1998 Pontiac Trans Sport Montana 3.4 from North America

Summary:

If I see a clean low mile one, I'll buy it again

Faults:

A/C condenser corroded through at bottom from the salt used on the roads here in Canada.

General Comments:

Super comfy driver's seat with great back support.

Great visibility.

30 MPG.

Versatile, can carry people or a 4X8 sheet of plywood.

Nothing goes wrong with it, I just do the regular oil changes etc.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th March, 2011

1998 Pontiac Trans Sport Montana 3.4 from North America

Summary:

Got my money's worth

Faults:

This has been a very reliable vehicle. I've pulled a heavy tent trailer all over BC, WA and OR with no problems. I like the equalizer in the back.

Only had to repair power steering pump so far and minor maintenance. It is due for its first tune up and new tires soon.

Fit and finish is not great. Radio lights stopped working as well as A/C.

Otherwise it is good to drive and perfect for road trips.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th March, 2009

1998 Pontiac Trans Sport Montana 6 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Maintenance hog

Faults:

In the single year I owned this lemon, here is briefly what I ran into.

AC failed

Low oil pressure at low speeds (and virtually impossible to replace oil pump)

Rusted petrol lines

Battery died (needed new one)

Broken stabilizer bar

Tie-rod ends needed replacing due to corrosion

Windshield cracked so it would not pass inspection

Windshield wipers wouldn't retract

Windshield washer motor burnt out

Power steering pump needed replacing

Spark plugs & wires needed replacing after 70K miles

Water pump replaced due too bad bearing

"Check engine" light on ever since dealer warranty ran out

Bad catalytic converter

Corroded front turn signal (needed to be replaced)

Corroded side door runners

Finally, gave up maintaining car after going through a gallon of antifreeze in one day, then finding a massive amounts of coolant in the engine oil area. I figure it can go about 10 more miles before the engine totally burns out.

General Comments:

Nice van if it worked right.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th October, 2008

8th Sep 2021, 15:00

You owned the car for a year and put 70000 miles on it. That is almost 6000 miles per month. Slow down. Stay home once in awhile. My Transport is a 98 with 135000 miles. This is now 2021. Good maintenance habits have kept annual costs to a minimum.

In reply to 8th Sep 2021, 15:00

8th Sep 2021, 17:57

I’m reading 16000 miles. Did I misread?

In reply to 8th Sep 2021, 15:00

8th Sep 2021, 20:58

The way I read it is this. I believe at 70000 miles (odometer reading) the van need plugs and wires. According to the review there were 68000 miles when purchased, and after a year had driven it another 16000 miles to get to the 84000. It was a bit confusing I admit. Hope this adds some clarity.

In reply to 8th Sep 2021, 15:00

9th Sep 2021, 16:35

May want to read the review again. Especially the part where it says the van ALREADY HAD 68K miles on it when the reviewer got it in 2007. When it was sold a year later it had 84K miles. That's 16K miles in one year. Not 70K.

1998 Pontiac Trans Sport EXT V6 from North America

Summary:

Great reliable mini van

Faults:

Head gasket had to be replaced at 130,000 miles (cost $1,200)

Front strut replaced at 160,000 miles (cost $300)

General Comments:

Overall been a great van for us. Not a lot of maintenance and motor is very strong and quick.

Was a problem with the hood paint flaking, manufacturer said due too bad primer, was not under warranty. Body shop repainted at a cost of $700.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th April, 2008

1998 Pontiac Trans Sport 3.4 from North America

Summary:

This is the BIGGEST piece of junk I have ever owned!

Faults:

This is the BIGGEST piece of junk I have ever owned!

Intake gaskets went at 90,000.

Heads needed to be replaced at 120,000, along with the intake gaskets again!!!

Transmission went out at 110,000.

Transmission went out for the second time at 140000!

Head light lens fell apart at a car wash.

Electric windows always failed and needing repair.

Water pump went at 121,000; that was probably one of the cheapest repairs.

Replaced the windshield twice, not the vans fault. Thank gosh for insurance or it would have been $1600.

I think we put just as much money into the van to keep it running as for as much as we paid for it.

Finally got smart and dump it off and traded it for a Pontiac Vibe (Toyota Vibe). Finally something reliable and love the car.

General Comments:

It had pretty good gas mileage for a van and tons of power.

Tons of room to haul and a OK towing capacity.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 29th February, 2008