Pontiac Bonneville?qsrc=3044

This article does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (September 2008)

Pontiac Bonneville

Manufacturer	General Motors
Production	1957–2005 1982-2005 (Canada)
Successor	Pontiac G8
Class	Full-size (1957–1981 & 1987–2005) Mid-size (1982–1986)

The Pontiac Bonneville is an automobile built by the Pontiac division of General Motors from 1957 to 2005. It was introduced as a limited production performance convertible during the 1957 model year. The Bonneville (known as the Parisienne in Canada until 1981), and its platform partner, the Grand Ville, are some of the largest Pontiacs ever built; in station wagon body styles they reached just over 19 feet (5.8 m) long, and were also some of the heaviest produced cars at the time (2.5 tons, or 5,000 lb (2,300 kg)).

History

Early development - 1954–1958

1957 Bonneville.

The Bonneville name first appeared in 1954 on a pair of bubble-topped GM Motorama concept cars called the Bonneville Special. It entered the production lineup as a high-performance, fuel-injected luxury convertible in the 1957 model year and was loaded with every conceivable option as standard equipment with the exception of optional air conditioning. This put the Bonneville in a Cadillac-like price range of $5,000 - more than double the base price of a Chieftain four-door sedan. A fully equipped Bonneville could cost more than a Cadillac. Only 630 units were produced that first year, making it one of the most collectible Pontiacs of all time. The Bonneville endured until 2005 as the division's top-of-the-line model. The name was taken from U.S. Army officer Benjamin Bonneville and the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, the site of much early auto racing and most of the world's land speed record runs.

The Bonneville added a coupe in 1958, and it paced the Indianapolis 500 that year. This year's Bonneville had a significantly lower price tag of around $3,000 thanks to the demotion of most of the luxury items found on the '57 model from standard equipment to the option list. Also a 300 horsepower (220 kW) 370 cubic inches (6,100 cc) V8 with four-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts was now standard equipment. The fuel-injection system offered with the standard engine on the '57 model was now listed as an extra cost option but very few '58 Bonnevilles were so equipped due to a towering price tag of over $500 USD, which was not considered a very good value considering that for less than $100 USD, a Tri-Power option was available with three two-barrel carburetors and even more power.

1959–1970

First generation

Also called	Parisienne (Canada)
Production	1958–1961
Assembly	Pontiac, Michigan, United States Flint, Michigan, United States Ypsilanti, Michigan, United States Wentzville, Missouri, United States
Body style(s)	2-door convertible 2-door coupe 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon
Layout	FR layout

Second generation

Also called	Parisienne (Canada)
Production	1962–1964
Assembly	Pontiac, Michigan, United States Flint, Michigan, United States Ypsilanti, Michigan, United States
Body style(s)	2-door convertible 2-door coupe 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon
Layout	FR layout
Platform	B-body
Engine(s)	389 cu in (6.4 L) V8 421 cu in (6.9 L) V8 400 cu in (6.6 L) V8
Related	Buick LeSabre Chevrolet Impala Pontiac Catalina/Laurentian Chevrolet Bel Air

Third generation

Also called	Parisienne (Canada)
Production	1965–1970
Assembly	Pontiac, Michigan, United States Flint, Michigan, United States Ypsilanti, Michigan, United States
Body style(s)	2-door convertible 2-door coupe 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon
Layout	FR layout
Platform	B-body
Engine(s)	389 cu in (6.4 L) V8 421 cu in (6.9 L) V8 400 cu in (6.6 L) V8 428 cu in (7 L) V8 455 cu in (7.5 L) V8
Related	Buick LeSabre Chevrolet Impala Pontiac Catalina/Laurentian Chevrolet Bel Air Chevrolet Caprice

1961 Pontiac Bonneville Tri-Power Sport Coupe

1961 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible

In its third year, the 1959 Bonneville became a full top-line series with the addition of the four-door hardtop sedan and Safari station wagon body styles. The Bonneville played an important part that year in the introduction of two of Pontiac's greatest marketing inspirations — the split grille and the Wide Track slogan. The latter was not just ad copy, either, as Pontiac pushed its wheels further out toward the fenders than anyone else and created what were considered to be the best-cornering full-size cars in the industry. Both the grille design and the Wide Track phrase are still part of Pontiac's image today. The Bonneville remained as Pontiac's costliest and most luxurious model throughout the 1960s and was instrumental in pushing Pontiac to third place in sales from 1962 to 1970.

