Review Car

2011 Pontiac Bonneville

The power and the streamline look that 2011 Pontiac Bonneville offers is incredible. The current model is billed as “Luxury with Attitude.” The 2011 Bonneville’s closest competitors include the Audi A4, the Honda Accord Sedan, and the Toyota Avalon. Upon introduction, the Bonneville is equipped with a standard 3.8-liter, V6, 205-horsepower engine that achieves 20-mpg in the city and 29-mpg on the highway. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The 2011 2011 Bonneville is a carryover from 2003.

All are powered by a 3.8-liter V6 with overhead valves, developing 205 horsepower in the SE and SLE. The SSEi adds a positive-displacement supercharger that boosts output to 240 horsepower. Performance is good even with the un-boosted engine, although most driving enthusiasts will appreciate the extra oomph of the supercharger.

2011 Pontiac Bonneville’s standard equipment includes a four-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, power doors, power windows, power mirrors, 16-inch alloy wheels and a reasonably good AM/FM stereo cassette system. SLE adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel with redundant audio controls, dual-zone automatic climate control, six-way power driver’s seat, remote keyless entry, an upgraded sound system, traction control, 17-inch alloy wheels and a performance suspension (specifically, a 30mm anti-roll bar up front, vs. the 29mm standard bar; and a 20mm bar added at the rear). 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. The arrival of the V8-powered GXP model should provide a much needed boost this year. 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 brake. 2011 Pontiac Bonneville offer standard four-wheel antilock disc brakes and optional side air bags. The Bonneville received four out of five stars for driver protection in a frontal impact and a perfect five stars for front-passenger protection. 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.