recently i have been strongly considering getting either a 1996-99 or 2000 Bonneville. I know that the 2000 has more up to date styling, but i want the one that is the smoothest and the quietest. I have heard that the 2000 is not as quiet as far as wind and road noise as the 1996-99 generation. I need something smooth at speeds of 70-75mph. Also how is the reliability on the 2000 ssei? Also, how is fuel economy and costs compared with a n/a 3800? And how is the ride?

The ride is smooth and fun. The mileage depends upon how badly you are on mashing the pedal on how good the mileage is.

Most get 25-30mpg when not stomping on it. I did get 33.5 on one trip.

The 2000+ do seem to have a few more annoying pesky problems like window regulator failure, intermediate shaft failure, and trunk leaks.

They are also heavier, with a CG higher and to the rear. Given the choice for functionality and reliability, I'd choose a 96-99. For style and features, 2000 or newer.

how about the 2001 aurora compared to the 2000 ssei? Any major differences?

Ha!...good choice.

4.0L V8, great engine, develops even hp/tq (250/260). Smooth, incredibly smooth, better interior finish, nicer leather seats (IMO). Very affordable for what you are getting, I would say best bang for the buck when it comes to a lux car.

The SSEi will deliver fun in any model (ie 96-99 or 2000+) and the aftermarket is huge for the Series II L67.

My mantra: the Aurora is svelte where the SSEi is pure grunt.

Good choices padwan good luck with your selection. My suggestion, try em all on for size and pick which one you like the best.

its a hard choice. Theres things i like and dislike about both of them.

BONNEVILLE SSEi
LIKE: Sleek sporty styling and the 2000 ssei chrome wheels, HUD, 6 red guages, DIC with outline.

DISLIKE: Interior looks cheap and there is no color at all. doesn't age well.

AURORA 4.0
LIKE: Sleek, luxurious interior, ages well.

DISLIKE: Exterior styling seems bland. Lack of features like HUD and other pontiac gadgets.

I look at it this way. I'm inside the car. Goodies matter.

well since the bonneville and aurora are on the same platform, they are probably exactly the same in terms of quietness and road noise i'm assuming

werd, but the 'rora'* interior is so much prettier...

Marquette. I have heard some complaints about interior fit and finish on the 01 Auroras, so long term misc rattles in the G- body platform will be the same between the 2nd Gen Aurora and the 2000+ Bonneville.

However the only common mechanical issue is the Intermediate steering shaft. The Aurora window regulators do not fail like the Bonneville, and trunk leak issues occur far more often in the Bonneville then the Aurora. Be aware, that in 2003, the Bonneville SSEi was outfitted with the Aurora seats.

The Classic Aurora like mine, seems to have a far better build quality then the early 2nd gen Auroras...just food for thought.

The interior is far nicer in the 2nd Gen Aurora then the Bonneville, despite the lack of "gadgets" The DIC on the Aurora I find is a bit better and more "integrated" into the dash.

Good reviews FYI

http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdr...bonneville.htm
http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/01aurora.htm