The Bonneville differed from its lesser Catalina and Star Chief counterparts by featuring more luxurious interior trim with upgraded cloth and Morrokide vinyl or expanded Morrokide upholstery in sedans and coupes, expanded Morrokide in Safari wagons or genuine leather seating in convertibles. Also found in the Bonneville were instrument panels and door panels with walnut veneer trim, carpeted lower door panels, grab bar on passenger side of dash and courtesy lights and rear arm rest. Beginning in 1964, a Bonneville Brougham option package was available that included an even more luxurious interior trim level with front and rear seats featuring center armrests, upgraded door panels and a standard Cordova (vinyl) roof with "Brougham" nameplates.

Bonneville models were standard equipped with Hydra-Matic (through 1964) or Turbo Hydra-Matic (1965-on) automatic transmissions. Other options included power steering and power brakes as well as air conditioning. Other popular options included power windows, power seats, radio, cruise control, and 8-lug aluminum wheels that included integral brake drums for improved stopping power. The Bonneville also had more powerful standard V8 engines than other full-sized Pontiacs including the 389 cu in (6.4 l) or 400 cu in (6.6 l) V8s with four-barrel carburetors (power ratings of 303 to 340 hp (226 to 254 kW) depending on year) with many optional V8 offerings available including Tri-Power (three two-barrel carburetor) options on both the 389 cu in (6.4 l) and 421 cu in (6.9 l) V8s that offered up to 376 hp (280 kW) through 1966. For 1962, Pontiac also offered the 421 cu in (6.9 l) Super Duty with two four-barrel carburetors, rated at 405 hp (302 kW), as a US$2,250 option (when the base Bonne listed at US$3,349).^[1]

Pontiac full-size performance reached its peak in 1966. All full-size models got new sheetmetal for 1963, including stacked headlights. Performance enthusiasts once again turned to the Catalina, the lightest of the Pontiac full-size coupes. The standard engine was a 389 cu in (6.4 L) V8 with 283 bhp (211 kW). Next up were two 421 cu in (6.9 L) V8s with 10.75:1 compression ratios: a four barrel making 353 hp (263 kW) and the Trophy 421 HO (High Output) with triple Rochester two-barrel carburetors operated by a progressive throttle linkage, rated at 370 bhp (280 kW). For serious drag strip use, buyers could specify the Super Duty 421 which came in three states of tune which all benefited from an increase in the compression ratio from 11.0:1 to 12.0:1 and an increase in the maximum shift point from 5900 rpm to a screaming 6400 rpm. Straight-line ETs ruled the showrooms during the muscle car era and the early Pontiacs had impressive numbers.

A General Motors corporate edict that took effect with the 1967 model year led Pontiac to discontinue the Tri Power engine options on all of its cars. That year also brought a larger 400 cu in (6.6 L) V8 as the standard engine for Bonneville and other full-sized Pontiacs to replace the previous 389, while the 421 cu in (6.9 L) V8 was replaced by a new 428 cu in (7 L) engine that offered as much as 390 horsepower (290 kW). For 1969, a 360 hp (270 kW) 428 became the standard Bonneville engine, which in turn was replaced for 1970 by an even larger 455 cu in (7.5 L) V8 rated at 370 hp (280 kW).

