2003 Pontiac Montana: Road Test
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2003 Pontiac Montana ▼
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- MSRP: $24,165 -$33,790
- Invoice: $21,869 -$30,580
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Our road test for the 2003 Pontiac Montana includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Pontiac Montana from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Pontiac Montana, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Pontiac Montana help you decide if a 2003 Pontiac Montana is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Reg. length 6-pass. | Reg. length 7-pass. | Ext. length 7-pass., AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
Front-drive models can feel sluggish on takeoff, but are adequately peppy for passing and merging. Available traction control is worthwhile. AWD weighs about 200 lb more than other extendeds but isn't much slower, and its extra traction is welcome in slippery conditions.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Reg. length 6-pass. | Reg. length 7-pass. | Ext. length 7-pass., AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Good for the class, with front-drive models averaging around 17 mpg in our tests, though one averaged just 15.7 in mostly city driving. Test AWDs averaged 16.3 mpg in a city/highway mix.
RIDE QUALITY
| Reg. length 6-pass. | Reg. length 7-pass. | Ext. length 7-pass., AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 5.5 |
Standard suspension provides carlike smoothness and absorbency. We prefer it over the firmer damping of the optional Sport Performance and Handling Package, which makes for rather jittery going on cratered urban streets.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Reg. length 6-pass. | Reg. length 7-pass. | Ext. length 7-pass., AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.3 |
Slightly sportier than the class norm, though rather vague steering feel and marked body lean by passenger-car standards. Optional sport suspension improves agility, but isn't worth the cost in ride comfort. Braking controlled and progressive with ABS; we haven't tested a non-ABS model.
QUIETNESS
| Reg. length 6-pass. | Reg. length 7-pass. | Ext. length 7-pass., AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 |
Engine moans when worked hard, is acceptably quiet otherwise. Door mirrors generate marked wind rush at highway speeds, and coarse-surface tire roar is evident from around the side-door area.
CONTROLS
| Reg. length 6-pass. | Reg. length 7-pass. | Ext. length 7-pass., AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
Clear gauges, large and handy stereo controls, but climate panel is a stretch. Overburdened turn-signal stalk also handles wipers and cruise control. Rear entertainment system has bright, ceiling-mounted screen and cordless headphones, but DVD unit sits low in the dashboard and is hard to load or operate while driving, though it can be adjusted via remote control. Interior materials reflect cost-conscious vehicle pricing; lightweight plastic dashboard trays and drawers tend to squeak and rattle.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Reg. length 6-pass. | Reg. length 7-pass. | Ext. length 7-pass., AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
All models have comfortable front bucket seats. Occupants have ample space to move around, plus easy entry/exit.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Reg. length 6-pass. | Reg. length 7-pass. | Ext. length 7-pass., AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 7 | 7 | 6.9 |
Adult-size space, but low-set seats dictate a less-than-comfortable knees-up posture, and accessing the 3rd row is a squeeze even for some kids.
CARGO ROOM
| Reg. length 6-pass. | Reg. length 7-pass. | Ext. length 7-pass., AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9.3 |
Ample on extendeds even with all seats in place; the regular-length model has room for just a single row of grocery bags unless some seats are folded or removed, which is easily done.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Reg. length 6-pass. | Reg. length 7-pass. | Ext. length 7-pass., AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
Our top-rated minivans are the Chrysler/Dodge models, Toyota Sienna, and Honda Odyssey, but Montana and its GM siblings offer lots of clever features, drive nicely, and are priced right. Only Dodge and Chrysler offer AWD among direct competitors.
Total Score
| Reg. length 6-pass. | Reg. length 7-pass. | Ext. length 7-pass., AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56 | 60 | 60 | 57.1 |
Total Score: 59
Scores for all Minivans
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