2003 Pontiac Montana: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Antilock brakes and front side airbags are optional instead of standard for 2003 on the least-expensive versions of Pontiac's minivan. Montana shares a basic design with the Chevrolet Venture and Oldsmobile Silhouette. It offers regular- and extended-length models with front-wheel drive, and extended models with all-wheel drive. All have a V6 and automatic transmission. Traction control is an option on front-drive versions except the 1SV, and AWD Montanas have independent rear suspension. Seven-passenger seating is standard, and extendeds offer seating for eight. Power operation for the right-side sliding door is available on all models except 1SV, and for both side doors on extendeds. ABS and front side airbags are now a $950 option on the entry-level regular-length 1SV model; they remain standard on other Montanas. All come with air conditioning and CD player. OnStar assistance with one-year free service is available. Also available are a load-leveling rear suspension, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, and a Thunder Sport appearance group with chrome wheels, rear spoiler, and 2-tone interior trim. Montana's performance and accommodations mirror those of similarly equipped Ventures.

COMPETITION

Though the competition has heated up, we feel that Dodge Caravan is still one of the best minivans you can buy. It offers all of the creature comforts in a pleasing package at a fair price. Our other Best Buy is Honda Odyssey. It's sportier to drive, and it has a super-convenient flip-and-fold-away rear seat, but the ride can grow harsh at times.

Recommended Chevy Venture and Toyota Sienna are comparably priced and offer loads of neat features, but they can't match the road manners of our Best Buys. Mazda MPV makes it to the Recommended list this year as a reliable family hauler offering better fuel economy than competitors at a reasonable price. Also garnering Recommended ratings are the Chrysler Town & Country and Chrysler Voyager. Though they don't offer the Caravan's breadth of model choices, they are mechanically similar. Their entry-level models are a super value for the price.