1971–1976

For 1971, the Bonneville was moved down in the model hierarchy, as a new top line Grand Ville series was introduced. In effect, it replaced the discontinued Executive between the lower-priced Catalina and the Grand Ville. The Bonneville was offered in three body styles, a pillared four-door sedan, four-door hardtop sedan and two-door hardtop coupe. The standard engine for 1971-72 was a 455 cubic-inch V8 with two-barrel carburetor that was rated at 280 gross horsepower for 1971 and 185 net horsepower for 1972 and optionally available was the four-barrel version of the 455 rated at 325 gross horsepower in 1971 and 250 net horsepower in 1972. The on-paper power ratings reflect the change in power measurement undertaken by the industry for 1972. 1971 was also the first year for Pontiac and other GM divisions to reduce compression ratios on all engines across the board in order to enable use of lower-octane regular leaded, low-lead or unleaded gasoline, thanks to a corporate edict in preparation for the introduction of catalytic converters in 1975 to help meet increasing stringent federal (and California) emission requirements.

In mid-1971, a Turbo-Hydramatic transmission, power steering and power front-disc brakes became standard equipment on Bonneville and other full-sized Pontiacs (as well as other full-sized GM cars).

From 1973 to 1976, the Bonneville's standard engine dropped to a 170-horsepower 400 cubic-inch V8. Optionally available was the 455 four-barrel V8 rated at 250 horsepower (190 kW) for 1973-74 and 200 for 1975-76. In 1973, Bonneville was the only full-sized Pontiac to offer a "Radial Tuned Suspension" option package which included the steel-belted radial tires along with an upgraded suspension with Pliacell shock absorbers and front and rear sway bars. The RTS option was expanded for 1974 to all full-sized Pontiacs and radial-ply tires became standard on all 1975 models though an upgraded "RTS" package was still available as an option.

With the demise of the Grand Ville series after 1975, Bonneville once again became the top-line full-sized Pontiac series, with a Bonneville Brougham model featuring the luxurious interior appointments from the departed Grand Ville.

1977–1981

Fifth generation

Also called	Parisienne (Canada)
Production	1977–1981
Assembly	Ypsilanti, Michigan, United States
Body style(s)	2-door coupe 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon
Layout	FR layout
Platform	B-body
Engine(s)	231 cu in (3.8 L) Buick V6 265 cu in (4.3 L) Pontiac V8 301 cu in (4.9 L) Pontiac V8 350 cu in (5.7 L) Pontiac V8 350 cu in (5.7 L) Chevrolet V8 305 cu in (5 L) Chevrolet V8 305 cu in (5 L) Oldsmobile diesel V8 400 cu in (6.6 L) Pontiac V8 403 cu in (6.6 L) Oldsmobile V8
Wheelbase	116.145 in (2950 mm)
Related	Buick LeSabre Chevrolet Impala Pontiac Catalina/Laurentian Chevrolet Bel Air Chevrolet Caprice Oldsmobile 88

Bonneville would continue its flagship duties on the downsized big car line that was introduced for 1977. The downsized Bonnevilles (and Catalinas) were about a foot shorter in length and reduced in weight by some 800 pounds compared to their 1976 counterparts but maintained the same interior roominess and trunk space with much-improved fuel economy - a major selling point in the years following the 1973-74 energy crisis.

With the downsized 1977 models, only a pillared four-door sedan and two-door coupe (with optional opera windows) were offered as the hardtop sedans and coupes offered in previous years were discontinued across the board at all GM divisions. The Bonneville also regained the Safari station wagon as part of its model lineup for the first time since 1970 with woodgrained exterior trim and interior appointments shared with Bonneville coupes and sedans. The Safari was available in both 6- and 9-passenger configurations and featured a dual-action tailgate that could be opened to the side as a door or downward as a tailgate, rather than the disappearing clamshell tailgates found in 1971-76 full-sized Pontiac wagons.

The standard engine for Bonneville was Pontiac's new 301 cubic-inch V8 rated at 135 horsepower (101 kW) and optional engines included a 170-horsepower 350 or 180-horsepower 400 cubic-inch V8. A 185-horsepower Oldsmobile 403 cubic inch V8 was also an option. In later years, increasingly stringent fuel-economy standards mandated by the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulations would lead to the discontinuation of the larger engines with a 231 cubic-inch Buick V6 becoming the standard engine on Bonneville coupes and sedans for 1980 and 1981 with the only optional V8s offered including 265 and 301 cubic-inch Pontiac-built gasoline engines or an Oldsmobile-built 350 cubic-inch Diesel powerplant.

