1997-2005 Pontiac Trans Sport/Montana: Overview

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.