Segment:
Full-size luxury/near-luxury sedan
Competitors:
Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Lumina, Chrysler LHS, Buick LeSabre, Oldsmobile Eighty Eight
Styling:
Sleek, aerodynamic design for its era, often featuring distinctive front and rear fascias.
Interior:
Spacious cabin, comfortable seating, availability of premium features like leather upholstery and automatic climate control.
Performance Variant:
SSEi model offered a supercharged V6 engine for enhanced performance.
Ride Quality:
Emphasis on comfortable, smooth ride characteristic of large sedans.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, basic care, fuel and exhaust systems overview.
Transmission:
Operation of automatic transmission, gear selection, parking.
Brakes:
Brake system operation, parking brake, ABS operation (if equipped).
Steering:
Power steering operation, steering wheel controls.
Suspension:
Basic understanding of suspension system, tire care.
Electrical:
Lighting controls, horn, wipers, power accessories, battery care, fuse identification and replacement.
Climate Control:
HVAC system operation, manual/automatic climate control (if equipped), air conditioning, heating, ventilation.
Interior Features:
Seating adjustments, seat belts, airbags (if equipped), door locks, windows, mirrors, audio system, interior lighting.
Exterior Features:
Door operation, hood, trunk, fuel filler door, exterior lighting, wipers, mirrors.
Driver Information System:
Instrument cluster, gauges, warning lights, driver information center (if equipped).
Starting And Operating:
Proper starting procedures, driving techniques, shifting gears, parking.
Instrumentation And Controls:
Explanation and operation of all dashboard instruments, switches, and controls.
Comfort And Convenience:
Operation of climate control, audio system, power windows, locks, seats, etc.
Safety Equipment:
Seat belt usage, airbag system explanation, child restraint system installation guidance.
Maintenance Checks:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure, wiper blades, lights.
Tire Changing:
Instructions for changing a flat tire, including jack placement and lug nut tightening.
Emergency Procedures:
Guidance for various emergency situations, such as jump-starting the vehicle.
Fueling Instructions:
Proper fuel type, fueling procedures, fuel door operation.
Depth:
Covers basic owner-level maintenance, operation, and troubleshooting. Does not include in-depth diagnostic procedures or repair instructions typically found in a service manual.
Length:
Approximately 203.7 inches
Width:
Approximately 73.1 inches
Height:
Approximately 55.4 inches
Wheelbase:
Approximately 110.8 inches
Passenger Volume:
Approximately 103.4 cubic feet
Trunk Volume:
Approximately 17.1 cubic feet
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3500-3700 lbs (depending on trim and equipment)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4 stars (1994 model year data)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4 stars (1994 model year data)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on SE, standard on SSE and SSEi.
Traction Control:
Traction control system (TCS) available on SSEi models.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seat belts, front shoulder belts with height adjusters.
Child Restraint Anchors:
LATCH system not standard in 1994; rear seat belts are designed for child seat installation.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, or as indicated by oil life monitor (if equipped).
Tire Rotation:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 50,000-100,000 miles, depending on driving conditions.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30, API Service SG or SH rated (check manual for specifics).
Coolant:
Dex-Cool Extended Life Coolant (orange) or equivalent silicate-free coolant with a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 brake fluid.
Intake Manifold Gaskets:
Leaking intake manifold gaskets, especially on 3800 V6 engines, can lead to coolant leaks and misfires.
Window Regulators:
Power window regulators can fail, leading to windows not operating correctly.
Heater Core:
Heater core leaks can result in coolant loss and a sweet smell in the cabin.
Suspension Components:
Wear in suspension components like ball joints and tie rod ends is common with age and mileage.
Pontiac Legacy:
Pontiac was known for sporty and performance-oriented vehicles, though the Bonneville emphasized comfort and luxury in its later generations.
Fourth Generation:
This 1994 model is part of the fourth generation (1992-1999), which moved to the GM W-body platform (shared with Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme).
Design Changes:
The fourth generation featured a significant redesign, adopting a more aerodynamic and modern look compared to its predecessors.
Manufacturing Location:
Fairfax, Kansas, USA; Oshawa, Ontario, Canada