1997-2005 Pontiac Trans Sport/Montana: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2005 Pontiac Montana
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1997-2005 Pontiac Trans Sport/Montana ▼
- Price Range: $1,500 - $9,900
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1997-2005 Pontiac Trans Sport/Montana and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Antilock brakes
- Ride
- Passenger and cargo room
Cons
- Rear-seat comfort
- Fuel economy
Vehicle Highlights
Like its two GM siblings, the Chevrolet Venture and Oldsmobile Silhouette, Pontiac's front-drive Trans Sport minivan was redesigned for 1997. Unlike the prior generation, the new one came in two sizes: standard-length and extended-length. The previous long-snout styling, dubbed the "dustbuster" look, was gone. Also gone were the plastic body panels that had characterized all three GM minivans from 1990-96.The shorter Trans Sport rode a 112-inch wheelbase, 2.2 inches longer than its predecessor. Extended-length models had a 120-inch wheelbase and were capable of holding a 4 x 8-foot sheet of plywood. Dual airbags and antilock brakes were standard. A driver-side sliding door was a new option on the longer version. Seating for seven was standard, and all Trans Sports got front bucket seats, and the driver's seat tilted forward to allow access to the middle row. Integrated child seats were optional. All doors held map pockets, and side panels and rear armrests contained covered bins. Another handy feature was a cargo net that could be strung between the front seats. Under the hood sat the same powertrain used in 1996: a 3.4-liter V6 engine, making 180 horsepower and driving a 4-speed automatic transmission. No optional engines or transmissions were offered.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Pontiac Trans Sport ext. Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 7 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 9 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 57 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1997-2005 Pontiac Trans Sport/Montana. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1997-2005 Pontiac Trans Sport/Montana.
Year to Year Changes
1998 Pontiac Montana:
Front side airbags were installed in '98 models. Regular-length models could now be ordered with dual sliding side doors (previously optional only on extended-length minivans). Either model could also have the power right-side sliding door.
1999 Pontiac Montana:
Pontiac dropped the Trans Sport designation, naming all of its minivans Montana--the name of a popular option package in 1998.
2000 Pontiac Montana:
All Montana minivans now had dual sliding doors. The instrument cluster was revised, and all rear seats got child-seat tether anchors.
2001 Pontiac Montana:
Montana got a stowable third-row bench seat, power left-side rear door, standard OnStar assistance system, and a minor front and rear facelift for 2001.
2002 Pontiac Montana:
Pontiac's minivan got optional rear-obstacle detection, available all-wheel drive, and a DVD player for '02.
2003 Pontiac Montana:
Antilock brakes and front side airbags are now an option on the entry-level regular-length 1SV model; they remain standard on other Montanas.
2004 Pontiac Montana:
The Montan's 1SV model did not return in 2004. Also new this year is an optional MP3 player upgrade package.
2005 Pontiac Montana:
Pontiac's minivan drops regular-length and all-wheel-drive models for 2005. Montana will be reborn later in the model year as the Montana SV6, with SUV-inspired styling and a different V6. Montana shares its design with the Chevrolet Venture, which will be similarly recast as the 2005 Uplander.
Our road test for the 1997-2005 Pontiac Trans Sport/Montana includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1997-2005 Pontiac Trans Sport/Montana and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1997-2005 Pontiac Trans Sport/Montana is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
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.
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Pontiac Trans Sport ext. Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 7 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 9 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 57 |
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.
