1988 Pontiac Bonneville SSE | Retro Review

[@directreply350]

People too young to remember this car would probably see this and laugh at how ridiculous this thing looks now, but damn this was a hot car in the day. The blacked out taillights looked so exotic and when you said you had an SSE people knew what was up. Man how times have changed!

[@texan903]

Relatively speaking, this car still looks great today, especially in an age of some near useless crossovers.

[@reallyrandomrides1296]

Yeah, pulling up in a Bonneville SSE (or later SSEi) really said "you've arrived" - I'd have taken this over a Cadillac! Always liked the idea of a sedate mainstream car with a performance and styling upgrade. GM had great sounding exhausts on their V6s, nice gutsy rumble.

[@Wasabi9111]

When this was new, I was in 3rd grade and one of the kids parents had this in all white and I thought it was the coolest looking car. I loved the white side cladding and all the buttons in the steering wheel.

[@pxn748]

I was just out of college when these came out, and I thought it was so cool and wanted one badly!

[@zodiac909]

My dad had one, and i feel this.

[@DimitriosChannel]

GM interior design team----------------> Needs more BUTTONS!

[@generaloranger6150]

80's logic: Making no sense is the best sense.

[@Bartonovich52]

iTs LiKe DrIvInG a CoMpuT _OR!!!_

[@fredaydaybae8450]

Dimitrios F everything was functional and time period correct. Every owner of one of these, my self included LOVED this buttons. Those shitty touchscreens that don’t respond hadn’t been developed yet.

[@cojack424]

@@fredaydaybae8450 wrong....the touchscreens were in the 1988 Oldsmobile Toronado/Trofeo and the Buick Riviera and Reatta....

[@fredaydaybae8450]

@@cojack424 gurl.....I’m well versed in this

[@ornentertainment4755]

I’ve had the pleasure of owning my dream car for 6 years and I enjoyed every bit of driving the Pontiac Bonneville SSE Experience 👍🏾🙌🏾🏆💯

[@kballard5415]

My great uncle bought 1990 sse and still has it to this day one owner and clean and the same color as this one

[@gthang5357]

Clearly he's not going too but if by some miracle he decides to sell it..... let me kno I can't find a SSE anywhere.

[@gthang5357]

Your uncle still holdin?

[@Celicabryce]

@@gthang5357 I might be selling one in the near future 89 sse eith 85,000 miles

[@gthang5357]

@@Celicabryce ok let me kno ill be 👀in out

[@gtoger]

Dad had a SSE like this with gray interior and driver airbag (no "strangler" seatbelt.) It was comfortable, had plenty of scoot, and the over-the-top styling turned a lot of heads in the neighborhood.

[@generaloranger6150]

The square body Bonnies never had airbag until the 92-99 Aero models.

[@Valkyry5]

My FAVORITE CAR! This car was ALL I TALKED ABOUT! All my friends and family was drilled on what color, model and year I wanted. They was so happy and glad to see me -Finally- get one so I can, at last, Shut up about it.

[@material___]

This is the best looking bonneville

[@keithjackson286]

My sister had a 92. Had 170hp then. Great car

[@RedLP5000S]

It is gorgeous, but I think GM pulled out all the stops for the following SSEi. Spectacular vehicle.

[@RebelPMP]

Loks like the '89 Cadillac STS not a bad thing

[@kingrandor7272]

The gxp is

[@connorpusey5912]

It does look good but it objectively does not hold a candle to those of the 50s.

[@MidnightinSavannah]

I worked for dealership when these were new. Those seats were comfortable as hell.

[@ericbritton9346]

This is one of my favorite cars all of the Pontiac division. I used to own a 1997 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi with a 3.8 liter supercharged engine that went 18 City 24 MPG oh, but I didn't care it's all about driving excitement. That I always wanted me a 1988 Pontiac Bonneville SSE black exterior dark gray interior full loaded with a power sunroof.

[@raudelchavez2059]

I have. And it's dope

[@halohunter5217]

Driving excitement with an automatic? Lol

[@retiredsnowbunnyhunterx5106]

Oh man i know you had a blast. I had a 1996 ssei supercharged. I remember when i seen it on Craigslist back in 2007 an fell in love with it. Lol i also remember the first time i drove it at night an seen the heads up display nearly panic cause i didnt know the car had that. Thought i was being clocked by the police from inside the car. I miss that. Too bad my 2006 g6 gtp dont have that.

[@junali94]

RIP Pontiac 🌠

[@sudmuck]

@Joshua Jacob Pontiac for president 2020!

[@travelseatsyellowlab]

@Camaro SS Blame 41. Screw DONALD.

