After my most recent GIANT repair and service bill from my mechanic, I have decided to once again handle the repair and upgrades to my '01 SSEi. Can someone recommend which shop manual company has the best written and detailed book ? (I'm guessing Chilton'* ?)

get the factory service manuals. They are better than chiltons. ebay has them usually, and I believe there is a company that has them new.

You can buy the factory manual direct from HELM PUBLISHING. That is where I bought my New 2000 manuals from 2 years ago. They are the best manuals out there!!!! They actually had them on sale during Nov and Dec for $75. Not sure if this is a yearly occurance or not. They were about $40 cheaper than ebay for NEW MANUALS. Good Luck!

I found my factory service manuals on this site in the Classifieds for cheap. You just have to keep your eyes out for the price you are looking for.

http://cgi.ebay.com/2003-Pontiac-Bon...QQcmdZViewItem


this is the as close as i could find for your year

Getting the correct year may be key in a changed year etc. You can typically use a close year for 99%...but that one time..

You definitely want the FSMs if you're going to do any real in depth work, but you may also consider picking up the Chiltons for general work and quick reference.

As hinted at, you're better off getting the exact year Factory Service Manuals, IMO.
Helms.com
Ebay
For Sale section here