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2004 Pontiac Bonneville GXP Sedan
One Nice Performance Car

Susan Frissell

Clearly a luxury car, the new Bonneville, although an old classic, has incorporated lots of new technology and appointments. Still performance-oriented, as are all the Pontiac offerings, Bonneville is a very comfortable riding four-door sedan. Competing with the likes of Chrysler 300M, Lincoln LS and Lexus ES 300 (GXP/SLE) and Nissan Maxima, Chrysler Concorde, Toyota Avalon (SE), the Bonneville has been refined.

New for 2004 is the all-new GXP version, introduced in the first quarter of the year, the Northstar V8 engine with 300 lb. Foot of torque, four-wheel independent performance-tuned suspension/electronically-controlled transaxle, four-wheel ABS, 18-inch performance tires, StabiliTrak, Performance-tuned exhaust system, GXP-specific front and rear styling, Monsoon eight-speaker audio system and leather-appointed seats with suede inserts. New on the SE model are 16-inch aluminum, chrome-plated wheels, and several new colors for all of the lineup.

The Bonneville is available in three models: SE, SLE and GXP. Two engines: 3800 3.8-liter V6 and Northstar 4.6-liter V8 are offered as are two automatic transmission choices: Hydra-matic 4T65-E 4-speed and Hydra-Matic 4T80-E 4-speed.

SPECS
MSRP	$35,270; destination $725
Body style	5-6 passenger, front-engine, front-drive
Vehicle class	Large sedan
Engine	4.6-liter Northstar V8, 275 horsepower
Transmission	Hydra-Matic 4-speed electronic automatic
Wheelbase	112.2 in.
Height	56.6 in.
Width	74.2 in.
Length	202.6 in.
Weight	3790 lbs (GXP)
EPA Fuel Economy	17/24 mpg
Fuel capacity	18.5 gal.
Wheels	18-inch 5-spoke sterling silver-painted
Tires	P235/50R18
Warranty	36-mth/36,000-mile

You know you’re in a GM by the way the dash and IP are decked out. There’s lots of pizzazz and doo-dads in the interior. If you’re someone who likes all the gingerbread, this car’s for you. Because of all the gadgets, it takes a little time to become acclimated to the interior. As GM states, it’s luxurious, yet performance-minded. We especially liked the suede inserts in the leather seating and door panels, the brushed aluminum shifter handle.

The GXP’s center console is great for storage and incorporates the heating and cooling outlets for the rear passengers. Driver and front passenger side air bags and dual-zone individually operated climate control settings are standard on the GXP, as are the Monsoon eight-speaker AM/FM/CD system.

Our test car came equipped with $3770 worth of options, standard fare for GM products, we find. A power sunroof with universal garage door opener ($1,100), crimson tintcoat paint, $750, XM Satellite radio with 100 channels, $325 and eyecue heads-up display, $325. Yikes. We find the heads-up eyecue irritating and invariably turn it off when riding in a GM product that is so equipped. I suspect it’s helpful for many drivers, seniors especially, but we find it distracting.

Other standard features on the GXP Bonneville include the Onstar communications system, daytime running lights, alarm system, remote keyless entry, pass-key theft deterrent system, tire inflation monitor system, rear spoiler, dual tint/heat power mirrors, integrated window antenna, power everything and cruise. The rear seat has a pass-through for long items.

There is ample leg and headroom in the new Bonneville, making this a car you’ll want to take on long road trips. It’s quiet and smooth riding, and although performance-oriented is luxury-performance.