[@herrbananhjarnasmith7598]

@@sudmuck I agree!!!

[@kgisabeast]

Camaro SS how is it Obama’s fault, GM went bankrupt while Bush was in office because they made junk cars for decades. Obama actually agreed on bailing them out when we should have just let GM die completely

[@alexander1485]

@@kgisabeast made 5 of the same cars with different trim levels and slightly different stlyings

[@mattmc8391]

If I could find one today in Pristine condition , I'd still rock it . Preferably in gray .

[@zeldarado80]

There is one on eBay right now! In gray!!

[@PASSPORTKING2106]

I got one in light blue with blue interior gotta kick the 3800 to get going but itll be back on action soon lmk if your interested!

[@sirslapasss8540]

I got one it just needs a new paint job and fuel pump

[@gthang5357]

Is it for sale?

[@gthang5357]

@@PASSPORTKING2106 still available?

[@Austin86646]

3800 and Small Block V8, GM's most legendary motors. Those 3800s made near V8 torque right off idle. They felt much faster than 9 seconds 0-60.

[@ohguy1991]

They were great off the line but peatered out quickly. A downfall of old low revving pushrod engines

[@Austin86646]

For sure they were best down low but I don’t remember them “petering out” either.

[@caayydenn]

Update: I own a 1990 LE with the 3800 and i rock 301K miles and it runs and has the power like its still new its INSANE

[@twoeightythreez]

And you could get the SSEi with a supercharged 3800 too

[@garbage854]

@@caayydenn Awesome 😀

[@carlos64030]

Man, I used to love these cars back in the day. I had a 1988 Trans Am GTA with the same stereo head unit and steering wheel. That steering wheel is still one of my favorites and I have one in my garage waiting to be restored.

[@CardboardSliver]

@@maximusareilius2262 What's your issue?

[@maximusareilius2262]

@@CardboardSliver 🥒💦🥒💦🖕🖕🖕

[@DavidR-ub2dp]

Wow awesome plas have a GTA trans am

[@antd8259]

Yes! That's what i loved about it... The unique stereo controls , placed on the steering column ...werequite appealing and unique for its time. Those Pontiacs were performance cars.

[@fernandorocha8459]

I love Pontiacs 1988, greats, beautifulls, durable and solid cars

[@eddiethetruhead]

My Pop gave me his 1990 SSE 15 years ago or so. Same color as this one but it had the gold finish BBS style wheels on it. Beauty ride. Handled like a dream. It only lasted a couple years for me, but I LOVED every minute with that car. Nice vid.

[@antd8259]

Those gold finishes rims were beautiful! Brings a tear to my eye thinking back to the times when these cars were around. They looked great and i was very young

[@rodmunch69]

Must be nice to be a rich kid.

[@eddiethetruhead]

@@rodmunch69 My Pop was a cop, Mom was a secretary. He gave me the car in 2010 once it was on its last legs and the frame was rusting. No rich kid here. Way to be an Ass by assuming some stupid shit. Just keep munchin on your rod.

[@Mr.Corinthians]

@@rodmunch69 The OP made that comment in 2019. If his dad gave him the car 15 years before the comment was made, he would have got it in 2004. A 14-year-old Bonneville would have been worth around two, maybe three thousand dollars by that point. Hardly something a "rich kid" would have gotten from their parents. lol

[@OnTheReelFishing]

Love this *1988* Bonneville. Not very quick by today’s standards but that 3800 is torquey as can be. And will also run literally forever. We had all kinds of GM cars with it throughout the 90s.

[@nightmathzombieethan]

And 2000's! lol I think they put a version of that block in almost everything.

[@DStabs720]

My 1991 Lesabre custom had that 3.8 and it is very smooth!

[@TurboMan942]

For sure. The series 2 3800 supercharged put out 240 horses/280 torque and still got good gas mileage..and was reliable

[@drewburk6309]

Agreed on the torquey. Loved this engine. Felt old school in a good way.

[@DimitriosChannel]

Versus the 5.0L engine HP was almost close.

[@immortaldeadfast5530]

I drove one of these during highschool and for many years afterword. It was black with the same tan leather interior, that was back in the gta3 days so it was the Mafia Sentinel to me and the gang. Hurts the feels to look upon her again. We went everywhere in that car, six flags, vacations many states away, I drove it to two different jobs every day for four years each, and she NEVER let me down once. It still ran when I sold it and I've regretted it ever since. Hell of a buy for 500 dollars.