The Bonneville/Bonneville Brougham models were discontinued after the 1981 model year along with the lower-priced Catalina due to sagging sales resulting from the second energy crisis of 1979-80 which sent many new car buyers to more fuel-efficient four-cylinder or V6-powered compact cars. The discontinuation of the American-built, rear-drive full-sized Pontiac also coincided with the demise of Pontiac-built V8 engines, which were last built in 1981. From 1982 onward, all V8-powered Pontiacs were powered by engines sourced from other GM divisions such as Chevrolet or Oldsmobile.

1982–1986

Sixth generation

Production	1982–1986
Assembly	Sainte-Thérèse, Quebec, Canada
Body style(s)	4-door sedan 4-door station wagon
Layout	FR layout
Platform	G-body
Engine(s)	3.8 L (231 cu in) Buick V6 5 L (305 cu in) Chevrolet V8 5.7 L (350 cu in) Oldsmobile diesel V8
Transmission(s)	3-speed THM200 automatic 4-speed 200-4R automatic
Wheelbase	108.0 in (2743 mm)
Related	Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Chevrolet Malibu Buick Regal

In 1982, Pontiac abruptly moved the Bonneville nameplate from a full-size car to a mid-size car previously known as the Pontiac LeMans/Grand LeMans in both four-door sedan and Safari station wagon body styles with engine choices including a standard Buick 231 cubic-inch V6, optional Chevrolet 305 cubic-inch V8 or Oldsmobile 350 cubic-inch Diesel V8. The 1982-1986 models were officially known as the "Bonneville Model G", although later models were not badged as such.

There has been great confusion as to what these vehicles really are (A or G body). There is confirmation that at least some of these bonnevilles from this 1982-1986 era are in fact A-platform cars based on actual original build sheets removed from the cars themselves explicitly stating: box o. "car line-A" which confirms an A platform/A body car even though the car is called MODEL G. Also there are confirmed VIN numbers with the letter A as the 4th digit. For at least this period, general motors lists the fourth digit as the car's platform.

Introduction of the new front wheel drive A bodies in 1982, prompted this change to "model g" on these RWD cars. The wagon was dropped after 1983 in favor of the front-drive Pontiac 6000 wagon introduced for 1984. The Bonneville sedan continued in base, limited edition (LE), and brougham versions through 1986. The 1982-1986 Bonnevilles are direct descendants of the 1964 Pontiac Tempest. These 1982-1986 Bonnevilles were the smallest and the last of the old breed of Bonnevilles, having rear wheel drive, full perimeter frame (body on frame), and old-fashioned American car ride and styling.

Pontiac customers did not take to the change as the "downsized" Bonneville arrived just as many new-car buyers were switching their preferences from compact and mid-sized cars to full-sized, V8-powered cars, as noted by increasingly larger cars from Pontiac's sister divisions such as the Chevrolet Caprice, Oldsmobile 88, 98, Buick LeSabre and also Ford's Mercury Grand Marquis. Late in the 1983 model year, Pontiac reintroduced a full-sized car to the American market by bringing over the Canadian-built Pontiac Parisienne (which was essentially a restyled Chevrolet Caprice and powered by Chevrolet V6 or V8 engines). The Bonneville was then again one notch below the top of the line from late 1983 through 1986.

