You are here: Forums Vans & Minivans Pontiac Montana Pontiac Montana

Pontiac Montana

1454 messages,  Last post on Nov 30, 2009 at 10:36 AM

You are in the Pontiac Montana Forum. Your Host is Karens

What is this discussion about? Pontiac Trans Sport, Pontiac Montana, Van

Messages Page 7 of 146 1 ... 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 ... 146 Prev Next Last

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

#61 of 1454 2345 by Stratego May 31, 1998 (10:32 pm)
Sorry. I guess you're right. I think I must have gotten caught up in all this. After looking at fact sheets on most minivans, I have found that almost every minivan has at least one unique feature. However, some features are more advantageous than others. The OnStar network, via GPS, is a very intelligent and useful system. It does however make me wonder at the safety and practicallity of somebody being able to unlock my car from hundreds of miles away. The power sliding door is also an advantage, which, by the way, is also offered on Toyota Sienna and dual power sliding doors is expected on the Honda MV99. I would expect most auto manufacturers to catch on to this within a few years. I also expect them to catch onto side airbags, which are now becoming more commonplace. I could pick up a allergen/ pollen filter at the hardware store, and I don't really see much use for an air inflator, although I guess it would be handy in some situations. The seats are indeed vesatile, but I personally don't like having my knees above my shoulders when I'm riding in a vehicle (the GM trio is the only set of minivans that I have noted to have such low to the floor seating. I think they do this to boast larger headroom). I do not question the validity of the offset crash-test though. You can't deny the fact that there are accidents where the two colliding vehicles do not collide center bumper to center bumper. And from the looks of it, the vehicles that score the highest in regular government crash tests (Ford Windstar and Toyota Sienna) also score the highest in this new type of crash test. This test merely shows that some vehicles cannot effectively spread out the damage / compression when the collision point is off to one side of the vehicle, and the GM trio just happens to be one of them.
#62 of 1454 SAhladas by SAhladas Jun 01, 1998 (11:37 am)
So to summarize, all the unique features you argue away but the crash test is now the key item? The bottom line is the Sienna, Chrysler and GM van are all comperable vehicles. I just don't understand some of the Toyota mentality. When I went to test drive a Sienna, the dealer said, we don't have any, but if you wait 6-8 weeks I'll order you an LE for $24K. I bought a Transport comparably equipped (except 8 passanger seating, anothe GM unique) for $22K two days later. Sure Toyota has a great reputation, but it makes me want to vomit when people will buy something sight unseen just because it is a Toyota. Lets get one thing straight, the Sienna's reliability is UNPROVEN! (Have you read any of the posts of transmission problems?) Just because it is built on a Camry chassis, does'nt mean it will have the same repair record. Whew, sorry for venting!
#63 of 1454 scottbusey by scottbusey Jun 02, 1998 (4:21 pm)
To shaune I got a new '98 Trans Sport extended with package 1SD, Montana Package, power door, leather, and tape+CD for $26,500 (retail about $29,500) through a broker. This model has everything. Plus I got a special $500 rebate from Pontiac (visit their website and send them and email? http://www.pontiac.com/homepage3.htm) and $500 from GM for customer loyalty. Microsoft has a very good pricing system at http://carpoint.msn.com/vip/Pontiac/Trans_Sport then select "new model details", "pricing", and "CarPoint auto pricer".
#64 of 1454 SAhladas by Stratego Jun 04, 1998 (5:14 am)
True, I have seen a couple postings of transmission problems, but I haven't seen many of them. They are probably just one of the few new models that come with an unanticipated minor defect. I am sure that Toyota will hear of it and correct the problem. Yes, the Sienna is a new model, but Toyota has one of the best reliability records on the market. This is part of the reason why the Toyota Camry is one of the best-selling (at one point I believe it was the best-selling) vehicle in North America. It usually tends to be the case that imports are generally more reliable than domestics, that's what Japanese cars are famous for. Besides, this is the only problem I have heard about people having with the new Siennas. I have heard many more about the minivans from GM, Ford, and Chrysler.
#65 of 1454 Stratego & Sahladas by shawkins Jun 04, 1998 (9:23 am)
Hi Guys, I have only read one incident of a Sienna transmission problem. That was on the alt.autos.toyota newsgroup and then a link popped up called toyotarepair.com that implied this was a problem. I chat with two Toyota Master Diagnostic Technicians and neither has made this repair or even heard of this alleged problem. Keep in mind that the Sienna is only about 700lbs heavier than the Camry which uses the same transmission. I sincerely doubt that the extra weight would cross the threshold of operability of the transmission. Also, I don't believe the Camry has such incidents associated with it. I would also have to agree with Stratego that Toyota's reputation for reliability and quality during the manufacturing process far exceeds that of GM. Scott
#66 of 1454 jesmith by jesmith Jun 04, 1998 (6:24 pm)