[@mickyunit]

Ugh! I wanted the black with tan interior... But when we bought it off the showroom floor, they only had the white one and it cost more to have the black one shipped to West Texas 😈. So we settled on the white with tan interior. Still driving it to this day. My coworker used to have one and occasionally asks me if I'm ready to sell him mine. Nope. I would regret it! Glad to see I'm not the only fan of the SSE. I also used to work 2 full-time jobs in the 80s/90s. She never let me down! Super dependable!

[@traderdan85]

I owned one of these for many years as a second car, and it was one of my favorites so many cool features for the time and a great road trip car. Our Swiss visitors loved to drive it taking trips across America in it,and to this day Still talk about it... makes me Proud to be American..

[@davidlittle2325]

👍👍👍👍I had 1989 Bonneville, love these cars, had a 3800 V6 and torquey, yes with gray cloth interior it was a LE, it went through snow like a hot knife through butter, one of GMs best sedans

[@richardschwarz7071]

I had one and the engine went at 325k. Bought a totaled 97 Gran Prix GTP 3.8 SC and dropped the engine in the Bonnie. Only mods to make it work and work well was #1- custom power steering pressure hose #2- lengthen the fuel injector ground wires #3-Gran Prix GTP fuel pump #4- custom programed "e-prom" (tuned chip) for you younger guys Rebuilt the transmission. That old 89 Bonnie SSE-SC ran low 13's all day..and got 28-30 mpg on the hwy

[@maximusareilius2262]

this was a very attractive car, as you rarely see cars that color anymore, usually grey, black or white nowadays. and pontiac always had dashboards with a million little square buttons!!! pretty cool.

[@antd8259]

These were some beautiful cars. They had tons of trims and options. Still remember the glossy sales books i used to thumb thru and imagine myself picking out all the features i wanted in my new car lol.

[@Wesley_C]

This is a classic car, that body is so beautiful.

[@marlowstewart9398]

LOVED that car! Especially the SSEI

[@richardgarriga6766]

4:28 lol! the Bonneville has power headrest, but Cadillac CT6 and the Escalade doesn't have any!

[@keithjackson286]

That's GM!

[@generaloranger6150]

@@keithjackson286 That's Reaganomics.

[@filthyanimal874]

General Oranger Reaganomics benefited my family immensely. Thank you President Reagan for such wonderful economic policies. My parents gave us a very comfortable childhood with everything we ever wanted and needed. R.I.P. Mr President.

[@alexander1485]

Cause gm sux

[@alexander1485]

@PHOENIX RISING gm repeats its worst history

[@robsrandomness7824]

My aunt had an '88 LE. I always liked that body style.

[@Trendyflute]

I was always intrigued by the concept of "Pontiac as a a european sports sedan competitor, but with the benefit of domestic pricing". I wish they had really stuck with it in a committed fashion from the late 80s onward, they really could've got somewhere. Unfortunately, GM corporate decision making seems to value "new" ideas at least as much as good ideas...

[@dmayes119]

I had two of these and looking for one now as a classic. A car with gadgets before it's time.

[@mickyunit]

My friends would joke that it looked like a cockpit at night, with the dash lit up 🤣

[@martinmartin5904]

I like the low window belt which allows to see well outside . Strange look by today’s standard with the slit window fashion but far more functionnal .

[@dougsmith7908]

If you remember the GM cars from the early 80s this was a quantum leap. Still looks good.

[@RedLP5000S]

I love that car. I remember the huge display at the Chicago Auto Show for the SSE.

[@adamesd3699]

I grew up with this car. My Dad had one, a 1989 model, and then I drove it for years afterwards. It wasn’t the SSE, can’t remember now if it was an LE or SE. Dark blue on the outside, bluish-gray inside, very refined yet sporty looking for the time. My God was that car quiet and comfortable! And that engine was powerful. Felt much faster than the 9.2 seconds 0-60 they mention. I remember the fabric seats were incredibly comfortable and never got dirty. And it was reliable too. The only negative was the very large turning radius. Made parking in the city sometimes a bit complex. Other than that, no complaints. I miss that car!

[@marksman4004]

Pontiac needs to come back

[@fantom5894]

American automakers are getting away from sedans, and concentrating on crossovers, so not much chance of Pontiac rising from the grave.

[@fantom5894]

Roger Dodger Yup. Cf. Ford/Mercury and Dodge/Plymouth

[@evanganske9240]

I see Grand Prix's, Bonnevilles, G6s, and Trans Ams all of the time. The G6 was actually a very good design and has aged extremely well... Looks better than any mid-size sedan on the market currently. Too bad it came with GM's crappy build quality and outdated pushrod engines (with the exception of the awful 2.4 Ecotec and the timing chain eating 3.6).

[@marksman4004]

@@evanganske9240 the g6 was pretty fast too.