1987–1991

Seventh generation

Production	1987–1991
Assembly	Ypsilanti, MI, United States 1987–1989 (early) Wentzville, MO, United States 1989 (late)–1991
Body style(s)	4-door sedan
Layout	FF layout
Platform	H-body
Engine(s)	3.8L LG3 Buick V6 Specifications Years Used: 1987–1988  •Family: GM Buick 90° V6  •RPO/VIN: LG3/3  •Displacement: 3,791 cc (231 cu in)  •Stroke: 3.40 in (86 mm)  •Bore: 3.80 in (97 mm)  •Power: 150 hp (112 kW) @ 4400 RPM  •Torque: 210 lb·ft (285 N·m) @ 2200 RPM  •Fuel Type: Gasoline  •Fuel System:SFI  •Configuration: 12V/OHV  •Compression: 8.5:1  •Aspiration: Normal 3.8L LN3 3800 Buick V6 Specifications Years Used: 1988–1991  •Family: GM Buick 90° V6  •Model: 3800  •RPO/VIN: LN3/C  •Displacement: 3,791 cc (231 cu in)  •Stroke: 3.40 in (86 mm)  •Bore: 3.80 in (97 mm)  •Power: 165 hp (123 kW) @ 4400 RPM  •Torque: 220 lb·ft (298 N·m) @ 2800 RPM  •Fuel Type: Gasoline  •Fuel System:MPFI  •Configuration: 12V/OHV  •Compression: 8.5:1  •Aspiration: Normal
Transmission(s)	4-speed THM440T4 automatic
Wheelbase	110.8 in (2814 mm)
Length	198.7 in (5047 mm) 1987–89 SE: 198.3 in (5037 mm) 1990–91 SSE: 198.6 in (5044 mm)
Width	1987–89: 72.4 in (1839 mm) 1990–91: 72.1 in (1831 mm)
Height	1987–89 LE & SE: 55.5 in (1410 mm) 1987–89 SSE: 54.7 in (1389 mm) 1990–91 LE & SE: 54.1 in (1374 mm) 1990–91 SSE: 54.6 in (1387 mm)
Curb weight	LE 3,275-3,325 lb (−22.7 kg) SE 3,327-3,413 lb (−39.0 kg) SSE 3,481-3,601 lb (−54.4 kg)
Related	Buick LeSabre Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight

For 1987, Pontiac introduced a radically different Bonneville. Instead of using traditional rear-wheel-drive, the new Bonneville used a more economical front-wheel-drive platform. It joined the two-year-old H Body platform with the Buick LeSabre and Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. Initially, a 150 hp (110 kW) 3.8 L V6 was the sole engine, mated to a 4 speed Hydramatic 4T60 automatic. The new Bonneville was placed on Car & Driver's 10 Best list for 1987, offering both a base model and LE model. For LE models, an SE sport package was also available that featured a quicker gear ratio, sportier suspension and more standard features.

1988

1990 Bonneville SSE

A host of trim level changes and a new engine became standard for the front wheel drive Bonneville's second year. First, a revised version of the LG3 was introduced. Renamed the LN3, it was the first use of the "3800" name. Featuring sequential-port fuel injection, the LN3 produced 165 hp (123 kW) and 210 lb·ft (285 N·m). Also new for 1988, the base model is dropped making LE the base model. Two new models are added, the midlevel SE (went from option package to trim) and line-topper SSE. The latter features an extra deep rear valence, lower body cladding, a digital compass/trip computer, an eight speaker premium sound system and much more.

For 1989, a compact-disc player became optional and in 1990 a remote keyless entry system was added to the options list for all models. Suspension changes greeted the 1991 model year.

