1990-1996 Pontiac Trans Sport: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
1996 Pontiac Trans Sport
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1990-1996 Pontiac Trans Sport
- Price Range: $600 - $1,600
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1996 Pontiac Trans Sport and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (3.8-liter V6)
- Passenger and cargo room
Cons
- Acceleration (3.1-liter V6)
- Visibility
Vehicle Highlights
Pontiac's version of the new GM minivan shared its front-drive layout with the Chevrolet Lumina APV and Oldsmobile Silhouette, all of which had a 120-horsepower 3.1-liter V6 hooked to a 3-speed automatic transmission. The body panels of the 1990-96 versions were made of a fiberglasslike composite material, designed to absorb minor impacts and spring back without damage. Trans Sport was available in base 5-passenger and SE 6-passenger trim levels. Both featured reclining front bucket seats. Versatile interiors seated up to seven.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Pontiac Trans Sport 3.8-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 54 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1996 Pontiac Trans Sport. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1996 Pontiac Trans Sport.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Pontiac Montana:
Trans Sports get larger sideview mirrors, with power adjustment standard on SE models. Also, all models get a stainless-steel exhaust system while a roof luggage carrier is a new option.
1992 Pontiac Montana:
Last year's SE version becomes the base model, retaining the 120-horsepower 3.1-liter V6. Standard on a new GT is GM's 165-horsepower 3.8-liter V6, coupled to an electronic 4-speed automatic. Finally, standard on all models are antilock brakes.
1993 Pontiac Montana:
After one year, the GT model is dropped, but an even more-powerful engine is made available. The optional 3.8-liter V6 provides five more horsepower and five extra pound-feet of torque--to 170 and 225, respectively. Among Trans Sport's new options are steering-wheel-mounted auxiliary radio controls and leather upholstery.
1994 Pontiac Montana:
A shorter nose and a new driver-side airbag are the primary changes Pontiac makes to the 1994 Trans Sport. The new front end cuts two inches off the minivan's overall length, but still includes integrated fog lamps. At the rear, a new center high-mount stoplight has been added. A power sliding side door becomes an option for the Trans Sport. The power sliding door can be activated by buttons inside the vehicle or on the remote-entry keyfob and is designed to stop and reverse direction when it encounters an obstacle.
1995 Pontiac Montana:
A new brake/transmission-shift interlock leads the short list of changes to Pontiac's plastic-bodied minivan.
1996 Pontiac Montana:
This year's only engine is a new 180-horsepower 3.4-liter V6. The new engine comes paired with just one transmission--a 4-speed automatic. Trans Sport would be all new for '97.
Our road test for the 1990-1996 Pontiac Trans Sport includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1996 Pontiac Trans Sport and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1996 Pontiac Trans Sport is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Featuring a fiberglasslike composite shell bonded to a steel framework, rust isn't a problem, and the plasticlike bodies are good at absorbing parking-lot dings. However, the long sloping nose of the Trans Sport has proven less than popular with the public. The view from the driver's seat is also disconcerting. A restyling job in 1994 added a driver-side airbag and shortened the front somewhat. The Trans Sport's handling is much more carlike than trucklike. Acceleration is a bit below average with the 3.1-liter V6 and three-speed automatic. However, performance improves with the arrival of GM's "3800" 3.8-liter V6 paired with a 4-speed automatic. Power is enhanced further in 1996 with the switch to the more fuel efficient 3.4-liter V6 engine. The interior is roomy, and the removable bucket seats weigh only 36 pounds. Pontiac also gained a convenient power function for its sliding door, which can be activated either by a button inside the vehicle or with the remote-entry keyfob.
Value for the Money
Overall, the Trans Sport is a capable and stylish minivan. It provides good interior room, the safety of an airbag and a power sliding door on newer models, plus less boxy styling. While the Trans Sport is no match overall for Chrysler's new minivans, it's reasonably priced and a good value in rust-belt areas that experience severe winters.
