Pontiac Bonneville Overview

In 1992, Pontiac introduced the Bonneville SSEi - an upgraded, higher-priced version of its SE sports sedan-as a showcase vehicle for such technological gifts as a supercharged engine, traction control, heated side mirrors, leather seats, headlight washers and a power package that included a nine(!)-button power-seat system.

That gave buyers three Bonneville models to choose from: the basic SE, the mid-level SSE and the high-end SSEi. But for 1994, Pontiac streamlined its Bonneville models to two, dropping the SSEi and retaining the SE (roughly $20,000 MSRP) and the SSE (around $26,000).

Those who like a bit of luxury in their sedans needn't fret. Bonneville offers an SSEi Supercharger package as an option on the '94 SSE. For an additional $1,167, the package includes a 225-hp, 3800-Series supercharged V6 engine (a 20-hp increase over the '93 engine), a 2.97 rear-axle ratio (compared to 2.84 in the non-supercharged edition) and an electronically controlled, driver-selectable, four-speed automatic transmission that allows the driver to choose between "normal" and "performance" by pressing a button next to the gear shift.

The base price of our test model was $25,884. Optional equipment included the SSEi Supercharger package, 12-way power seats with leather seating surfaces, a power sunroof and a computer-command ride suspension that featured an adjustable damper for "touring" or "performance" suspension. Our priciest add-on was an option package that cost $1,440 and included remote keyless entry, a head-up instrument display, an eight-speaker sound system, a six-way passenger seat, an electronically controlled air conditioner, an anti-theft system and traction control. All this plus the destination charge brought the final price to $31,177.