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Last post on Feb 15, 2013 at 1:58 PM
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Pontiac Montana Forum.
What is this discussion about?
Pontiac Trans Sport, Pontiac Montana, Van
Oct 08, 1998 (12:39 am)
Well, As best I can figure, for 1999, Pontiac got rid of the wimpy name "TransSport" and replaced it with the rugged "Montana" name (not that this is a good reason to buy, but the '99 won't get mixed up with the ill famed TransSport name when you go to sale you car later on).
They also added Sport blue-tinted power "heated" mirrors w/fold & stow feature. Also, you get an extra 5 HP (now 185 HP) and an extra 5 pounds of torque. I will tell you though, my friends '97 Chevy Venture minivan (same as Pontiac) moves uphill without a hitch.
The price is the same for 1999 as far as I figure.
I am still trying to figure if I want the Montana over the Venture (the former costing about $600 more). Otherwise, it is a styling issue.
Best of luck,
VentureMan
Oct 08, 1998 (12:58 am)
I forgot one other new feature. There are also three new color choices for the 1999 Montana. Can't wait to see them.
Best of luck,
VentureMan
Oct 15, 1998 (6:51 pm)
I read that the 99 Montana has a second generation power door. I hope this means that the door is a little more sensitive when something is in its path. I read that the current power door gives you quite a jolt before retracting, went to the dealer and got in the way of the door and it almost knocked me down before retracting. This concerns me as to what kind of damage this door could do to my 15 month old if her leg or arm got in the way. Any comments on this matter ?
Oct 16, 1998 (12:55 am)
I would think the best way to answer this question is to put you arm in the way and let the door close on it and see how much it hurts. I put a item made of paper in the way and it didn't seem to compress it much before retracting. I guess I will have to try this.
Also, if you find out what this second generation door is, please share it. I've been wondering for some time myself.
Best of luck.
VentureMan
Oct 22, 1998 (3:11 pm)
Well, I would think that the pressure from the power door would be less than if you slammed a manual slider on somebody's arm or leg. Exercising a little caution when operating the door is a great trade-off for the cool utility of the power door. BTW, took my 99 to the steeplechase last weekend and it was a hoot to stand about 30 feet away from the van and use the power slider feature on the key fob to confound the various drunks walking past the van. Great fun.
Oct 26, 1998 (1:08 am)
Has anyone noticed an unusual manufacturing technique on the 99 montana where a material that appears to be tape of some sort is used extensively around that rear hatch opening? It is also used along the edge of the bottom of the front door frame. It is painted the same color as the body, But you can easily tell it is tape. I may be putting a deposit on this car tomorrow and I'd really appreciate anyone who has some info on this sharing it with me!
Oct 26, 1998 (6:05 pm)
Is it tape, as in cheap tape? Or is it a strong metal ribbon tape? I'm sure it is fine. Probably a tighter seal than using a rebber plug. Let us know how you new van is.
Best of luck,
VentureMan
Oct 27, 1998 (1:49 am)
I am purchasing a 98 Transport in a couple days and to prepare I have read the entire thread of this group, among other things. I can say I feel better informed. Although I am from Canada, all your insights are useful. Thank you to everyone for sharing your personal stories, especially the people who shared progress reports.
ptCA
Oct 28, 1998 (12:30 am)
I haven't had a chance to look at any of the 1999
Pontiac Montanas yet. There were two dealerships
in my area (San Francisco Bay Area) last year and
now they have closed up shop. Has GM been
consolidating franchises?
I am very interested in the Montana, but I am
worried about logistics if the need came up for
servicing by a dealership. I cant very well
travel 45-60 minutes each way to a dealership.
Has anyone ever heard of a Chevy dealer performing
warranty work for a Pontiac?
Thanks for any help.
VentureMan