[@melrose9252]

marks man They should come back what they were not what they became.

[@Richierich1285]

the ssei is the one you wanted back in the day with the supercharged 3.8

[@buoyant69]

Oh, that '80s graphic equalizer phase. I remember my parents' home stereo system and all those little bars that would light up as you moved the levers up and down. You knew that space age technology would have to make its way into premium Delco head units eventually.

[@skylinefever]

I remember my mom's 1985 Maxima having a very complex one. I had no idea what it did, I just loved the way it looked.

[@DanTheMailman330]

Those 80s and 90s Delco units did sound good if I remember correctly

[@dhermosillo09]

Brings back memories of my mom's car. The 3.8L were damn near bullet proof, went almost 700k until the motor locked up. Wish I could find one today would restore it

[@No.1headbanger]

Had a 88 SE, parents bought it in 89 and sold it to me in 99, but started driving it in 96 when I turned 16, same color, bulletproof car and motor, would rock one again if I could ever find one in good condition and lower miles.

[@TheHuskyGT]

These cars put a smile on my face... I wish I was rich, because I would hunt down cars like this beauty, restore them (even if they are worthless) and build a fleet of common, 80's-90's, American and Japanese regular cars. I mean, just look at those color-match wheels and that 3/4 view from the rear. Absolute beauty!

[@DanKirchner5150]

used to rent one of these or a towncar whenever i had to take the wife n kids out of town back in da day , no regrets always a winning experience

[@fatmax2195]

I can guarantee that this car lasted much longer than it's Audi counterparts.

[@jakekaywell5972]

@SuperRegal79 The main reason why Audi is so successful is because it has the full support of the Volkswagen Group behind it, which is actually larger than GM nowadays. As to your point about "garbage machines", General Motors has really revamped their product line. I went an auto expo in Miami this year where Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac all brought their stuff out and it felt light years ahead of what they made 4-6 years ago. They are really trying now and the fact that people don't at least give them credit for it is shameful.

[@caayydenn]

I currently daily drive a 1990 LE model same 3800 motor with 301K miles and all the electronics still work (amazingly). Best car GM ever built.

[@Bartonovich52]

Audi was terrible back then. Actually... it’s always been terrible. That’s why Audis have absolutely abysmal depreciation. A Eurocentric twat would have pooh poohed the Macpherson struts and pushrods and less than precise body fit and cheap interior plastics... but other than a few convenience feature (which would certainly go on the Audi as well) the drivetrain on this car was absolutely solid.

[@robertrobinson9920]

My grandfather had one never had any problems with it

[@DeltaBoy17]

@SuperRegal79, Audi isn't Audi though. Volkswagen owns it, so that company would've been long gone.

[@georgeharleydavidsonrider156]

I miss Pontiac especially the Trans Am and GTO judge. The 3800 was One of the best engines the general motors ever built and very reliable too . 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@bw8632]

Always loved the sound of those 87-early 90’s GM V6’s. Sounded like a pissed off Chewbacca.

[@reallyrandomrides1296]

Yeah, GM really nailed it in the 1980s with good sounding exhaust systems on their V6 cars. Nice gutsy rumble that sounds badass.

[@bearcreekdesign5359]

I bought an 89 SSE exactly this color/ wheel combo but the interior was gray and mine had a sunroof after I graduated college. I loved the styling of these GM cars with the curved rear windows and I was smitten with this Bonnie. Got lots and lots of attention and people would often stop me to look at it. It was a comfortable travel car and the seats were very comfortable. It came with a leather kit that included a flash light, ice scraper, gloves, road flares, and an inflation hose with built in gauge for the tire inflator. From the get go it was very, very problematic (my dad said it was built on a Friday). It had to be repainted before 20,000 miles due to the GM paint fiasco. It had to have two computers replaced (thank god it was under warranty) as it constantly filled the cabin with a pure gasoline smell. The electronics were glitchy and would often go out or blink, a restart would "fix" them. Warning lights would often flash for no reason. I went to work one morning and opened the sunroof only to find that when I got to work it wouldn't close. I left work that day and traded it for a 1994 Chevrolet Beretta and that's a whole other story! Biggest mistake GM ever made was not killing off Buick and expanding Pontiac.

[@325xitgrocgetter]

Parents had a '91 Bonneville LE.....They shopped out a few models on the lot and chose the LE over the SSE because Dad thought all the buttons on the SSE interior would confuse Mom. Nice car....ran forever with minimal problems...loved the 3800 V6.