1992–1999

Eighth generation

Production	1992–1999
Assembly	Wentzville, MO, United States 1992–1993 Lake Orion, MI, United States 1994–1995 Flint, Michigan, United States 1996–1999
Body style(s)	4-door sedan
Layout	FF layout
Platform	H-body
Engine(s)	3.8L Series I L27 V6 Specifications Years Used: 1992–1994  •Family: GM Buick 90° V6  •Model: Series I 3800  •RPO/VIN: L27/L  •Displacement: 3,791 cc (231 cu in)  •Stroke: 3.40 in (86 mm)  •Bore: 3.80 in (97 mm)  •Power: 170 hp (127 kW) @ 4800 RPM  •Torque: 225 lb·ft (305 N·m) @ 3200 RPM  •Fuel Type: Gasoline  •Fuel System:SEFI  •Configuration: 12V/OHV  •Compression: 9.0:1  •Aspiration: Normal 3.8L Series I L67 V6 Specifications Years Used: 1992–1993  •Family: GM Buick 90° V6  •Model: Series I Supercharged 3800  •RPO/VIN: L67/1  •Displacement: 3,791 cc (231 cu in)  •Stroke: 3.40 in (86 mm)  •Bore: 3.80 in (97 mm)  •Power: 205 hp (153 kW) @ 4400 RPM  •Torque: 260 lb·ft (353 N·m) @ 2600 RPM  •Fuel Type: Gasoline  •Fuel System:SEFI  •Configuration: 12V/OHV  •Compression: 8.0:1  •Aspiration: Supercharged 3.8L Series I L67 V6 Specifications Years Used: 1994–1995  •Family: GM Buick 90° V6  •Model: Series I Supercharged 3800  •RPO/VIN: L67/1  •Displacement: 3,791 cc (231 cu in)  •Stroke: 3.40 in (86 mm)  •Bore: 3.80 in (97 mm)  •Power: 225 hp (168 kW) @ 5000 RPM  •Torque: 275 lb·ft (373 N·m) @ 3200 RPM  •Fuel Type: Gasoline  •Fuel System:SEFI  •Configuration: 12V/OHV  •Compression: 8.0:1  •Aspiration: Supercharged 3.8L Series II L36 V6 Specifications Years Used: 1995–1999  •Family: GM Buick 90° V6  •Model: Series II 3800  •RPO/VIN: L36/K  •Displacement: 3,791 cc (231 cu in)  •Stroke: 3.40 in (86 mm)  •Bore: 3.80 in (97 mm)  •Power: 205 hp (153 kW) @ 5200 RPM  •Torque: 230 lb·ft (312 N·m) @ 4000 RPM  •Fuel Type: Gasoline  •Fuel System:SEFI  •Configuration: 12V/OHV  •Compression: 9.4:1  •Aspiration: Normal 3.8L Series II L67 V6 Specifications Years Used: 1996–1999  •Family: GM Buick 90° V6  •Model: Series II Supercharged 3800  •RPO/VIN: L67/1  •Displacement: 3,791 cc (231 cu in)  •Stroke: 3.40 in (86 mm)  •Bore: 3.80 in (97 mm)  •Power: 240 hp (179 kW) @ 5200 RPM  •Torque: 280 lb·ft (380 N·m) @ 3600 RPM  •Fuel Type: Gasoline  •Fuel System:SEFI  •Configuration: 12V/OHV  •Compression: 8.5:1  •Aspiration: Supercharged
Transmission(s)	1992–97: 4-speed 4T60-E automatic 1992–96: 4-speed 4T60E-HD auto 1998–99: 4-speed 4T65-E automatic 1997–99: 4-speed 4T65E-HD automatic
Wheelbase	110.8 in (2814 mm)
Length	1992–95 SE: 199.5 in (5067 mm) 1992–95 SSE & 1992–93 SSEi: 201.1 in (5108 mm) 1996–97 SE: 201.7 in (5123 mm) 1996–99 SSE: 203.1 in (5159 mm) 1998–99 SE: 202.0 in (5131 mm)
Width	1992–97: 74.5 in (1892 mm) 1998–99: 74.4 in (1890 mm)
Height	55.7 in (1415 mm) 1998–99 SSE: 56.0 in (1422 mm)
Related	Buick LeSabre Oldsmobile 88 Oldsmobile LSS

In 1992 the interior and exterior of the car were completely redesigned. This generation hosted quite a few Bonneville firsts, becoming quicker and considerably safer. One of the most notable improvements over the previous generation was that the Bonneville SE now came standard with a driver airbag, while ABS was available as part of the sport appearance package. The SSE models came with standard ABS and traction control. The trims were redone once again, the LE trim (which had standard 6-passenger seating) was removed, the SE was now the base model (the only model to offer 6-passenger seating as an option), the SSE was now the mid grade and a new top of the line trim was now added, the SSEi. It should be noted, according to GM's Pontiac division, these trim acronyms have no implied meaning. The new N/A 3800 Series I (RPO: L27) engine was used, producing 170 hp (127 kW) and 225 lb·ft (305 N·m), as well as the newly designed force inducted Series I 3800 (RPO: L67) equipped with an Eaton M62 roots type supercharger which made 205 hp (153 kW) and 260 lb·ft (353 N·m). The newly revised N/A L27, for the 1992 model year only, was not equipped with an EGR Valve.

