DecodedCars2005 Pontiac Bonneville
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan FWD /Gxp, 4dr Sedan FWD Se/Sle
- Engines
- 3.8L 6-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 18 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 202.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,589–3,790 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 21 MPG combined — 16% better than the average 2005 large car (18.1 MPG).
- Few owner complaints11 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 37 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 17 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Pontiac Bonneville is a large car offered with 2 engines (3.8L 6-cyl and 4.6L 8-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 203 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,790 lb (4dr Sedan FWD /Gxp).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 27 highway), 16% better than the 2005 large car average of 18.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 11 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan FWD /Gxp | 202.8 in | 74.4 in | 56.7 in | 112.2 in | 62.6 / 62.2 in | 3,790 lb | 61/39 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD Se/Sle | 202.8 in | 74.4 in | 56.7 in | 112.2 in | 62.6 / 62.2 in | 3,589 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bonneville | 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | +16% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Bonneville | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 18 | -1% | $3,700 | 494 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Pontiac Bonneville under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Pontiac Bonneville (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Chevrolet Impala | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2005 Chrysler 300 | 18 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2005 Ford Taurus | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Toyota Avalon | 22 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2005 Nissan Maxima | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis | 19 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Pontiac Bonneville.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2005 Pontiac Bonneville is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 Pontiac Bonneville buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Air Bags — 6 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Electrical System — 6 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 3 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 132,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Pontiac Bonneville. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Pontiac. How we calculate this →