I am thinking about looking for a 2000 SSEi Bonneville. I haven't Driven one yet, so I, like always have a some questions that I would really appreciate to be answered! Right now I drive a 1991 Cutlass Supreme 3.1 coupe, and a Bonneville SSEi is at the top of my list.

1. How is the steering feel? Is it pretty numb and slow, like many cars, or is it like the older Bonnevilles from the 90'*, very sporty?

2. How is the acceleration compared to a regular 3800 II V6?

3. Does the dual exhaust provide a good sound or is it pretty much just for looks? The earlier GPs from around 91-95 had a nice sound.

4. Would you rate it'* overall performance and comfort higher than a '99?

It'* not a real dual exhaust, just tips that exit to either side. Rather funny when I see a 3800-powered Grand Prix or Bonneville spewing smoke out of one side only in cold weather


I hope the guys here will chime in and denounce this, but Car and Driver griped about the 2004 GXP'* steering to be numb. Hopefully they were talking about the loss of feel generally associated with a lot of steering boost during low-speed situations, as in Magnasteer.

My steering is dead as a nail, but I'm 9 years older than you.

The looks of the 2000+ SSEi are awesome!

Steering is adjustable. It can be whatever you want.
Accelleration is significantly better than a non-supercharged model. Welcome to supercharging.
Dual exhaust has a nice grumble to it.
I think the 99 might have a tad less body roll and weight transfer, but frankly, from 2000 on, nothing is in the SSEi'* class. Luxury with attitude.

I have an NA and SC 3800 in the same body style so should be good comparison to what your asking altho mine is not a 2000 thru 2005 style they should be the same difference

#1. like has been said already you can have it adjusted more firmer if you like ,

#2.Under normal driving no difference, but if you peg leg it, OMG!! you can feel the extra 35 HP on tap from the SC . In every day driving the NA is fine.

#3 Looks.

#4 I would say perfomace is the same and the comfort I can't say as Ive never driven a 2000+ Bonneville but would expect it to be about the same

It is single pipe, dual muffler, dual tip and yes my vapor comes out both sides.

1) As stated the steering is adjustable but the stock setting is very informative to the driver and not slushy feeling.

2) The torque from the SC will make you drool. 35 HP may not seem like a lot of difference but the torque difference is where you get the acceleration and it is available in buckets on the SSEi

3) The SSEi stock exhaust is very good perfromance wise. In fact I have not even modified mine from the cat back and im running 12'* in the 1/4.

4) Yes, I have driven and ridden in a 96 for many years. The 2000 beats it hands down and the extra options (memory seats etc..) put it over the top.

Rogue makes a good point. It may sound piddly at 35hp, but it'* WHERE that 35 is delivered that makes the difference. Down low torque.

the interior of the 2000+ seems better looking to the eye than the 92-99, but i think that the 2000+ are a little smaller on the inside. the 2000+ is about 400 lbs heavier than the 92-99, but the looks overcome that and boost is really good

HEHEHEHE

I've driven a '93, non sc, and now have a 2000 SSEi. My comments:

1.) 93 had a little more room inside, and the trunk seemed slightly bigger. But I am 6'1" and 240 lbs, and I fit just fine behind the wheel. I've also been able to fit a lot of luggage in the 2000. The trunk is still a cave, if a little smaller.

2.) The '93 felt lighter when driving. Not flimsy or anything, just lighter. The 2000 feels rock solid. I prefer the latter.

3.) The steering in its stock setting is great. If I were 18, I might prefer it a little stiffer though. Being over 40, it suits me fine. The only complaint I have is the torque steer when you nail it at low speeds, or from a stand still. Though this can be cured if you add a limited slip differential.

4.) The 2000 has excellent accelleration at any speed. There is an on-ramp near me (IL-31 feeding into I-90 East bound) where you have to stop and pay a toll immediately before the merge. Stupid planning. But the SSEi rockets me to 70-80 before the end of the merge lane, no problem, and some of that is uphill. It won't snap your neck, but 50-80 is quick.

5.) Exhaust in the 200o+ has a nice tone, though not very agressive. Sounds good on the street, is very quiet on the highway at cruising speed.

6.) Overall, very comfy, lots of nice features, and generally a great value. These cars rock.

My only complaint is, now that we've had a good snow storm out here where they don't salt and plows are slow, the stock tires suck unless its bone dry. I never imagined GoodYear could produce such crap and call it a performance tire.