[@2wheelpartsguy]

my dad had an '87 in which he taught me to drive. really liked that car, this really brings back memories

[@Life_of_A_Man]

Oh man, I grew up loving this car and it's platform mates. This was my favorite FWD H-Body. The Oldsmobile Delta 88 refresh just before the full redesign is a close second. There was a time you'd see these FWD H-Bodies all over. I feel like they were more popular with the older and middle-aged crowd. I loved everything about these cars. My favorite things about them were the 3800 V6, the side glass with the little curve along the C-Pillar, and as odd as this sounds I loved the way the muffler was turned horizontal. The 3800 is music to my ears and part of my childhood soundtrack. I was probably one of the few that enjoyed Pontiac's signature plastic cladding. I thought it looked so sporty.

[@mattmc8391]

JshrBs01 yeah , that transverse exhaust had a nice burble to it , and these SSEs, the Olds Touring 98 and Buick Electra T Type all had sport exhaust that had dual exhaust and were even throatier .

[@gthang5357]

In 2006 This was my first car in highschool a 1990 SSE nobody understood my obsession with this Bonneville. At the time it wasn't old enough to be a classic and lacked the tech to be modern but it still was ahead of its time

[@ericbritton9346]

Yes you are not lying, that's sweet throaty exhaust it sounds like an aggressive four door sports car. The same sound you hear in a 1991 Oldsmobile Toronado Trofeo, that was the ultimate two-door coupe what that sound.

[@christopherroyal7939]

I was in high school when this car came out, and I was blown away by the buttons on the steering wheel. If I ever run across one in excellent condition today, I would still buy it.

[@tythornburg3460]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for posting a review on a big, mid-late 1980's GM product (my generation!!!)! I've been patiently (ahem) waiting for a Retro Review on a Bonneville (1987-91), Electra/Park Avenue and Ninety Eight (1985-90), Touring Sedan (1987-90), LeSabre and Delta 88 (1986-91), and Deville (1989-93)... some of my all-time favorite cars. I am probably in the minority in saying that. Most folks cringed at the downsized, front wheel drive versions of these cars. I have personally owned at least one (some, even more) of each these cars over the years, throughout my youth. When everyone else wanted Firebirds, Camaros, and Fieros in High School, I wanted LUXURY CARS! I do consider myself a bit of an aficionado on these models, so anytime I can watch a video starring one of them, I get warm and fuzzy feelings in my belly! Thanks for posting and as always, I look forward to my Retro Reviews!

[@leechburglights]

You're not the only one! I grew up in a family with Olds. We owned a 77 and 85 Olds Delta 88. My second car was a 81 cutlass supreme :) which I traded for an 89 Pontiac Grand Prix. Later bought an 89 Olds Delta 88, and LOVED it (still very much like moms 85 but smaller. I bought Mom a used 1993 Olds 98 Regency which she drove for 4 years till it was time for something newer for her. That 3800 engine was amazing! I even had it in my 1998 Chevy Lumina (the best and longest car I ever owned). There was just something about those big luxury type cars that made you feel so comfortable and relaxed on any trip. Thanks for sharing your comment.

[@bigbuck1318]

I always liked this generation of the Bonneville and the 85-88 Grand Am. Hated when they redesigned them in the 90s.

[@justmy2cents_]

Definitely ahead of it's time! This car was one hot number when it came out,it got a lot of stares especially in the blue color option! Doesn't seem like a lot of hp but back then that was not bad! Having those steering wheel controls & multi adjustable seats were definitely futuristic!! I'd love to have one of these now just for the nostalgia!!

[@reallyrandomrides1296]

Yeah, styling was so over the top, I loved it! Though I kinda liked the more low-key looking Taurus SHO, a true sleeper in its day. But, I'd love to have either one of them today, in new car condition.

[@carlosarellano4]

Absolutely Gorgeous in my opinion!!! I LOVE THESE 88-92 gm Cars

[@Porsche996driver]

My sister had an SE in this nice color and sporty alloy wheels. Solid car, reasonable power, cruise nicely at 80, and had an aftermarket hands-free mobile phone! We had a great drive down to Ensenada back in 1990! 👌🏾

[@Talisman18t]

I don't get their issues with the styling. Maybe hindsight is 20/20 but this is actually one of the cleanest designs for the Bonneville. The later ones were even more overstyled.

[@harryt988]

It was a cool looking car back then ...

[@stevencorrea6946]

Still is.

[@peteyification]

I had a '92 SSEi (I agree with the other poster... This is probably a '91) and it was definitely the one that got away... the luxury, supercharger whine and decent handling/comfort ratio made that car much better than you'd think it would be.

