2004 Pontiac Bonneville GXP Program #2351

FPontiac has maintained its status as GM’s excitement division by consistently coming up with more potent, muscular versions of their already sporty family cars. For 2004, the latest pumped up Pontiac is the Bonneville GXP. What makes it so exciting? How about a 275 horsepower V-8 under the hood? But is there more to the big Bonneville GXP than just a big motor?

Of course long time Pontiac fans know that there’s nothing new about a Bonneville with a big V-8. From 1958 to 1986, the rear-wheel-drive Bonneville was famous for its 8-cylinder performance. That all changed in 1987, when the Bonneville downsized and joined the front-drive trend. With no suitable V-8 in the GM stable, the move limited the mighty Bonneville to V-6 power for the next 17 years.

But the 2004 Bonneville GXP brings Pontiac back to the V-8 ranks, thanks to corporate cousin Cadillac. The engine that Cadillac supplies is the much celebrated 4.6-liter dual-overhead-cam Northstar V-8. In the GXP the compact 32-valve powerhouse puts out 275 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque, a boost in each by 70 over the Bonneville’s standard 3.8-liter V-6. Power flows into a conventional 4-speed automatic, with an unconventionally low 3.71 final drive and connects with 18-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels wearing 235/50-series Goodyear tires.

Get those tires spinning, and the Bonneville GXP romps to 60 in 7.8 seconds. The quarter mile ends in a best time of 16-seconds at 88 miles-per-hour. While only a few tenths quicker than the earlier Bonneville SSEi with its supercharged V-6, the GXP V-8 has a broader spread of power. Torque is instantly available, and is delivered in a smooth, even flow with none of the peaks or valleys of a boosted powerplant. Plus, it sounds great. The Northstar’s satisfying rumble, combined with a firm but not harsh ride, gives the GXP a sporty character that is unexpected in a full-size sedan.

The sporty feel of the GXP carries over to handling, where the Bonneville’s sport-tuned all-independent suspension delivers impressive agility for a big front-driver. The GXP turns in easily thanks to quick, but low feel, magnetic variable ratio steering. Understeer is mild, even when pushed hard, despite the car’s 3,790 pound weight. The GXP’s standard Stabilitrak stability control system helps maintain that prowess even on wet or broken pavement.

Braking is by the class standard 4-wheel discs with ABS. They delivered average stops of a fine 124 feet from 60. Pedal feel was a bit on the soft side, though stops were secure and stable. Now, there is some penalty paid for this overall gain in performance in road noise, but it’s not a major tradeoff.

The GXP’s performance upgrade goes from road to roof. The exterior has been trimmed and tweaked for a more aggressive stance. A new front facia with flared aerodynamic headlights are mated to cleaner, yet still oversized, taillights, a ground-hugging rear skirt, and quad chrome exhaust tips. The rear deck also gets a subtle spoiler, which gives the GXP a cleaner yet more dynamic look than other recent Bonneville performance mods.

The interior also gets a classy performance redo, with suede inserts on the door panels and seats. Those seats are broad and supportive, with standard 12-way power and position memory for the driver. The dash is Pontiac’s usual user-friendly, boy racer layout, but with sporty carbon fiber-look trim. Plus dual-zone automatic climate controls, a Monsoon 8-speaker cassette-CD audio system is standard, while XM satellite radio is optional, as is a head-up information display.

Rear seat room is full-size plentiful for torso and legs, though the sharply sloped greenhouse does put a premium on head room. The seat back does not fold, but does have a pass through for long items like skis. Fortunately, trunk space is a generous 18 cubic-feet.

But the return of a V-8 to the full-size Bonneville also means a return to large car gas mileage. EPA ratings are 17 city and 24 highway. Our mixed test loop returned a heavy-foot 18 miles-per gallon.

Pricing for the Bonneville GXP starts at $35,995. With options, our test car tops out at $36,040. That’s thousands less than most imported V-8 sedans, but a couple grand more than its newest domestic rival, Chrysler’s Hemi V-8 powered rear-drive 300C.

But the 2005 Pontiac Bonneville GXP is more than just a V-8. With secure front-drive traction, responsive handling, slick exterior, and roomy interior, the GXP is most attractive to anyone yearning for a big sedan with an attitude. Indeed, it’s great to see a V-8 and Bonneville together again. A heavenly match, made in Detroit, that we hope never again parts.