Vehicle Segment:
Full-size luxury sedan
Brand Perception:
Pontiac positioned as a performance-oriented division of GM, offering a blend of comfort and style
Direct Competitors:
Ford Crown Victoria, Chevrolet Caprice, Buick LeSabre, Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight
Design Philosophy:
Sleek, aerodynamic styling with a comfortable and spacious interior
Powertrain Options:
Emphasis on V6 and V8 engine options for strong performance
Comfort Amenities:
Focus on ride quality, quiet cabin, and available luxury features
Instrument Panel:
Gauges, warning lights, indicator lamps and their meanings
Controls:
Steering wheel, pedals, shifter, climate control, lighting, wipers
Convenience Features:
Power windows, locks, mirrors, seats, cruise control, sound system, keyless entry (if equipped)
Safety Systems:
Seat belts, airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS) operation
Driver Information Center:
Operation of the Driver Information Center (DIC) for trip data, fuel economy, and system alerts
Climate Control:
Operation of automatic climate control and manual HVAC systems
Audio System:
Radio, cassette, CD player (if equipped) operation and features
Lighting Controls:
Headlamps, parking lamps, fog lamps, interior lighting
Wipers Washers:
Operation of front and rear wipers and washer systems
Security System:
Factory alarm system operation (if equipped)
Tire And Wheel:
Information on tire inflation pressures and basic wheel care
Fuel Information:
Recommended fuel type and octane rating
Towing:
Guidance on towing with the Bonneville (if applicable to owner's manual scope)
Starting The Engine:
Proper engine starting and warm-up procedures
Driving Techniques:
Tips for efficient and safe driving
Refueling:
Correct procedure for refueling the vehicle
Checking Fluids:
Instructions for checking engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid
Changing Tires:
Basic procedure for changing a flat tire (jack points, lug nut torque)
Jump Starting:
Steps for safely jump-starting the battery
Wiper Blade Replacement:
Guidance on replacing wiper blades
Fuse Replacement:
Locating and replacing blown fuses
Bulb Replacement:
Basic instructions for replacing exterior and interior light bulbs
Park Assist:
Operation of parking assist features (if equipped)
Depth Level:
Owner-level operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting
Diagnostic Scope:
Information on interpreting warning lights and system indicators; not in-depth diagnostic codes
Repair Scope:
Limited to basic user-replaceable items; does not cover complex mechanical or electrical repairs
Engine Code:
L36 (3800 Series I V6)
Displacement:
3.8 Liters (231 cu. in.)
Configuration:
Overhead Valve (OHV), V6
Horsepower:
205 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
230 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Engine Code:
L32 (3800 Series I Supercharged V6 - LSS trim)
Displacement:
3.8 Liters (231 cu. in.)
Configuration:
Overhead Valve (OHV), Supercharged V6
Horsepower:
240 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
280 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Emission Control:
Catalytic Converter, On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4 Stars (1996 Model Year Assessment)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4 Stars (1996 Model Year Assessment)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional on some models
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point front and rear seat belts, front shoulder belt height adjusters
Child Seat Anchors:
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) not standard on this model year
Audio Options:
AM/FM stereo with cassette, optional CD player, premium sound system options
Display:
Analog gauges, Driver Information Center (DIC) with digital readouts
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control
Steering:
Power-assisted rack and pinion
Phone Integration:
No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity (aftermarket solutions possible)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil recommended)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (using extended-life iridium or platinum plugs recommended for this era's engines)
Coolant Flush:
Every 5 years or 100,000 miles (using Dex-Cool or equivalent for aluminum engines)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 50,000 - 100,000 miles, or as per specific service schedule. Inspect condition of fluid.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 (API Service SG or SH or SJ)
Coolant:
GM P/N 12345490 (Dex-Cool) or equivalent Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolant, 50/50 with distilled water
Power Steering Fluid:
GM P/N 89021177 (Dexron-VI compatible) or equivalent
Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (for 4T60-E)
Intake Manifold Gaskets:
Common issue on 3800 V6 engines; leaks can develop leading to coolant loss or misfires.
Heater Core Leaks:
Can occur in older vehicles, leading to coolant smell inside the cabin and foggy windows.
Transmission Control Module:
Potential issues with the electronic control module affecting shifting performance.
Window Regulators:
Power window regulators can fail over time.
Alternator:
Early failure is not uncommon for alternators on these vehicles.
Pontiac Legacy:
Pontiac, a division of General Motors, was known for its performance-oriented vehicles and distinctive styling.
Fourth Generation:
The 1996 Bonneville is part of the fourth generation (1992-1999), which saw significant updates in styling and technology compared to its predecessors.
1996 Updates:
While major redesigns occurred in earlier years of this generation, 1996 models often featured refinements in powertrain calibration, features, and minor styling tweaks.
Manufacturing Plant:
Fairfax Assembly Plant, Kansas City, Kansas, USA and Oshawa Car Assembly, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Production Years:
1992-1999 (Fourth Generation)
Segment Popularity:
The Bonneville was a strong seller in the full-size sedan segment for many years, appealing to buyers seeking comfort and value.
Consumer Reports Historical:
While specific 1996 ratings vary, the Bonneville generally offered a comfortable ride and good performance, with some noted reliability concerns in specific areas.