Abridged Safety Option List:

For 1993 the Sport Luxury Edition (SLE RPO: H4U) was offered. This is basically an SE sub-trim with more standard options such as leather seats, electronic climate control and premium sound. This option package designation remained only on the RPO sticker until 1998, when SLE badges were added to the exterior of the vehicle. This continued onto the '99 model year. Many more standard options were available with the SSE. The SSEi came standard with most of the available options in the lower models, including the Supercharged 3800 (RPO: L67).

In 1994, A new Generation III Eaton M62 supercharger came, along with new OBD-1.5 capabilities, raising the horsepower to 225 hp (168 kW), torque was raised to 275 lb·ft (373 N·m). Also this year introduced the new 5 spoke "Torque Star" wheels. A resonator also became standard on the exhaust to lower the raspy tone that the engine produces. Passenger airbags also became standard on all models this year.

In 1995 the car stayed the same appearance wise, but the SE and SSE trims received a new naturally aspirated engine, the Series II (RPO: L36). This engine made 205 hp (153 kW) and 230 lb·ft (312 N·m). The SSEi remained equipped with the Series I SC 3800 (RPO: L67) engine until the 1996 model year, when it too was updated.

In March 2008, GM announced that these engines and other GM engines supplied with Dexcool antifreeze coolant might be prone to intake manifold failure and other problems with the cooling system if proper regular maintenance is not correctly performed. After settlement of a class-action lawsuit, GM agreed to compensate owners of many vehicles that suffered damage, regardless of negligence on the part of the consumer, if the consumer can prove damages.

1996–1999

1996-1999 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi

In 1996 the exterior of the vehicle had undergone design changes. Some things were subtly reshaped, and other things, such as the tail lights, headlights, grille, and lower body cladding were drastically changed. The gap narrowed quite a bit regarding the exterior trim between packages. The previous generation showed an entirely different style of cladding and rear lighting for the SSE and SSEi, while this generation, at first glance, remains the same between the trims, with of course, the exception of the unique front bumper and grille. Also for 1996, the supercharged version of the 3800 Series II engine was introduced for the Bonneville. The SSEi and optionally the SSE got a new supercharged L67, producing 240 hp (179 kW) and 280 lb·ft (380 N·m). This engine was used from 1996 until it was retired from the Bonneville in 2003.

A new transmission, the 4T65-E was introduced in 1998 for the naturally aspirated 3800 installed in SE and SSE models, and the heavy-duty version, otherwise known as the 4T65E-HD was introduced in 1997 for the supercharged 3800 installed in the SSEi models.

Engine availability

• 170 hp (130 kW) L27 - SE (92-94), SLE (93-94), SSE (92-94)
• 205 hp (153 kW) L36 - SE (95-99), SLE (95-99), SSE (95-99)
• 205 hp (153 kW) L67 - SSE (92-93) optional, SSEi (92-93)
• 225 hp (168 kW) L67 - SLE (95) optional, SSEi (94-95)
• 240 hp (180 kW) L67 - SLE (96-97) optional, SSE (97) optional, SSEi (96-99)

