1997-2005 Pontiac Trans Sport/Montana: Road Test

You can expect a stable, comfortable ride as the standard suspension absorbs most road imperfections with ease. With the firmer suspension that's part of the Montana Package, you'll feel more bumps and the ride gets a little jittery on rough surfaces. Steering is firm and precise, and a Trans Sport corners with good grip and moderate body lean. Smooth-running and fairly quiet, the 3.4-liter V6 produces sufficient acceleration for most conditions. When three or more people are aboard and you need a quick burst of power for passing, however, the minivan feels sluggish. The smooth-shifting automatic transmission downshifts quickly for passing. As for economy, we averaged 18.7 mpg, with a little more highway driving than urban miles. Wind noise around the mirrors is noticeable on the highway, but road and engine noise are minimal. Low step-in height makes entry/exit easy--easier yet with the optional driver-side sliding door. Gauges are unobstructed, and the driver can reach the large radio and climate controls without much of a stretch. Leg room is at least adequate all around. Most adults should fit in the middle and rear seats without scrunching, but some might complain because the seats are low to the floor, forcing some awkward bending of the knees. Individual bucket seats are light enough to be removed by one person. So is the rear bench. Short-wheelbase models have only a narrow cargo area at the rear, when all seats are in place. Extended-wheelbase minivans have a much larger cargo area out back.

Value for the Money
Even though we still consider Chrysler's minivans the best around, we've been impressed by the Trans Sport as well as its Chevrolet and Oldsmobile cousins.