[@kgbeezr75]

I had that car also, but a 93 around 1998. Mine might have had 60k on the clock when I got it, beautiful car, but what a slob in terms of materials and construction quality. Looked flawless, but every single interior panel was loose and rattled, sunroof barely worked, leaked, windows barely closed, half of the electronics were intermittent...finally traded it on a Grand Prix GTP (3.4l DOHC motor) when the bearings in the supercharger started grinding around 80k. I had other Pontiacs too, it was by far the most appealing GM division, but quality wasn't their strong suit.

[@mraiwa1000]

This is a 1988. First year SSE had the seat controls in multiple places for some reason, also different steering wheel controls. This as revised in '89 was all seat controls were mounted in one place on the center console.

[@smokesgtp]

Had a 1994. Great car, loaded to the gills, and ample power at the time.

[@scooter4849]

My dad was a big pontiac guy back then. had a 1989 white pontiac 6000 ste, a top end white 1994 grand prix with that headlight cowl that made them look mean. and a black 1993 firebird trans am. Never had a bonneville though but he thought these were pretty sweet too. he misses the firebird the most but the thing was not reliable and eventually just decided it wasnt worth the hassle anymore. nowadays though i think he regrets selling it back in the early 00s. The grand prix ran flawlessly for a long time but it fell apart eventually. almost 200k miles with almost 0 problems. dunno about the 6000, sold it for the grand prix, but dont think he had any problems in the 5 years he had it.

[@jtb1990419]

I nearly bought a '97 SSEi 40th anniversary model as a first car at age 19. Sadly, it was sold by time I was able to look at it. Instead, I bought an all black '94 Park Avenue Ultra with the Series 1 supercharged 3800. Was pretty good on gas (though she wasn't a cheap date with her premium gas appetite lol), reliable, and fast. She even handled pretty well too with the Grand Touring suspension package, and the pillow top leather seats were like sinking into your grandmother's old sofa. Still regret selling it.

[@klasseact6663]

It started with the 6000 STE, then this version came out and it was really a big deal! Then the 92' SSEi came out with its blown engine, about 205 hp IIRC (my 93' Park Avenue Ultra had 205 hp) and the styling looked even better. In the end though, the Bonneville GXP was the best IMO, from its styling to wheels to the 32v DOHC V8...then killed it all, good job GM, another winning move, now look at you guys!

[@Cubcariboo]

GM has rarely missed an opportunity to starve a good design just gaining it's stride while embracing mediocrity will full resources. 1987 Fiero anyone?

[@OhPhuckYou]

GM completely screwed up with the Bonneville GXP when they shoved the 4.6 Deathstar under the hood. GM had the 5.3 V8 they used in the Monte Carlo SS, Impala SS, and Grand Prix GXP that they could've used, but nope. I had a GXP, and it was a awesome car the whole 3 months it ran before blowing it's head gaskets. I'm still upset about that car, it was such an awesome and beautiful car ruined by a horrible engine.

[@iNeverHadMercy]

Legendary! Had the 89 SSE in Gold.....best car ever 🔥🔥🔥

[@mickyunit]

I've got the 89 SSE, in white with tan leather interior. Just got her out of the shop today. She went in for coolant flush, spark plugs and fuel injector maintenance. Original owner, 30 years last month. Odometer stopped at 229k. By my estimations, she's close to 300k. Love my SSE

[@iNeverHadMercy]

In a perfect world, I would still have mine. But those were the days of poor rust protection. Mine literally rotted to death structurally.....but that 3800 STILL purred like a cat. DAMN

[@texan176]

I remember seeing this car on display in a grocery store right when it came out. They had the hood open and some other guy was looking at the engine and commented how the space between the firewall and rear cylinder head was so little it would be a nightmare to change the spark plugs. I was a kid at the time and to be the car looked very futuristic and attractive.

[@melrose9252]

My Brother in Law had an 88 Bonneville and it was plagued with problems. He battled with Pontiac until he finally traded it off. Another GM customer lost forever.

[@davidaubin3902]

3:08 John: BUT IS IT CLUMSY? TO THAT, WE ANSWER A RESOUNDING, NO! LOL

[@Cheezwizzz]

Love it!!🤣

[@LrulestheworldM8]

I grew up in this car and spent most of my childhood in it. We took this car EVERYWHERE, and it performed flawlessly. The only reason I still dont have it is because it threw out 3 transmissions in a matter of months, and we could no longer afford to keep it running. I still miss this car in the worst way, and ill do my absolute best to find another one in the future. I LOVE these Pontiac's. Also, the 6000 STE AWD is a rare bird. And finding parts is nearly impossible. As history has shown, you were better off buying this car for the long haul. The audi didnt even make it to the 21st century.