2000–2005

Ninth generation

Production	2000–2005
Assembly	Lake Orion, MI, United States 2000–2003 Hamtramck, MI, United States 2004–2005
Body style(s)	4-door sedan
Layout	FF layout
Platform	H-body
Engine(s)	3.8L Series II L36 V6 Specifications Years Used: 2000–2005  •Family: GM Buick 90° V6  •Model: Series I 3800  •RPO/VIN: L36/K  •Displacement: 3,791 cc (231 cu in)  •Stroke: 3.40 in (86 mm)  •Bore: 3.80 in (97 mm)  •Power: 205 hp (153 kW) @ 5200 RPM  •Torque: 230 lb·ft (312 N·m) @ 4000 RPM  •Fuel Type: Gasoline  •Fuel System:SEFI  •Configuration: 12V/OHV  •Compression: 9.4:1  •Aspiration: Normal 3.8L Series II L67 V6 Specifications Years Used: 2000–2003  •Family: GM Buick 90° V6  •Model: Series II Supercharged 3800  •RPO/VIN: L67/1  •Displacement: 3,791 cc (231 cu in)  •Stroke: 3.40 in (86 mm)  •Bore: 3.80 in (97 mm)  •Power: 240 hp (179 kW) @ 5000 RPM  •Torque: 280 lb·ft (380 N·m) @ 3200 RPM  •Fuel Type: Gasoline  •Fuel System:SEFI  •Configuration: 12V/OHV  •Compression: 8.0:1  •Aspiration: Supercharged 4.6L LD8 Cadillac V8 Specifications Years Used: 2004–2005  •Family: GM Premium 90° V8  •Model: Cadillac Northstar  •RPO/VIN: LD8/Y  •Displacement: 4,570 cc (279 cu in)  •Stroke: 3.31 in (84 mm)  •Bore: 3.66 in (93 mm)  •Power: 275 hp (205 kW) @ 5600 RPM  •Torque: 300 lb·ft (407 N·m) @ 4000 RPM  •Fuel Type: Gasoline  •Fuel System:SEFI  •Configuration: 32V/DOHC  •Compression: 10.0:1  •Aspiration: Normal
Transmission(s)	4-speed 4T65-E automatic 4-speed 4T65E-HD automatic 4-speed 4T80-E automatic
Wheelbase	112.2 in (2850 mm)
Length	2000–01 SE: 202.5 in (5144 mm) 2000–01 SLE & SSEi: 203.2 in (5161 mm) 2002–05: 202.6 in (5146 mm)
Width	74.2 in (1885 mm)
Height	2000–01 SE: 56.0 in (1422 mm) 2000–01 SLE & SSEi: 56.4 in (1433 mm) 2002–05: 56.6 in (1438 mm)
Curb weight	3,596 lb (1,631 kg) (SE) 3,656 lb (1,658 kg) (SLE) 3,745 lb (1,699 kg) (SSEi)
Related	Oldsmobile Aurora Buick LeSabre

Pontiac Bonneville SLE

The 2000 Bonneville was redesigned from the ground up with significant advancements in design, engineering and technology which Pontiac dubbed "luxury with attitude."^{[citation needed]} It remained on the H-platform and true to its Wide Track heritage with the widest overall track in its competitive class at 62.6 inches up front and 62.1 inches in the rear. GM's StabiliTrak stability control system was introduced on the top-of-the-line supercharged SSEi model.

The Bonneville regained a V8 option on the GXP trim for 2004, its first since 1986, as a result of the discontinuation of the Oldsmobile Aurora. This opened up a "hole" in the GM lineup between Pontiac and Buick, allowing Pontiac to expand upmarket somewhat. The engine is Cadillac's 4.6 L (~281 cu in) Northstar V8, producing 275 hp (205 kW), 300 lb·ft (407 N·m) and giving 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds.

Pontiac Bonneville GXP

For the last year of production, Pontiac gave the mid-level SLE the new GXP styling. The 2005 SLE featured all GXP styling cues, except the wheels, badging, and muffler tips all remained unique to the GXP.

GM announced on February 8, 2005 that the Bonneville would be dropped from Pontiac's lineup for 2006. The last Bonneville left the assembly line on May 27, 2005. Only about 12,000 Bonnevilles were sold in 2005. With more than half of Pontiac dealers also selling Buick models, the Buick Lucerne (along with the Chevrolet Impala) continued as GM's only mainstream full-size cars until the introduction of the 2008 G8.

Mexico

Only the eighth generation of the Bonneville was offered in Mexico, from 1994 until the 1999 model years, and only in the SSE trim. 27,984 Bonnevilles were sold, in total.

Notes

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Pontiac Bonneville