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Pontiac Montana

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

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#9 of 1454 jmaclaug by jmaclaug Dec 04, 1997 (4:33 pm)
I'm looking at minivans now, in particular the Pontiac Transport Montana. On visuals alone, it has the best looks, Chyrslers are blobs, and the Ford is just vanilla looking. Test drove it and the Astro/Safari - what a huge difference. The Safari bounced us all over the road while the Pontiac handled the rough smoothly. I still havn't driven the Chrysler's or Ford's and would be interested in other's handling comparisons. One complaint on the Montana, why the heck do they require dark-tint windows with some options. The whole purpose of a window is to be able to see out, not feel like your inside a panel van!
#10 of 1454 bordercollie by bordercollie Dec 05, 1997 (1:53 am)
I am looking at the Chevrolet counterpart, the Venture. The Venture, Oldsmobile Silouhette and the Pontiac Transport are all made at the same factory (I believe I am correct on that. Please let me know if you know different). Please realize that the 97 Transport and Silouheete are completely difference cars/vans than the year models before this. I don't think it would be wise to compare.
#11 of 1454 Peggy by Peggy Dec 05, 1997 (5:43 pm)
Not knowing how much information you already have I thought that I would add an Edmund's link in here which will allow you to do a little research on the various models which you mention. Not only will you have access to articles about '98s, but you can also look into 97s for a little comparison.
#12 of 1454 Just Bought by Fred Dec 06, 1997 (7:54 pm)
Just bought a 97 4dr extended Montana. The Montana is just an option pakage of the Trans Sport. Dark windows? My engineering background tells me they're first to jack up the price a little bit and second to help the AC system keep up with the heat load...more sunlight through the windows means more heat energy inside the van. Very satisfied with the power of the 3.4L V6...plenty of juice to move around when needed, not like the wimpy engine on the Venture we drove. I like the load leveling suspension and the traction control systems. The wife likes the set-up of the whole interior, especially with the captain's chair seating option we got. Late year deals from the dealers trying to sell the 97s are getting good...getting to invoice before taxes and fees is very easy (look in Auburn if you're near Sacramento, CA). Overall, the best van on the market right now...even good enough to lure the wife away from a SUV. What else do you want to know?
#13 of 1454 helmreich by helmreich Dec 08, 1997 (9:44 pm)
I am looking into a Transsport basicaly because I need 8 seats and like the power sliding door. Two questions: 1) Do I have any other 8-seat options in any other TRUE minivans? 2) The Middle row of seats (3 seperate modular "buckets")were VERY uncomfortable when I checked out 1997 model. Has this been addressed for 1998? Has anyone else noticed this problem?
#14 of 1454 BrianN by BrianN Dec 11, 1997 (5:37 am)
As was mentioned earlier, the Silhoutte, Transport, and Venture are identical vans - in regard to the interior, options, powertrain, etc...the only differences are outer cosmetics and the different equipment packages. They all have 8-seating options. Lousy seats.....they're still the same for '98. Unless you go for the Captain's chairs - but then you limit yourself to 7 seats. I am considering buying either a Venture or Transport, but am extremely bothered by how uncomfortable the back seats are.
#15 of 1454 BrianN by BrianN Dec 11, 1997 (5:54 am)
Ok...let's scratch that last comment of mine. I just read Edmund's review of the '97 Transport and it said that is the only minivan on the market that offers 8-passenger seating.....I regress ! It's likely nothing has changed for '98....but I guess reading the '98 reviews might answer that one !
#16 of 1454 Jamez by Jamez Dec 12, 1997 (10:58 pm)
Can the integrated child seats be moved to the back row? (So I could put the younger kids in middle and older kids in back) Thanks.
#17 of 1454 Chuck by CPWellard Dec 27, 1997 (5:56 am)
I read with interest on the UNCOMFORTABLE rear seats in the GM Minivans, including the TransSport. Consumer Reports claims that GM raised the seats higher in the 1998 versions, and the improvement IS noticeable. I'm 6' 1" and the low, flat seats were uncomfortable in the 97 version, and tolerable in the 98 TransSport. I STRONGLY agree that the 7 passenger captains chairs are still the BEST seating option! Additionally, I've driven three Montanas and two of the three had MANY squeaks and rattles. ALso, the plastic looks pretty cheap, but then I'm used to Hondas, so my expectations are very high. By the way, check out www.hwysafety.org for the 40 mph offset Crash Test of the GM Minivans - pretty awlful results! The TransSport folded up in that crash test. Also, you may want to consider the reliability issue of the GM minivans... According to Consumer Reports, the GM minivans have a very dismal Much Worse than Average repair record. MY VERDICT: The styling may be nice (especially the Montana), but the POOR (!) Crash Tests and Reliability Record makes me VERY cautious! Hope these opinions help out...
#18 of 1454 3mmms by 3mmms Dec 29, 1997 (7:46 pm)
Does anyone out there have any opinions and specific information/experience with the reliability, maintenance and safety of the Transport or Silhouette. If there has been a history of reliability or maintenance problems could you detail. I have found general reference as consider "the reliability" factor but nothing specific....(Look at the Dodge Caravan/Chrysler comments for comparison). The specifics help.... And I need feedback information.) I drove the Silhouette and liked its handling... I'll probable test the Transport, today. I also drove the Sienna and like the assumably Toyota reliability factor. But, Siennas' are either non-available around here (LA, So-Cal.) or dealers have attitude, are nonnegotiable and price Siennas at "premium prices" $1700-$2000 above "their" dealer invoice. (another story, unless the internet invoice prices are wrong as the dealer(s) insisted). Thanks.

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