Overall, the Trans Sport is a capable and stylish minivan. It provides good interior room, the safety of an airbag and a power sliding door on newer models, plus less boxy styling. While the Trans Sport is no match overall for Chrysler's new minivans, it's reasonably priced and a good value in rust-belt areas that experience severe winters.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Pontiac Trans Sport 3.8-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 54 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Pontiac Montana includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Pontiac Montana .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission:
4T60E transmissions may drop out of drive while cruising, shift erratically, or have no second, third, or fourth gear because of a bad ground connection for the shift solenoids. (1992-94)
Automatic transmission:
TH-125 automatic transmissions may shift late or not upshift at all. The problem is a stuck throttle valve inside the transmission. (1990-94)
Coolant leak:
Coolant loss via plastic intake manifold is corrected by installing upgraded manifold and gaskets plus new PCV kit. (1995-96)
Coolant leak:
The 3.8-liter V6 may leak coolant into the engine from the intake manifold. A new gasket kit, revised throttle body nuts, and sealing compound is available. Redesigned manifolds are also available in the aftermarket. (1993-96)
Engine noise:
A rattling noise from the engine when the car is started after sitting is often caused by automatic-transmission pump starvation or a sticking pressure-regulator valve. (1992-95)
Engine noise:
Bearing knock was common on 3.3- and 3.8-liter engines due to too much clearance on the number-one main bearing. (1992-94)
Oil consumption and engine knock:
3.8-liter engines are prone to excessive oil consumption often accompanied by spark knock due to failure of the valve-stem seals. (1993-95)
Steering noise:
The upper bearing mount in the steering column can get loose and cause a clicking, requiring a new bearing spring and turn-signal cancel cam. (1994-96)
Transaxle leak:
The right front-axle seal at the automatic transaxle is prone to leak. GM issued a revised seal to correct the problem. (1992-94)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $510 |
| Alternator | $240 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $980 |
| Brakes | $230 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $505 |
| Exhaust System | $415 |
| Radiator | $430 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $430 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $250 |
Our price chart for this generation Pontiac Montana details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1996 | |||
| Trans Sport | $1,800-2,300 | $1,200-1,600 | $300 |
| 1995 | |||
| Trans Sport | $1,600-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $200-300 |
| 1994 | |||
| Trans Sport | $1,400-1,900 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| 1993 | |||
| Trans Sport | $1,300-1,700 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| 1992 | |||
| Trans Sport | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| 1991 | |||
| Trans Sport | $1,100-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| 1990 | |||
| Trans Sport | $1,000-1,400 | $600-800 | $100 |
|
|
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This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Pontiac Montana include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 3-door van | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 109.8 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 194.5 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 74.6 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 65.7 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3598 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 112.6 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 20.0 | |
| Seating Capacity | 7 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.2 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 40.1 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.7 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.9 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
The Trans Sport arrived in 1990 with a base powertrain consisting of GM's 120-horsepower 3.1-liter V6 and a 3-speed automatic transmission. It produces 175 pound-feet of torque at 2200 rpm. Standard on the GT model, and optional for the SE for 1992 was a 3.8-liter V6 with 165 horsepower, mated to a smoother 4-speed overdrive automatic. Maximum torque for that engine is 220 pound-feet at 3200 rpm. For 1993, both horsepower and torque move up five, to 170 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. Another new engine arrives in 1996--a 180-horsepower, 3.4-liter V6--replacing both the 3.1-liter and the 3.8-liter V6s, It comes paired with a 4-speed automatic and provides torque of 225 pound-feet at 3200 rpm.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V6 | 3.1 / 191 | 120 | 175 | 3-speed automatic: 19/23 | 3-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V6 | 3.4 / 207 | 180 | 205 | 4-speed automatic: 19/26 | 4-speed automatic: 17.1 |
| ohv V6 | 3.8 / 231 | 165-170 | 220-225 | 3-speed automatic: 17/24 4-speed automatic: 17/25 |
3-speed automatic: -- 4-speed automatic: 17.2 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Pontiac Montana include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1996 Trans Sport |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 3 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1996 Pontiac Trans Sport directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1990:
Rear modular seat frame hold-down hooks may not meet the required pull force.
1990:
Right-seat/shoulder-belt retractor may have been installed in second-row left seat position.
1990-91 in 14 states:
Rear cradle bolts could pull through retainers, due to corrosion; if both bolts pull through, steering shaft could separate from steering gear.
1992-95:
Transmission-cooler line in cars with certain powertrains, sold in specified states, can separate at low temperature.
1993-94 w/optional power sliding door:
Shoulder belt can become pinched between seat and door-frame pillar trim.
1994:
Pawl spring may be missing from retractors for rear center lap belts.
1994:
Third-row seatbelt retractors may lock up when van is on a slope.
1995 w/3.1-liter engine:
Throttle-cable support brackets could contact throttle-lever system and inhibit throttle return; engine speed would then decrease more slowly than anticipated.
1995:
On some cars, brake-pedal arm can fracture during braking.
1996-98:
Faulty power steering bearings may have been installed on certain vehicles, resulting in difficulty turning the steering wheel. Dealers will inspect and replace all affected parts.
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