[@LrulestheworldM8]

Maximus Areilius shop? You mean my familys old garage and rebuilt aftermarket transmissions? Wasnt our fault they couldnt get it right. Now that im older, I have a book that tells me exactly how to take the trans apart myself. Sure wish we had that back then.

[@gthang5357]

My condolences I grew up in a 1988 Bonneville LE parents bought it new when I was born. Don't fell bad a teenage iPhone driver t-boned my Bonne making it almost useless it cranks and drives fine but finding cosmetic parts like grills,hood, bumpers almost impossible

[@99SVTBolt]

abdllah matin I think I still have a brand new grill from my 88 LE in the garage. Put on 360k before it got sold.

[@scooter4849]

My dad was a big pontiac guy back then. had a 1989 white pontiac 6000 ste, a top end white 1994 grand prix with that headlight cowl that made them look mean. and a black 1993 firebird trans am. he misses the firebird the most but the thing was not reliable and eventually just decided it wasnt worth the hassle anymore. nowadays though i think he regrets selling it back in the early 00s. The grand prix ran flawlessly for a long time but it fell apart eventually. almost 200k miles with almost 0 problems. dunno about the 6000, sold it for the grand prix, but dont think he had any problems in the 5 years he had it.

[@mickyunit]

I've had to have the transmission rebuild twice in 20 years. Bought her new in 89.

[@pierrejacoub8778]

OMG I loved this car!! Thanks for the great memories!

[@TheZXKUQYB]

These 80s car reviews always takes me back to my 1985 Mazda RX-7 GSLSE days, damn I miss that car.

[@jjs777fzr]

This car looked to have handled the slalom very well !

[@rodmunch69]

I love that burgundy/gold look with the burgundy wheels, it's such a cool look.

[@cobra454tim]

Man John when you go back and look at these cars it’s amazing to see how high the C pillar is compared to the modern design of cars. And how this design was coming out of the box design of the 80s.

[@ronsmith4325]

I had one of these way back, loved it. Used to call it the rolling couch because it was so comfortable. The supercharged version was even better.

[@bradnoga]

own a 1990 SE loved that car one of the nicest cars i have ever owned, got rid of it 20 years ago,

[@BDBBailey]

I owned a fully loaded 1990 SSE. Loved everything about the car. Would love to own another and swap in a 5.3 V8 or the series 2 supercharged 3800.

[@mickyunit]

I've got an 89. The day will come when I'll need to replace the motor. Is what you propose a crazy feat? Can my local Christian Brothers do that? Or is a specialty shop needed?

[@BDBBailey]

@@mickyunit with God all things are possible. 😉. In all seriousness I think it could be done.

[@starxlr7863]

If you ever do get another Bonneville SSE, definitely stay with doing a V8 engine swap. The V6 isn't enough for these cars and never were from the beginning. I have a 1991 Bonneville SSE and planning on using the Cadillac Northstar V8 from a 90s Eldorado which will be an exact fit. I did have a 5.3L V8 but decided to not use that engine as there would be more modifications needed and also did not have that unique feel and sound that the Cadillac engines have.

[@clitcommander6603]

The Seat Head Rests sound like they are Dying. 4:30 Elephant Groan of Death.

[@lcrazy8l]

The head rest sounds like a guy off camera is making that noise with his mouth.

[@scdevon]

1988? The headrests were probably all inoperable by 1992. Good luck finding parts to make all this junk work again other than scrounging Ebay used parts and parts donor cars.

[@BurtSampson]

4:58 INXS Need You Tonight. Perfect for an 80's review.

[@lukerinderknecht2982]

Nice to see a review with MotorWeek throwing some shade for once!

[@pl5624]

With the 3800 they could have turned the 6000 into a new wave gto

[@Dankcatvacs]

Yeah they put the old 3800 in the first Ciera's century's but was carbd

[@ericbritton9346]

Yeah, but the 3800 engine is underpowered 165 horsepower and 210 pounds of torque. In and 1992-1999 redesign Bonneville with the SLE SSE got an upgrade 3800 engine 205 horsepower and more torque.

[@CeeStyleDj]

@@ericbritton9346 but the L67 3800 Series II was 240 hp and 280 lb ft. Series III was 260 hp. Would be 300 with a turbo vs. The S/C.

[@CeeStyleDj]

@@ericbritton9346 still too much for FWD. Needs at least a LSD.

[@marcusjustice6165]

GM'S 2.8 AND 3.1 V6 Engines were not jokes either. They did the 3800 V6 proud being in the Pontiac lineup.

[@JakeDrives1]

new cars are great in their own way but oh how I miss these times!!

[@JH-qy7zw]

me too, not sure why. Something special about cars back in those days or just straight childhood nostalgia?

