2005 Pontiac Bonneville in Chattanooga, TN - $4,994

Attitude and performance. Since 1957, the Pontiac Bonneville has remained the sporty alternative to traditional luxury, offering driving excitement to those that wish to "make a statement" while they drive.

Manufactured at General Motors' Detroit-Hamtramack assembly plant in Michigan, the Bonneville is available in SE and SLE models. A four-door sedan is the only body style offered.

The 2004 model year saw the introduction of the Bonneville GXP -- a performance sedan model that takes the nameplate back to its V8 roots. At the heart of the GXP is a Northstar V-8 engine bolted to a heavy duty electronically-controlled four-speed automatic.

The Bonneville GXP is outfitted with the following enhancements: refined styling, StabiliTrak electronic stability system, new front and rear facias, new headlamps, tail lamps, fog lamps, bodyside moldings, rocker panels, exhaust outlets and rear spoiler.

For 2005, the over-the-top GXP sedan returns with the Bonneville SLE adopting the GXP styling cues.

Engine choices for Bonneville include the award-winning 3800 Series II 3.8L V-6 and the Northstar 4.6L V-8. A responsive electronically-controlled four-speed automatic transmission transfers engine power to the pavement.

On the road, the 3800 V6 is a continuous rush of power, always available without hesitation. The base suspension hardware consists of deflected-disc MacPherson struts with coil springs over strut and 29 mm stabilizer bar in front with automatic level control, coil springs, Cadiz shocks and an independent lower control arm in the rear. SLE features a larger stabilizer in front -- 30 mm and a 20 mm stabilizer bar at the rear. GXP features monotube DeCarbon rear dampers and a 22 mm solid rear stabilizer bar.

Despite its emphasis on performance, the Bonneville boasts a roomy interior that will carry five or six people comfortably. Inside the passenger cabin, a full complement of analog displays and controls greet the driver. The layout works in tandem with the steering wheel mounted audio system switches, allowing the driver to give total attention to the issue at hand: spirited driving behind the wheel of the large Pontiac.

Rear seat passengers are not neglected. Pontiac engineers designed plenty of room. Doors open wide for easy entry and exit.

Quick vehicle stats

Wheelbase: 112.2; overall length: 202.6; width: 74.2; height: 56.6 -- measurements in inches.

Engine: 3.8L V-6 (L36) -- 205 hp at 5,200 rpm and 230 lbs/ft of torque at 4,000 rpm; 4.6L V-8 (LD8) -- 275 hp at 5,600 rpm and 300 lbs/ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.

Transmission: Hydra-Matic 4T65-E, Hydra-Matic 4T80-E four-speed automatics.

EPA fuel economy: 20 city/29 highway (3.8L); 17 city/24 highway (4.6L). The six-cylinder uses regular unleaded, while the V-8 requires premium.

Cargo capacity: 18.0 cubic feet.



Safety features

Dual front airbags, power door locks with lockout protection and delayed locking feature, fog lamps, in-key theft-deterrent system, tire inflation monitor, power four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, remote keyless entry, daytime running lights and battery rundown protection. SLE adds OnStar communications system. GXP adds front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, traction control and StabiliTrak stability enhancement system.

Warranty

Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile, bumper-to-bumper.

Corrosion: 6-year/100,000 mile.

Roadside assistance: 3-year/36,000 mile, 24-hour.

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