2006 Pontiac Montana 3.5 from North America
Summary:
Cheaply made
Faults:
Transmission slipping after fluid change filter change.
Wheel bearing.
ABS sensor.
CV axle.
General Comments:
The van itself appears cheaply made, however if you have no exhaust leaks, it is not the worst on gas, once you do expect 17mpg... it won't leave you stranded. It is easy for a mechanic or someone that works on cars to fix and get to things except the 3 spark plugs in back...
The reason for the bad review is mainly the suspension being cheap and the transmission (4t65E HD) also being weak. If you get one of these vans with brown or burnt trans fluid, beware before you change the filter and fluid, it may not drive after you do. This same trans is known for failure in higher torque applications such as the Impala SS Grand Prix GTP or GTX, they usually starting clunking into gear slowly and slipping in 1st, watch out for any GM vehicle with this trans.
Oh mine also has a valve train tick when the motor is cold; this started within months of ownership. I have had tons of motors with lifter ticks or piston slap and they don't normally blow unless something on the bottom end let's loose, however a problem like this could scare the inexperienced.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 17th August, 2021
17th Aug 2021, 19:29
You changed brown burnt fluid (most likely original) in a transmission with over 160 km. What did you think was going to happen?