Against 446 other V6 cars rated 2003–2005, the Bonneville sits right on their 18.9 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 5.7L 8-cyl (1984), does 21 mpg and the thirstiest, the 5L 8-cyl Hybrid (1984–1985), 17: $430 a year apart.
Every Pontiac Bonneville engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 18 / 25 | 1984–1984 | $1,829 | |
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 16.9 / 25.8 | 1984–2005 | $1,920 | |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 16 / 24 | 1986–1986 | $2,021 | |
| 5L 8-cyl | 15 / 23 | 1986–1986 | $2,133 | |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 15 / 22 | 2004–2005 | $2,133 | |
| 5L 8-cyl Hybrid | 15 / 20.5 | 1984–1985 | $2,259 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Hyundai Sonata gets 22 mpg, the Chevrolet Impala 21.3 mpg and the Cadillac Deville 19 mpg, next to 19.5 mpg for the 2005 Bonneville.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2005) | $0.164 |
| Fuel per year | $1,969 |
| Fuel over five years | $9,845 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2003–2005 | −$63 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,221 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2005 Pontiac Bonneville gives up 8 mpg in town: 24.5 on the highway against 16.5 in the city, $760 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2005) | 16.5 mpg | $2,327 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 24.5 mpg | $1,567 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +8 mpg (48%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Bonneville changed over the years
The Bonneville peaked in 2003 at 21 mpg (17 city, 27 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1985 at 18 — 3 mpg apart, or $304 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2005 car does 19.5.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 16.5 / 24.5 | 2 | $1,969 | |
| 2004 | 16.5 / 24.5 | 2 | $1,969 | |
| 2003 | 17 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2002 | 17 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2001 | 17 / 27 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2000 | 17 / 27 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1999 | 17 / 25 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1998 | 17 / 26 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1997 | 17 / 26 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1996 | 17 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1995 | 17 / 26 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1994 | 17 / 26 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1993 | 17 / 26 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1992 | 16 / 26 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1991 | 17 / 26 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1990 | 16 / 25 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1989 | 16 / 26 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1988 | 17 / 26 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1987 | 16 / 25 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1986 | 15.5 / 23.5 | 2 | $2,076 | |
| 1985 | 16 / 21 | 2 | $2,133 | |
| 1984 | 16.7 / 22.7 | 3 | $2,021 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 28 EPA ratings of the Pontiac Bonneville — 6 engines across 1984–2005. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,221. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2005 Pontiac Bonneville get?
19.5 mpg combined, 16.5 city and 24.5 highway, per EPA; its 2 versions that year range from 18 to 21. Across every year since 1984 the Bonneville has averaged 19.5 mpg.
Is the 2005 Bonneville more efficient than the 2004?
About the same: 19.5 against 19.5 mpg combined.
Which Bonneville year has the best gas mileage?
The 2003, at 21 mpg combined (17 city, 27 highway).
Does the Bonneville get better gas mileage than the Hyundai Sonata?
No: 19.5 mpg for the 2005 Bonneville against 22 for the 2006 Hyundai Sonata, about $224 a year more to run.
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