I have a 95 SSEi that I bought new. It is worn out with 150k on it. (see other post)
The car has been pretty nice with minor repairs. I love it. Now I'm looking at a 2005 GXP from a dealer that has 14k miles on it. The GXP is an immaculate one- owner car that I've researched and like. Here'* the issue:
Most performance car owners are proud of their stuff and rarely bad mouth their own cars no matter how lousy they really are. I see a lot of complaining about the reliability and quality of the GXP on this forum. I loved my SSEi, but should I stay away from the GXP. This car will be driven daily by my wife, and I need something that isn't in the shop all the time. Your honest advice please......

They are great cars, it seems so at least. They have their fair share of issues and are slower than an SSEi, but are still probably the nicest looking Bonneville'*. Personally I'd rather have a 2003 SSEi from the modability standpoint but if you just need a near-luxury reliable daily driver, a GXP should work out for you.

From a performance, reliability, and fuel mileage standpoint, I think a 2000-2003 SSEi may suit you better. But you really need to go drive both to make that decision.

You are predisposed to have a love for low-end torque, being a former SSEi owner. The GXP will be lacking there, but will have better accelleration from about 85mph and up. However, the SSEi can get to that point for relatively little money.

The suspension you get with the GXP is almost worth it.

Good point, often overlooked. Not only suspension, styling is way ahead of the SSEi. And uniqueness of low production numbers and a Northstar engine that is vitually matainence free. It in itself is an extremely reliable engine. I am probably the most vocal critic amongst GXP owners but all said I still love the car and practically none of the issues are directly related to the car running or lasting.....And Mr Goodwrecth is not going to be any different regardless of what you buy. That key point is what makes most of us GXP owners rant. Performance issues..... We are talking under a second stock for stock. And not worth all the flaming thats happened here on this board. And if the quarter mile is really what your after, I would look beyond either bubble butted sisters. Will says it best,... You have to go drive each and decide for yourself.

For the record, the only 3 GXP'* we're aware of here that ran on the track ran low-15'*. That'* a far cry from under a second difference to an SSEi. That'* about what a 92/93 SSEi runs stock. We need to keep the facts on the table and as accurate as possible. When I first drove a GXP 2 years ago, I could tell it was severely limited on the bottom end.

Venom brings a good point to the topic. Flames won't be tolerated. State the facts as you see them, and leave it at that.

I used to think that the 2000 restyle of the Bonneville was inspired by Satan himself. I hated the look of the SLE and SSEi. To me, the 96-99, was the best. Then along came the GXP. That completely changed my mind on the styling issue. I now like the look of the GXP much better than my SSE. Performance aside, the GXP has a more updated look. All the body cladding on the 00-03 SSEi'* given them a mid90'* feel. (Yes I know that there is some body cladding on the lower half of the GXP, but not the bubbly tupperware type). The fog lights on the SSEi'* were acceptable on the 92-99s and actually looked good. On the 00-03'* they look like they're hanging off the bumper. That'* fine if they weren't the size of dinner plates.

As for performance, I don't have an SSEi but my GXP has the best handling of any Pontiac I've owned. The ride is far superior to the SSE even when it was new. The SSEI might be faster, but the Northstar is more reliable. I've read here that the SC 3800s aren't susceptible to the UIM problem, but really, they aren't? This Northstar in my GXP is simply the smoothest engine I've ever owned. And I always thought that the 3800 was the best.

Add to this what Venom wrote and you've got a good overall package. I can't tell you how many times people have taken a second look at the car and asked about it (and I've only had it + 2 months). I always hear "it just doesn't look like anything Pontiac".

By the way, the EPA lied on the GXP fuel economy. I drive alot in a hilly winding city environment and my fuel economy reads "20.2" this morning (I do use premium). I know that the 17 is just the center of a range, but I have consistently gotten 20-26 city/highhway with this car.

One downside for me. I'm not sure what seats the SSEis have , but the corvette seats in my 96 SSE are far superior to the flat, uncontoured leather/suede seats of the GXP. I am considering finding the corvette seats and replacing the pine boards they call seats in the GXP.

For me, though, the key diffence is styling and (sorry SSEi owners), the GXP is just far better looking.

P.*.
Before I get accused of flaming in the last post, I almost bought an 03 SSEi, because even though I like the look of the GXP better, the SSEi is still better looking than any other (non-Bonneville) car out there. It is also a trunk-load cheaper than the GXP. The only way to decide is to drive them both.

I have test driven a GXP before, and an SSEi on the same day. I could tell the difference EASILY. The L67 has alot more pep to it, the numbers may be lower, but thats not the issue. The 4T80e used in the GXP is a great transmission, and is probably more RELIABLE in the long run because of its heavier duty components, but it also has a TON of torque management controls on it. So you really aren't experiencing the REAL Northstar under the hood. An SSEi is also easier to modify if you feel the need for some real speed, and there is also a MUCH larger aftermarket for other accessories. Also, the 3800 is probably a more reliable engine in a wider range of conditions because of its iron block and heads which are extremely resilient to such things as overheating and also make it easier to rebuild them if neccisary, I have heard about QUITE the horror stories about things like head bolts stripping and so forth and so on. It does have some nasty seats, I like the ones in the SSEis MUCH better. But I do think it has a nice feel to it due to the high perf suspension. IMO the perfect bonneville would be a GXP with a S2 L67.

Good luck with your decision, but if you want a vote for what you should do, I would say 00-03 SSEi.

I noticed the horrible seats in the GXP as well.

And for the record, consumers and experts rate the 3800 as a more reliable engine over the Northstar. In fact, if I recall correctly, the 3800 hit the Ward'* top 10 list in 1995, 1996, and 1997. And also is listed as one of the top 10 for the 20th century to this day.