these issues yet will not cover the repair costs.
SSEi review
Scott85, 01/16/2005
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is alot of fun to drive. It will definatly surprise some people on the road and it really pulls good on the highway. The gas mileage is OK for the supercharged engine, just wish it was a little better. I've only put about 8K on it since buying and the only thing I've had to do to it was to change the plugs & wires(it has 117K on it). The car handles well for how big it is .
Excellent
natalie, 03/04/2005
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great car. Excellent in the snow and very reliable. Even with over 100,000 k miles, it has get up and go.Very roomy for 4 people. Lots of trunk room. Not to many problems, just a few minor ones. The check engine light comes on if the gas cap isn't on right. That can be a nuisance. Other than that, I love this car!
Black 98 SLE
windowsxp, 12/19/2005
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Good about of power for a full-sized car. Transmission shifts smooth. Rides very smooth and handles pretty good for a big car. The bucket seats are quite comfy.
Great car!
Daniel, 01/26/2006
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
bought the car from my boss with 180 thousand mls car ran great for him w/no problems and all I've done is put in a new waterpump and synthetic oil I get 30mpg hwy and I can fly by mustangs and bmws with no ease. The car handles well at any speed and the traction control is quite admirable for the vehicle. Heads up display is great but it takes getting used to driving other cars that dont have it. I couldnt be happier with this car. I hate debating over getting something new even with the "high" mileage. The engine certainly doesn't know it has that kind of mileage on it.
Great
ryan w, 12/07/2006
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I feel my '98 has held up better than most cars half it's age. I work at a car dealership and the Bonneville has a much roomier interior than any '06 Impala. The interior is quiet, although less wind noise would be preferable, and The interior had a tenancy to creak and rattle in colder conditions. Overall, this is a good car and I wish more cars were built like this.
Awesome car
Bonneville Scott, 01/27/2007
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My Bonneville has 288,000 miles and it is still going strong! My 96 had 203,000 when I wrecked it. Extremely reliable car that fits my family of 5 comfortably and gets better gas mileage than some of the compact cars its age.
Point and shoot driving
SlyDover, 04/23/2003
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This 1998 Bonneville SSEi is my second Bonneville. I had my 1988 SSE for 7 years and loved it too. The 1998 is so much fun to drive, I can' believe it's legal. The dual mode suspension is great. The performance mode is very stiff and accomidates aggressive driving while the touring mode is perfect for gliding down the freeway. In performance mode you just point the car where you want and it goes there. Point and shoot driving at its best!
My Bonnie
cecilio perez, 10/30/2007
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the car in 2007 with 24,625 miles. I now have a little over 36000. Yesterday I was in a small fender- bender. I've got a Dodge Avenger as a rental car. I can't wait for my Bonnie to be fixed. I miss the power, the confort, the instrument panel. Did I mention the comfort? Iv'e gone on a couple trips after I bought it. can not complain abt anything. My wife thinks that I am crazy because now I keep looking for a spare car and guess what I want? When the time comes to get a new car for me, it will be a Pontiac G8 or a 2005 Bonnie GXP. I know I have ways to go because this Bonnie is going to last a while.
1998 SSEi
RyanMac, 05/16/2003
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Bonneville SSEi is just an amazing piece. It's very quick, handles well, and is completely loaded with every option. It also looks mean and catches eyes everywhere I go.
great car overall
mashka, 05/27/2003
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is very easy to drive and it gives you alot of safety due to its size.
overall performance
faynor, 03/12/2002
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this vehicle has been one of the better cars i have owned - have had only one problem, that being a rear oil seal - which was covered by the warr. - has very good gas mileage 29mpg on trips - is comfortable - and still is a good looking car
a big fan
quikie, 03/18/2002
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i am a big fan of the bonneville, the car is at 77k, and runs new and perfect, i did 120mph it the other day, car runs perfect
98 Bonn.
emmk, 03/23/2002
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Vehicle is roomy as expected for it's size.Good mileage.Will not score more then average for handling at speeds over 60.Rock and pinion was replaced at 43,000. Traction Control not much of benefit. Large moon/sun roof is a plus. I'm switching to an import for price value.
My Bonnie
Cecilio A. Perez, 05/02/2008
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was looking for a used car that was comfortable and reliable. I've got it. Responsive, comfortable, nice looking. I want to soup up the performance a little bit by adding aftermarket items like a high performance air filter and a better exhaust.
In 2024, my 1998 Bonney is the BOMB!
Lise, 07/04/2024
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1998 Bonney in 2004 with 68,000 on her. She has seen me through thick and thin. Although she started to rust around the rear wheel wells and around her gas insertion point, she has been the chariot to see me through life's ugly spots and the vehicle I have dependent on, and cried about when I think I might lose her. She has also survived because of a wonderful and dependable mechanic ( Marty). I only wish we still had Pontiac and the possibility of another comparable vehicle. This vehicle has been my life-line and I love my Bonny!!!
Warning!
VincentModrak, 03/17/2008
1998 Pontiac Bonneville SSE 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car a year ago off my Dad and ever since it has been a nightmare. Shutting off randomly at first. Then the water pump blew out in October, $300. One month later my Upper Intake Manifold cracked for a second time in 3 years flooding the engine with coolant causing my starter to blow as well when trying to restart. The Upper Intake Manifolds on these cars are made of cheap plastic. They will crack on your car around 100k to 130k. Its a 1200 dollar repair bill as well. After happily owning a 95 Grand Prix, 94 Trans Am and an 02 Grand Am I was very disappointed by the Bonneville..