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Pontiac Bonneville

4400 messages,  Last post on Jul 23, 2010 at 5:36 PM

You are in the Pontiac Bonneville Forum.

What is this discussion about? Pontiac Bonneville, Sedan




Messages Page 240 of 440

#2391 of 4400 Are we what we drive? by mfahey1

Dec 26, 2001 (4:57 pm)

First let me say that I hope that all of you were able to enjoy the holidays as much as we did. I guess as we get older, we are able to enjoy the time that our kids are able to spend with us considering that they both live an hour away in Chicago.
Now that I have your attention with my title, the Chicago Tribune had an abbreviated review this Sunday of the 2002 Bonneville SE. So as not to violate any copyright laws, I'll put what they said in quotes.
"Exceptional ride, superb handling, outstanding performance. The '02 Pontiac Bonniville delivers on all counts.
You also enjoy quick steering response and the ability to go in the direction pointed, thanks to traction control that helps you get-and keep-going when rain or snow covers the pavement.
Four-wheel ABS, front and side air bags and such amenities as air conditioning and power doors/windows/mirrors.
What more could you ask for?
What we would ask for is a major styling overhaul. Bonneville was last given a fresh look for the 2000 model year, but the car has not aged gracefully.
Bonnevelle looks a little saggy and baggy and needs to sport a more muscular design in keeping with its performance character. Pontiac excitement is supposed to start when you take your first look, not after you take your first drive."
Gee, you think we look "saggy and baggy"?
I guess that, as always, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Considering that the reviewer mentioned "superb handling", did the '02 SE add a rear stabilizer bar that the earlier SE's didn't have?
 
Mark

#2392 of 4400 Fresh Look vs. Aging Gracefully by smfran

Dec 26, 2001 (5:16 pm)

It would be too much to ask for any auto manufacturer to update styling after only three model years. With the investment made for the change between 1999 and the "fresh look" of 2000, I doubt any major changes would occur before the 2004 comes out.

#2393 of 4400 by ehaase

Dec 28, 2001 (12:47 am)

The Bonneville is supposed to be discontinued by 2004 or 2005, so there will probably no more significant changes. The Bonneville does not sell well.

#2394 of 4400 Sales up!!! by cjwells

Dec 28, 2001 (9:30 am)

Sales up over 10% this year from last year for the Bonneville. Might been a good sign for the future of the Bonneville.

#2395 of 4400 SALES by montanafan

Dec 28, 2001 (9:48 am)

Automotive News Data Center has the numbers as : 2001 thru November 46,087, 2000 thru November 62,383.

#2396 of 4400 Trib review by tpken

Dec 29, 2001 (7:05 am)

Mark - It's interesting that the reviewer did not mention the SLE and SSEi models have more aggressive looks than the SE model. One would almost wonder if the reviewer was aware of the differences. And the handling remarks sure sound better than others had said of the SE in pst years. I don't think the sway bar is std yet either - perhaps his car had one installed anyway.
 
Can't argue with his summary of the ride and handling. Mine is just the way I like it. BTW, my Aquatreads have been on for almost 2 weeks now - had one rain storm to try them out in - very grippy. Dry handling seems ok too but at 80-85mph you can just barely hear a bit of tire whine as Tirerack suggested. No snow here to try out that handling yet.
 
Happy New Year to all.
 
Ken

#2397 of 4400 Car reviews by mfahey1

Dec 29, 2001 (2:19 pm)

It does make you wonder sometimes about the car review process. I know it isn't practical for the reviewers to actually drive and review every variation of a particular model but it would seem that they could at least mention what else is available in a given model they are reviewing. I was looking at Motor Trend today and they have a table of all the cars they have reviewed over the last several years and what performance specs they were able to run. The 2000 SSEi is listed at 0-60 in 7.5 seconds while the GTP with the same engine although a lighter body is listed at 6.8 seconds. Maybe axle ratio has something to do with it but I simply don't believe there is that much difference between the two models or that the SSEi is that slow.
Saggy and baggy indeed. Cancel my subscription.

#2398 of 4400 what if??? by ezrapon

Dec 29, 2001 (9:04 pm)

I have done a few modest mods to my SSEi i.e., pulley, thermostat, air intake. I have beaten a GT mustang and a Z/28. I imagine my 0-60 times are much better than the advertised one in the media. Probably pushing around 270 to 280 H.P. The car is much more fun to drive with the mods. Pontiac could have tweaked this car with axle ratios and other little engine tweaks to make it a real screamer. I wonder what the reviewers would say if they drove a 300 HP... 3:23 ratio SSEi? I guess they'd whine about the torque steer. With these temps in the teens here in St. Louis, it seems like ol' Santa dropped a 427 under my hood... she loves the cold stuff. Off the subject: Just saw the Pontiac commercial for the G/P... What would you do with the keys to a new GP, for a week? Easy. Throw them away and keep driving my Bonneville!!! Happy holidays to all and GO RAMS!

#2399 of 4400 throw the keys my way ezrapon! by fantascp

Dec 31, 2001 (6:34 am)

I could use a new GP anyday!!!!!- sure beats running around in a 91 Buick Skylark with over 127,000 miles on her as my primary way to get to work!!!- (LOL)- of course my wife has the BONNEVILLE - Monday to Friday- what else is new??
Oh Well,
 
Everyone- have a safe,happy, and joyous NEW YEAR!!
 
Regards,
 
CHUCK

#2400 of 4400 Best Wishes by xavier64

Dec 31, 2001 (11:04 am)

Just dropping buy to wish all a safe new year and enjoy the time spent with family and friends.
 
The Maple Red Bonnie has crossed over the 3500 mile barrier and is working fine.
 
Can one purchase the passenger side air filter at any auto store and install it themselves? As far as I can tell, the unit just drops in. At the dealer, the service tech said it cost about $75.00 or so.
Have a safe holiday and take care...Steve

Messages Page 240 of 440

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