Pontiac Bonneville facts for kids

1992-99 Pontiac Bonneville

A 2000-2005 Bonneville

The Pontiac Bonneville was a cool American car. It was made by Pontiac, a part of General Motors. This car was first introduced in 1957. It was made for many years, until 2005. The Bonneville came in different styles. You could find it as a convertible (a car with a roof that folds down). It was also made as a sedan (a regular four-door car). Sometimes, it was even a coupe (a two-door car).

What is the Pontiac Bonneville?

The Pontiac Bonneville was a special car. It was known for being a "full-size" car. This means it was quite big and roomy. It offered a comfortable ride for families. Over its long history, the Bonneville changed a lot. It started as a fancy, powerful car. Later, it became a popular choice for everyday driving.

Early Years: 1950s and 1960s

The Bonneville first appeared in 1957. It was a limited-edition convertible. It was very stylish and powerful. In 1958, it became its own model. It was one of Pontiac's top cars. These early Bonnevilles were big and had lots of chrome. They were designed to look impressive.

The "Wide Track" Era

In the 1960s, Pontiac cars became famous for their "Wide Track" design. This meant the wheels were set further apart. It made the cars look lower and wider. This design also helped the cars handle better. The Bonneville was a great example of this. It was a smooth and stable car to drive. Many people loved its sleek look.

Changes in the 1970s and 1980s

The 1970s brought big changes. Cars started to become smaller. This was due to new rules and gas prices. The Bonneville also got smaller. It still offered a comfortable ride. But it was not as huge as before.

New Designs and Engines

In the 1980s, the Bonneville changed again. It became a front-wheel-drive car. This was a big shift for Pontiac. Front-wheel drive means the engine powers the front wheels. This can help with traction. It also allows for more space inside the car. The Bonneville continued to be a popular sedan.

The Final Years: 1990s and 2000s

In the 1990s, the Bonneville got a modern look. It had a sleek, aerodynamic design. These models were known for their strong engines. They also had comfortable interiors. Some versions, like the SSEi, were very sporty. They offered extra features and power.

End of an Era

The Pontiac Bonneville was made until the 2005 model year. After nearly 50 years, production stopped. It was one of Pontiac's longest-running car names. The Bonneville is remembered as a classic American car. It showed how car designs changed over many decades.

Images for kids

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  1954 Pontiac Bonneville Special

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  1961 Pontiac Bonneville Tri-Power Sports Coupe

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  1962 Pontiac Bonneville Custom Safari

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  1963 Pontiac Bonneville convertible

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  1964 Pontiac Bonneville Sports Coupé

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  Pontiac eight-lug rim. Full-size Pontiacs from 1960 to 1968 were available with these unique, eight-bolt rims with exposed finned-aluminum brake drums which aided brake cooling compared to the standard iron drum enclosed by a steel wheel.

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  1963 Pontiac Bonneville sport coupe

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  1965 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible

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  1966 Pontiac Bonneville 4-Door Hardtop

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  1967 Pontiac Bonneville Hardtop Coupe

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  1968 Pontiac Bonneville convertible

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  1969 Pontiac Bonneville convertible

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  1970 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible

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  Rear view of a 1978 Bonneville sedan

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  1980 Pontiac Bonneville 2-door coupe

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  1981 Pontiac Bonneville Safari

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  Rear view of Bonneville "Model G"

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  Rear view of a 1987 Pontiac Bonneville SE

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  H-body Bonneville

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  The interior of a Bonneville SSE. It features the Driver Information Center, automatic climate control and the Delco UT4 stereo.

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  A grey 1990 Pontiac Bonneville SSE.

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  1996-1999 Pontiac Bonneville

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  Pontiac Bonneville Rear View

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  Rear view (2000-2003 SSEi)

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  2000 Pontiac Bonneville Salt Flats Custom Racer which set a 204 mph world record for a front wheel drive sedan on display in the Martin Auto Museum

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  2003 Pontiac Bonneville

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  Pontiac Bonneville GXP

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  Pontiac Bonneville SLE

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  1959 Pontiac Bonneville Sports Coupe

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  1959 Bonneville from the rear, showing double rear fins

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  1960 Pontiac Bonneville Safari (with aftermarket wheels)