1998 Pontiac Trans Sport Montana from North America

Summary:

Good family vehicle, except for the upkeep

Faults:

Electric sliding door quit working.

Radio and dash lights quit working.

Both electric seat adjustments quit working.

Replaced right head lamp assembly twice and left head light assembly once. Each asseymbly cost one hundred fifty dollars.

General Comments:

This is a very nice vehicle;

It has plenty of room.

It is very comfortable.

The amenities were very, very good when working.

On the bad side upkeep is very costly;

Headlamps cost one hundred fifty dollars.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th November, 2004

1998 Pontiac Trans Sport Montana V6 from North America

Summary:

Avoid a headache, although nice to look at, it's no deal

Faults:

At just over 68000 miles, the timing chain slipped as we were driving down the road and caused major damage to the valves. So much damage that it requires a new engine.

The mechanic said he had never seen that happen on a vehicle with such low miles, so they went searching for answers as to why.

The mechanics found that there was coolant mixed with the oil and that the gasket was leaking. At times we did notice that the heating/cooling gage would go higher than the operating temperature of 190.

Often times we could not figure out where the coolant was going as we had to add it often. We had it serviced and they said that GM is known to get air in there cooling systems and that once it "burped" it out so to speak it would be fine, to just keep adding it, until it was done with this process. Apparently this was not the case.

Also the Traction Control system is not working along with the anti-lock Brake system, along with the traction control system, and brake light will not go off. The Van will not run, and the repair shop says repair will cost approx. 5200.00 US.

General Comments:

Would you like to owe money on a vehicle that has no intention on moving again without major repairs, if so, consider purchasing a Pontiac Transport, or better yet, let me know, I have one like that and I also know of a bridge I can sell you too. Ha ha.

Seriously though, is it worth fixing this lemon? That is still to be determined.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 5th August, 2004

22nd Mar 2005, 11:41

I would say it is NOT WORTH FIXING. My review of my 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport will be posted on this site shortly. There may be similar transmission and head gasket trouble awaiting you if you keep your vehicle. I strongly recommend cutting your losses and moving on to another vehicle.

1998 Pontiac Trans Sport from North America

Summary:

Overall handling is great and gas mileage is great

Faults:

New extra remote key-less entry only lasted 1 year.

Driver side window regulator has been replaced twice. Very expensive to be replaced.

Wiring for front airbags lights are under the front seats and had to be taped together to keep the airbag light from remaining on at all times.

Power window circuit box on drivers side had to be replace. Very expensive to be replaced.

Front seats are very uncomfortable, they lean to one side. Seats fabric has worn badly.

Alternator had to be replaced after 2 years. Very expensive to be replaced.

Brakes squeal even when new.

Vehicle is nice to look at, but very replacement parts are very expensive.

Vehicle is very easy to drive, but very expensive to obtain new or used parts.

General Comments:

I will never buy a Pontiac Minivan again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 1st June, 2003

1998 Pontiac Trans Sport Extended SE 3.4 from North America

Summary:

Stay Away

Faults:

Low coolant light started coming on at 43000. I had to add coolant at least once a week.

It started overheating at 58000 miles. We have had the thermostat changed, and it still overheats. The source of the overheating still hasn't been determined.

The front brakes squeal.

The radio display panel stopped working at 45000 miles.

The doors stopped automatically locking when the van is put into gear at 58000.

General Comments:

This van is very unreliable.

This van is extremely expensive to fix.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 18th May, 2003

8th Dec 2006, 15:36

It sounds to me like the source of your "overheating" is likely a bad head gasket. If it is mysteriously losing coolant and it has started to overheat I would be very suspect of the head gasket.