In 1992,
Pontiac introduced the Bonneville SSEi - an upgraded, higher-priced version of its SE sports sedan-as a showcase vehicle for such technological gifts as a supercharged engine, traction control, heated side mirrors, leather seats, headlight washers and a power package that included a nine(!)-button power-seat system.
That gave buyers three Bonneville models to choose from: the basic SE, the mid-level SSE and the high-end SSEi. But for 1994, Pontiac streamlined its Bonneville models to two, dropping the SSEi and retaining the SE (roughly $20,000 MSRP) and the SSE (around $26,000).
Those who like a bit of luxury in their sedans needn't fret. Bonneville offers an SSEi Supercharger package as an option on the 1994 SSE. For an additional $1,167, the package includes a 225-hp, 3800-Series supercharged V6 engine (a 20-hp increase over the '93 engine), a 2.97 rear-axle ratio (compared to 2.84 in the non-supercharged edition) and an electronically controlled, driver-selectable, four-speed automatic transmission that allows the driver to choose between "normal" and "performance" by pressing a button next to the gear shift.
The base price of our test model was $25,884. Optional equipment included the SSEi Supercharger package, 12-way power seats with leather seating surfaces, a power sunroof and a computer-command ride suspension that featured an adjustable damper for "touring" or "performance" suspension. Our priciest add-on was an option package that cost $1,440 and included remote keyless entry, a head-up instrument display, an eight-speaker sound system, a six-way passenger seat, an electronically controlled air conditioner, an anti-theft system and traction control. All this plus the destination charge brought the final price to $31,177.
Initially, the front end of the 1994 SSE-with its futuristic, sleekly aerodynamic lines, compact luxury-edition grille, wraparound headlights and low-mounted foglights--suggests a Blade Runner hovercraft. However, closer inspection reveals form-meets-function modifications that take earthbound realities into account, such as the bodyside molding to deflect car door dings and four sprayers to wash road sludge from the headlights.
Mounted on the cast-aluminum wheels of our test car were a set of performance tires, which, like the gold-trimmed rear- and side-mounted nameplates, were part of the Supercharger package. In the back, dual exhausts, dramatically swept taillights and a rear-deck spoiler added to the SSE's aggressively sporty stance. We had to press the remote control switch twice before the trunk lid popped open, but when it did, it revealed a surprisingly spacious 18 cubic feet of space-big enough for two or three suitcases or about eight shopping bags.
One appreciated perk was the emergency road kit, chock full of extras such as white cotton gloves, a bright red rag, a first aid kit, an ice scraper and an air hose with a sturdy brass nozzle that could be attached to the trunk-mounted air compressor to inflate flat tires, air mattresses or basketballs.