SAhladas: I don't disagree that Toyota has a good track record in reliability. If not for them their US counterparts would not have the competition to improve. But, also remember that the same people brought us the original Toyota mini-van based on another fine auto chassis. Then they brought us the Previa. Both were known only for reliability. Neither impressed consumers judging by the sales volume. Obviously, Toyota was not impressed either as their model lineage continue for decades. Let's hope the cliche, "Third time's a charm" becomes a reality for Toyota. I will let one more year pass before I purchase one.
#67 of 1454 tmiho by tmiho Jun 05, 1998 (5:51 am)
One of the criteria for any vehicle I buy is that has to have stereo controls on the steering wheel (climate controls too if the vehicle has auto-climate). This feature is available on the Trans Sport, Silhouette, and special order on the Venture. No other mini-van has it available. I still own an '89 Bonneville SSE and traded an Olds 88 for the Trans Sport (all with steering wheel controls). Once you get used to it, it is a luxury tough to be without. I feel that it is safer too because I don't have to search for the controls while driving. Small item but important. Stratego: Okay so I made a mistake about your precious and perfect Sienna...ooops! I can appreciate your opinion and am sure you value it very much. This is a Pontiac Trans Sport area, not a "I think the GM van sucks and the Toyota is King". Please give it a rest or create your own topic to spout in. Let's use this area to talk about the virtues AND/OR problems with ownership or potential ownership of the Trans Sport. Ownership update: Almost have 3000 miles on my '98 Montana and love it more everyday. I get lots of compliments on its looks and features at work and at the car wash. I'm averaging 17.1 mpg but that's mostly an 18 mile city commute to work, lots of hills, lights, and traffic and I like to get to speed quickly (no granny starts from the stop sign). It has plenty of room for my wife's wheelchair without blocking the rear view and the versatile seating arrangment allows me to use one of the seats folded up to keep the wheelchair from tipping over when turning. I'm sure most of the other mini-vans these days are fairly reliable thanks to the Japanese pressure on American manufacturers regarding quality. I think my Trans Sport is stylish, well built and recommend one to anyone looking to buy a mini-van. If Toyota, Ford ('99 with four side doors), or Chrysler/Benz had steering wheel controls, it would have made my decision more difficult. Hopefully my fondness for the Trans Sport will continue. I'll update in another few thousand miles. And Stratego, try to be a little more accepting of us poor little fools who bought Pontiac. Why don't you just feel sorry for us rather than so spiteful (Merriam-Webster: full of petty ill will or hatred with the disposition to irritate and annoy).
#68 of 1454 SAhladas by SAhladas Jun 05, 1998 (12:05 pm)
Actually I would argue a 750 pound increase is pretty appreciable, this is a 25% increase in the weight of the van over the Camry. I know if I gained another 25% (40 pounds), I would'nt sign up for any more 100 Mile bike rides! Like I said, reliability is UNPROVEN. There also needs to be more of them on the road to make an accessment. Lastly, does anyone know of a CREDIBLE rating of reliabilty? Newsgroup postings are anecdotal, and CR, don't make me laugh, did you ever take one of the surveys (nuff said there)? I bet the guy at ponitac who put the controls on the steering whell never thought it would be decision maker for some people. Do you flip TV channels every 2 seconds too? Oh, sorry that was me who does that. Incidentally, the Tran Sport I bought did not have a CD player, so I added an aftermarket changer with a remote, not on the wheel, but fits nicely in the palm of your hand. It was the 8 passanger seating that sold me on the van though.
#69 of 1454 happy by scottbusey Jun 05, 1998 (4:10 pm)
2,500 mile Trans Sport 1SD Montana update - After having the van for a couple of months and a couple of thousand miles, I have to say that my only regret is that I don't have enough cash to buy a 2nd one! I am constantly pleased by the thought that went into the selection and integration of the features. There is really nothing that I don't like about it. My wife drives it most. She's about a month away from giving birth, and I really feel good about the safety & security features; Self sealing tires, ABS, traction control, side airbags, auto locks & lights, and the compass and temperature built into the overhead display (expecting mommies can be forgetful, as in locking doors, switching on/off lights, driving the wrong direction, etc.). She's putting about 200 miles a week on it which I will take as a vote of approval considering she's not working now. I think my favorites are the simpler things like being able to pop out the seats in about a minute to load the back with plywood or sheetrock, or just to make it easy to clean the carpet or the seats. Also, the automatic ride height adjustment makes the van really versatile rather than potentially versatile. And the orange-red dash lighting is something I've admired since I saw it in a friend's Audi 5000 15 years ago. Hope everyone else is enjoying theirs as much as we are!
#70 of 1454 duster by duster Jun 08, 1998 (9:46 pm)
I bought my Trans Sport on March 30, 1998. I traded in my Saturn, I just missed the $500 loyalty cash back coupon I think. Can anyone let me know if I am entitled to the rebate. Thanks

Messages Page 7 of 146 1 ... 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 ... 146 Prev Next Last

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

You are here: Forums Vans & Minivans Pontiac Montana Pontiac Montana