EDMUNDS.COM 2005 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
If traditional Pontiac styling twists your crank, and you want a large sedan packed with performance and features, the Bonneville is your kind of ride. However, the rear-drive Chrysler 300 offers a better package overall.
Pros
Loads of gee-whiz features, solid handling, powerful V8 in GXP, excellent crash test scores, large trunk.
Cons
Average interior materials, overly complicated controls, poor resale value.
What''s New for 2005
The OnStar communications system is now standard on all Bonnevilles.
Overview
Introduction:
The Bonneville nameplate dates all the way back to 1957 when it debuted as a limited-edition convertible based on the Star Chief. The following year, the Bonneville became its own line and has enjoyed an uninterrupted run ever since. Over the years, the Bonneville went through many of the same changes as its GM brethren. High-powered V8s were the name of the game in the ''60s, while the ''70s were all about being large and curvy. The ''80s ushered in the smaller Bonneville and with the ''90s came the cladded-up techno tour-de-force version. The current model is billed as "Luxury with Attitude." This seems a fitting moniker as it shares its platform with the recently retired Cadillac Seville while offering either a 205-horsepower V6 or a 275-horse Northstar V8. Rolling on a 112-inch wheelbase, the Bonny also backs up Pontiac''s "Wide Track" marketing pitch with a class-leading 62.6-inch front and 62.1-inch wide rear footprint. The GXP model goes even further with standard 18-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension and bigger brakes. With room for six, the Bonneville''s substantial girth keeps it from feeling quite as nimble as some of its competitors, but it can still move well for a big sedan. This places it in a somewhat ill-defined category; that of the large domestic entry-level luxury sport sedan. There''s not much in the way of competition, but there aren''t many buyers yet, either. The arrival of the V8-powered GXP model provided a much needed boost last year. Up until this year, the Mercury Marauder was its only real competition. The Marauder has been discontinued, but the arrival of the rear-drive Chrysler 300 and its available Hemi V8 makes the Bonneville a tough sell going forward.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
Three models are available: SE, SLE and GXP The base SE comes nicely equipped with 16-inch wheels and tires; four-wheel disc brakes with ABS; keyless entry; a six-way power-adjustable driver seat; power windows, mirrors and door locks; a six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo; and a tire-pressure monitor. The midlevel SLE adds a programmable driver information center, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with satellite stereo controls, traction control and 17-inch aluminum wheels. The top-level GXP loads up the standard equipment list with 18-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, dual-zone climate control, leather/suede upholstery, carbon-fiber trim, a power front-passenger seat and a high-powered Monsoon audio system. Satellite radio is optional on all models.
Powertrains and Performance:
Standard on the SE and SLE is GM''s 3800 Series II V6 that not only pumps out 205 horsepower through a four-speed automatic transmission, but also can get an impressive 30 miles per gallon on the highway. Move to the GXP and you get a vigorous 275 hp and 300 pound-feet of torque from a 4.4-liter Northstar V8. An automatic transmission is also standard on the GXP, but it has a more aggressive 3.71 final drive ratio for quicker starts.
Safety:
All Bonnevilles offer standard four-wheel antilock disc brakes and optional side airbags (standard on the GXP). Traction control is standard on all but the base SE model, and the GXP gets the StabiliTrak stability control system. In government crash testing, the Bonneville received four out of five stars for driver protection in a frontal impact and a perfect five stars for front-passenger protection. Side-impact tests returned a five-star rating for both front and rear passengers. The IIHS gave the Bonneville a "Good" rating (its best) and named it a "Best Pick" in its category.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
All controls are canted toward the driver in true Pontiac tradition, with full instrumentation backlit in the brand-signature red lighting. It''s easy to see at night, but the endless array of buttons and knobs can be a little overwhelming at times. If your needs call for six-passenger capability, a 55/45-split bench seat with center storage armrest is available on the SE (in cloth only). Rear-seat room is excellent with good support and a useful fold-down armrest that includes two cupholders.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
The Bonneville''s standard V6 is plenty adequate for confident merging and passing, but those who want serious power will definitely want to upgrade to the GXP and its potent Northstar V8. Despite its large size, the Bonneville is a competent handler. Push an SE or SLE model hard and it will get out of sorts easily, but less aggressive drivers will find either one comfortable and competent for everyday driving chores. The steering leans toward the lighter side to the detriment of road feel, but the brakes have a good solid feel. Without question, enthusiasts will prefer the dynamics of the GXP, as its sport suspension and 18-inch wheels give it better control and response in the turns.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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