By Steven D. Gatt, Automotive Editor
The Pontiac Bonneville is a good car but it is in need of a redesign. The time has come to give this 40-year old sedan a face lift. Pontiac is already working on the next generation; due to arrive in late 1998 as a 1999 model. Expect it to be a much tighter car based on the solid G-Platform that the Aurora, Riviera and 1998 Seville are based.
The exterior design is a bit over done; the car just feels too wide. This exterior width translates into excellent hip room for passengers but rear seat leg room needs improvement. A cab-forward redesign will significantly improve overall interior room. The interior features a full complement of gauges and duplicate radio controls on the steering wheel. Many of the gauges are out of the driver's direct line of sight, set too far to the right. The rear deck lid slopes off quickly but fortunately the trunk is deep. Otherwise, this would compromise space.
The usually strong 3.8L, 3800 V6, 200 hp engine seemed sluggish in this car due to the weight of the vehicle. Once up to speed on the freeway it was a comfortable drive. The suspension lazily soaked up the undulations in the freeway. While on the freeway mileage is rated at 28 mpg. Around town, the Bonneville seemed slow; pulling away from stop lights almost required full-throttle. Inside the daily commute of stop-and-go driving, the Bonneville will get 19 mpg.
While the Bonneville is supposed to be bigger and more luxurious than the Grand Prix, it doesn't feel that way. The Grand Prix is thoroughly more modern sedan and in tune with the driver. The Bonneville doesn't communicate with the driver. The suspension is extremely softly sprung, and feedback through the steering wheel is negligent. The SSEi version with the supercharged engine and the sport suspension would be the way to go with this car. Specific areas for improvement should include rear seat leg room, suspension and power to weight ratio. This Bonneville is a good base for Pontiac to build on; I eagerly await the next generation.