Started leaking gas BAD! Took it to dealer, the high pressure fuel line is leaking. $700 estimate, $300-400 in parts, $300 in labor. All day job for one fuel line. Parts on national backorder for at least 2 weeks... oh what fun!!!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 8th February, 2007
Frankly, I'm overwhelmed with the electrical problems
Intake manifold gasket cracked at 99,000 miles.
Engine locked up - had to get new long block at 108,000 miles.
Interior lights flash now and then.
Sometimes passenger window will work, sometimes it won't.
Radio display never works right.
Squeak/rattle/whine noise on drivers side somewhere - people can hear it, but no one can figure out where it's coming from.
Passenger sliding door won't automatically work - have had to work it manually for over 9 months.
TCS button pops on for no reason and airbag light comes on intermittently - mechanic says no problem with either.
At first I loved this car - it drives like a dream - relatively quiet interior - great gas mileage - very great turning radius - and awesome power whether leaving a stop sign or driving 12 hours on the interstate.
But the electrical problems and the engine "locking up tight" with no warning at 108,000 miles is very disturbing - I'm a divorced mom of three kids and can't afford to be stranded like this.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 31st August, 2006
Electrical problems started to show up in my new 1990 Transport after 80,000 miles. This car was maintained per the book. Regular oil changes were at 3k miles. Overall it was a great vehicle.
I purchased it because of the long nose, the different look, who wants the same old box everyone else is driving? not me! The blower motor was replaced. Then two motors in the drivers side window. The radio went out around 100K, but the cassette tape still works.
This was kept as a third emergency vehicle. Only drive it in a pinch now no A/C no drivers window motor no radio, but 175 K miles and the motor and transmission are still great.
My point is Pontiac has known about the less than average performance of its electrical systems in these vehicles.
9/5/06 and I am working a deal for a 1998 Montana... yes it had new manifold gasket put in last year at 100k miles and some minor electrical problems. it was my Mother In Laws van so I know its history. It has 120 K on it so I will sell old van or give it away and use this 1998 for a back up vehicle. END.
1st month the rear axle broke off.
@60,000 miles transmission died.
Intake head manifold replace, leaking coolant.
GM knows about the defective transmission they put in all 1999 to 2002 GM and CHEVY products. They sent all dealers the notification, but did not let their customers know. The service bulletin # 00-07-30-002A.
My local dealership will not offer any help. I do not recommend any GM product.
The Montana sucks - it should be called the money pit.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 12th July, 2006
This car is a money pit
Water pump leak, Intake manifold leaking coolant, Transmission shifts hard, and the Third Cylinder misfiring.
I will never buy another GM vehicle. This van has been nothing, but problems. I can't even remember when there was not some issue that we have had to deal with.
When it does run, it runs well with great gas mileage on the highway.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 21st February, 2006
A giant sink hole for repair $$$
Major transmission problem at ~54,000 miles required a $2300 overhaul. Car was shifting very rough. Claimed is was caused by a small part, that later caused the damage. Took 3 visit back to the dealership for them to repair it.
Leaking Intake Manifold Gasket at 69,000 miles resulting in an $1100 repair. This engine model (V6 3.4 liter) is plagued by this problem, and many owners report this "unusual" problem. GM is aware, but refuses recall.
Automatic right side sliding door functions intermittently, refusing to close and latch. After $240 in repairs, the motor fully fails, resulting in another $200 in repairs. After all this, it still works only intermittently and is returned to dealership for 1 week. Finally, it almost works again.
Leaking Head Gasket at 78,000 -- dealer wants $2100 to repair it, but I have had enough.
It is unfortunate that GM is unwilling to admit the issues with this engine, transmission, and automatic door. The web is full of other reports of these problems. The problems span multiple years, so ALL Montana's are to be avoided in my opinion. It is a shame because the vehicle (when it runs) rides and handles well, and is a very functional family vehicle.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 16th January, 2006
31st Aug 2006, 14:57
It sounds to me like a classic lack of simple preventative maintenance. Cars will not last forever if you do not maintain them with genuine GM parts.