Brakes:
The brake pedal may not return fully causing the brakes to drag, get hot, and wear out prematurely. Also, the cruise control will not function. The cause may be misadjusted brake or cruise-control switches, or a defective brake-pedal assembly. (1997)
Climate control:
The heater may not be adequate in very cold weather requiring as revised heater core and possibly a new air-distribution duct for the floor outlet. (1997)
Climate control:
If the air conditioning is insufficient, the engine cooling fan, and the air-conditioning orifice tube may have to be replaced. (1997)
Engine noise:
Ticking on cold startup may be due to excessive piston pin to bore clearance. (1997-98)
Engine temperature:
Overheating and coolant loss may be due to rough surface on radiator filler neck. Neck should be sanded smooth and cap replaced. (1999-2000)
Hard starting:
Corroded electrical connector under the driver's seat can cause hard starting, stalling, and improper fuel gauge readings. (2000-02)
Suspension noise:
A dull, rattling noise from the rear on long wheelbase models equipped with electronic level control requires replacement shock absorbers. (1997-98)
Windows:
If the "auto-down" feature of the power window quits, a voltage spike from the driver's side switch has probably destroyed the integrated circuit that controls this function. (1997)
Windshield:
The windshield may crack in cold weather. (1997)
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 | $635 |
| Alternator | $380 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,160 |
| Brakes | $240 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $490 |
| Exhaust System | $330 |
| Radiator | $450 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $460 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $345 |
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 |
|
|
|||
| 2005 | |||
| Montana | $9,200-11,000 | $8,300-9,900 | $4,800-5,700 |
| 2004 | |||
| Montana extended | $7,900-9,500 | $7,100-8,600 | $4,000-4,800 |
| Montana regular | $6,800-7,800 | $6,100-6,900 | $3,200-3,700 |
| 2003 | |||
| Montana extended | $6,400-7,900 | $5,600-7,000 | $2,800-3,500 |
| Montana regular | $5,600-6,600 | $4,800-5,700 | $2,300-2,700 |
| 2002 | |||
| Montana extended | $5,200-6,400 | $4,400-5,400 | $2,100-2,600 |
| Montana regular | $4,500-5,300 | $3,700-4,400 | $1,600-1,900 |
| 2001 | |||
| Montana extended | $4,400-5,400 | $3,700-4,500 | $1,500-1,900 |
| Montana regular | $3,800-4,500 | $3,100-3,700 | $1,200-1,400 |
| 2000 | |||
| Montana extended | $3,700-4,500 | $3,000-3,600 | $1,100-1,300 |
| Montana regular | $3,200-3,900 | $2,500-3,000 | $800-1,000 |
| 1999 | |||
| Montana extended | $3,200-3,800 | $2,500-3,000 | $800-1,000 |
| Montana regular | $2,700-3,400 | $2,000-2,600 | $600-700 |
| 1998 | |||
| Trans Sport extended | $2,800-3,400 | $2,100-2,600 | $600-700 |
| Trans Sport regular | $2,400-3,000 | $1,700-2,200 | $500-600 |
| 1997 | |||
| Trans Sport extended | $2,400-2,900 | $1,700-2,100 | $500-600 |
| Trans Sport regular | $2,100-2,600 | $1,500-1,800 | $400-500 |
|
|
|||
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 | 4-door van |
| Wheelbase, in. | 112.0 | 120.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 187.3 | 201.3 |
| Overall Width, in. | 72.7 | 72.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 67.4 | 68.1 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3730 | 3942 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 126.6 | 155.9 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 20.0 | 25.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 71 | 71 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.9 | 39.9 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 39.9 | 39.9 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.3 | 39.3 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.9 | 39.0 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Pontiac dropped the Trans Sport designation, naming all of its minivans Montana--the name of a popular option package in 1998.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V6 | 3.4 / 207 | 180-185 | 205-210 | 4-speed automatic: 18/25 | 4-speed automatic: 18.7 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
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 | 1999 Montana |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| 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 1997-2005 Pontiac Trans Sport/Montana directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1997-05 w/second-row bucket seats or captainÕs chairs and power sliding passenger door:
If someone holds onto the sliding-door handle while it's being opened by the motor, that person's arm may be pushed into the seatback or armrest, possibly resulting in injury to wrist or lower arm.
1997-2001 w/passenger-side sliding door:
Door closes but may not be latched. If this happens, the sliding door can open while the vehicle is in motion.
1997-98:
Windshield-wiper linkage arm can contact brake line connected to traction-control modulator valve; brake line can chafe, resulting in brake-fluid leakage.
1998:
Broken shift-cable fitting or loose shift linkage can occur; moving shift lever to "Park" position may not shift the transmission to "Park," and vehicle could roll.
1999 Montana:
Driver's-side-airbag inflator module could explode on deployment because of excessive internal pressure.
2000:
Some seatbelt assemblies were not properly heat treated and do not pass the load-bearing requirement.
2001 Montana:
Passenger-airbag inflator modules may have been built without the correct amount of explosive. Airbag explosion or failure could occur.
2001:
Seat-latch anchor-wire diameter may be wider than 6.1 mm, potentially inhibiting the installation of child restraints.
2002:
Driver side-airbag inflator could fracture during deployment, increasing the risk of serious injury.
2002-03:
Owner's manual doesn't adequately explain child-restraint anchorage system. Dealers will send vehicle owners a supplement to their manual.
2004:
Warning label attached to available second-row integral child restraint is incomplete.
2005:
In a side-impact crash, outboard release handle on impact-side second-row bucket seat may be actuated, and rear latches may unlatch early.
2005:
When parking brake is released, driver may notice unintended braking when accelerating, decelerating, or coasting; may also be noise from rear of vehicle.
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