2003 Pontiac Montana EXT 3.4 from North America

Summary:

Nice ride, but poor reliability

Faults:

Major Problems :

The lower intake gasket needed replacing at 65,000 miles.

The bushing and control arm rods were worn at 70,000 miles.

The rear wiper motor needed replacement at 62,000 miles.

Minor Problems:

The plastic wheel nut covers keep falling off while driving.

The interior rattles.

The cup holder in the front broke.

Changing the air filter on this van is a real pain, you have to remove so many parts to get at it.

General Comments:

Things I like about this van:

Very comfortable.

Easy to drive.

Lots of space.

Looks and drives good.

Very good for a big family.

Lots of nice features.

Things I don't like about this van:

Poor reliability for such low mileage, I didn't expect to be repairing those things until the van was at about 100,000 to 120,000 miles.

It's too bad GM cannot make a vehicle last more than 5 years or 60,000 miles. I don't think it's too hard to engineer a car to last longer. Other manufacturers are doing it, why not GM.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 9th September, 2009

3rd Jul 2019, 17:52

Researched people who have owned this van and nary a problem with them. Some are claiming 250K and basic maintenance only. Maybe you got a bad one, but that doesn't make them all bad. Or maybe there is something you're not telling us about the way you treat the vehicle. But there is a lemon in every bunch. Even people on Edmund's love them. My uncle bought a 1967 Ford Galaxy wagon once, a terrific vehicle and built like a tank, new. The thing was cursed. He could never get it to run for long, but that goes to show, it can happen to any car... or van.

2003 Pontiac Montana from North America

Faults:

Around 75000 miles we noticed a lot of lights coming on the panel. The ABS light came on, and is still on. Week after week, another light after another.

We went to get a oil change before an out of town trip, and the mechanic stated that we have a big problem. He said that we had antifreeze in the oil. He showed us the oil cap and how the oil looked. He stated that these are common problems with these model cars, and the manufacturer wouldn't issue recalls because it was not a safety issue. He stated that there was a small plastic gasket that needs to be replaced, and he wouldn't suggest replacing it with the same plastic gasket because the problem will reoccur again. He charged us 760 to replace the gasket and do a flush at the dealer.

You think they would troubleshoot on the warning lights, NO!!! They did a flush and didn't even reset the check engine and oil light. What do you know, a week later the driver's side interior panel lights are all going out now. We will be trading out ASAP as long as the car holds its value. Good luck!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 12th April, 2008

2003 Pontiac Montana Extended AWD 6 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Consistently flexible family carrier

Faults:

The left and right wheel bearings went at roughly the same point around 60,000 miles. The "all wheel drive disable light" prompted a call to OnStar, which was able to diagnose the problem remotely.

The brake pads were replaced (rotors turned) at around 40,000 and 80,000 miles respectively.

The rear lift gate pull strap was replaced at 100,000 miles.

The rear wiper motor/ arm had to be replaced at 80,000 miles.

General Comments:

My family took this vehicle home for a day before purchasing it, and basically fell in love with its features.

We feel confident, especially in winter driving with the Versatrak all wheel drive system.

Our boys thoroughly enjoy the DVD system, with which they are now capable enough to use the wireless headphones, so as to not disturb front seat passengers.

The extended version offers us a good deal of room for cargo with the third row folded.

The towing package with the transmission cooler has allowed it to tow many trailers.

The hydraulic air pump has saved the family recreation trips a few times.

The OnStar has been used more than a few times over the years for remotely unlocking our vehicle, and for remote diagnostic checks.

The hands free calling feature is something that has become customary with my family.

While I feel fortunate to have an unlimited mileage extended warranty on this vehicle, I know that I will someday have to find another vehicle that will match the adapting needs of our family. I know that I will be longing for a Montana.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th April, 2008