[@DrewLSsix]

I still think it’s a shame that the Bonneville never got the two door treatment like the Oldsmobile and Buick H body did.

[@jackjohnson7396]

My brother bought one new. He drove it for about ten years, had about 200 thousand miles when he sold it. He did maintain it to the max & had a few expected repairs too. ☝

[@TheRealSmithFamily]

I remember when these and the GP came out with the excessive amount of cladding on them. My dad said they reminded him of Darth Vader. I've never forgotten that and now everytime I see one, I think of it. May he RIP. 😔

[@ricardoguzman5014]

My stepdad used to have one of these, it was gray. I used to love driving it around, it was the most comfortable car I ever drove, it had cloth seats but they were sooooo soft, like a luxury sofa.

[@markjones567]

OMG! Had two of these things. Loved them!!

[@immature1990]

I love this body style my cousin had one and it lasted for 7 years before it went to crap

[@klasseact6663]

WOW...a whole 7 years, amazing!

[@DUNEATV]

My dad had one when new and I loved the look. Cool interior too...

[@theKevronHarris]

This is a 1988 Pontiac Bonneville SSE _not_ a 1992. 1987-91 Bonnevilles have conservative styling. The 1992 Bonnevilles are redesigned with sleeker, aggressive-looking styling.

[@bendavis9733]

Good call. My bad...lots getting uploaded

[@theKevronHarris]

@@bendavis9733 That's ok buddy. Enjoy your day.

[@bg147]

@@bendavis9733 Is John your pop?

[@comgeek24]

*1987*-1991 😁

[@theKevronHarris]

@@comgeek24 I'll edit my comment

[@Michael-fw5ef]

This was my favourite car in the late 80s. My teacher had one and it was pure luxury and sport wrapped into one package.

[@ricardoguzman5014]

My stepdad had one of these back in the early 1990s. I don't know about the reliability, but it was a super comfortable car to drive. Had a soft bench seat, felt like I was sitting on the couch at home.

[@Charlesbjtown]

It's truly a dark day when a 1/4 mile of 17.3 @78 is fast.

[@BobbyDavenport-t2z]

The side ingraved into the under hood heat shield is a nice touch ,this is another car you reviewed I really like

[@LoveMyZJ]

Holy interior buttons Batman!

[@4v3ng3r1987]

A number of years ago, I saw one of these at a local dealership for $700. I've kicked myself for not going to get a closer look at it.

[@manthony225]

The teeny- tiny ashtrays near the door handles 😉

[@mickyunit]

My son used to put his gum and Tootsie Pop sticks in them 🙄

[@quentinwooten30]

My teacher had one (grey) when I was in middle school. Round '90 if i remember correctly

[@logdon17]

Love how he says "wheels", like Stewey says "Cool whip"

[@NoahClay6]

Always loved the older Bonneville. Miss this type stuff.

[@robp7894]

Had a 91 exactly like this one. Loved it!

[@james5460]

I have a red '91 as my regular driver. It's a fun car to drive. The brakes are a weak spot, but very stable ride. Doesn't require much maintenance and very easy to work on. Not the greatest acceleration in the world, but certainly adequate. Some of the dashboard gadgets - a huge graphic showing if your doors are all closed, for instance - are a bit mystifying, but everything is functional. The trunk is huge, one of the hidden benefits, and it's a quiet driver.

[@edwardyoung522]

By God, I wish I could find one.

[@boblogan3405]

Beautiful car!

[@GMCGUY-]

I own one of these cars back in my 20s. And I had a mechanic increase the horse power I threw a K&N Air Intake system and a duel exhaust system. It cranks 177 horse power 248 foot pounds of Torque Fast Car and it handle so good

[@tuowl0564]

These were pretty sharp cars by 80s Detroit standards. Pontiac was definitely a head of the curve relative to other domestic companies at that time.

[@thecarsectionthecarsection6420]

Bonneville Gxp was my favorite

[@kingdingaling781]

My buddy had one of these. Thing floated down the road.

[@TurboMan942]

Can we discuss why the comments were disabled for the retro in-car exercise video posted yesterday?

[@TheRealSmithFamily]

Do you really have to ask? Can you imagine the comments? THAT HAIR! 😳

[@TheRealSmithFamily]

@@TheCLA8N Nice bod though! 😉

[@kz1000ps]

Haha we all know WHY comments were disabled, but lord almighty those comments would've been incredible. Forget about the fashions, the acting was flat out unbearable!

[@TheRealSmithFamily]

@@TheCLA8N 😳🙊🙈

[@bendavis9733]

I figured you guys would be creative enough to find a way