1997 Pontiac Montana Extended
Summary:
A solid performer with some expected quirks
Faults:
Most recent issue working back wards:
58,000 - Rumbling in front wheel well went turning steering wheel at a stop.
58,000 - Driver window switch won't raise window (it will lower it!)
57,000 - Leaking front brakes.
56,800 - Replaced fuel injectors as check engine light would come on (over the two years) and engine would run very poorly.
56,500 - Front lens of right light just popped off.
Lifetime of van - Passenger sliding door rattles. Finally had a dealer who knew how to fix the problem in 2002.
Passenger sliding door would contact body of van during close then would re-open. Recall #01013! (if not would have been a $800 sliding door actuator)
48,000 Rear AC/Heat stopped working. Fan works (blows warm in the summer, cool in the winter. Front A/C OK.
26,370 - Radio died. Warranty replacement.
General Comments:
Great looks.
Functional and relatively solid.
Like the on-board air pump (an extra).
Handles well.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 28th July, 2003
3rd May 2006, 19:12
Our 1997 Pontiac Montana has finally bit the dust. Granted, it's 9 years old, but anything expensive that could go wrong -- did. Replaced transmission, replaced head gasket, intake gasket; now transmission is acting up again. Not particularly hard on our vehicle. I suppose it's just seen it's last days. Cars don't last as long as they used to, however, I don't think I'd buy another Pontiac Montana.
12th Dec 2006, 21:13
I have a 1997 Montana, 76000+ miles, had electric door problems, rear wiper, electric window problems, within past year, replaced water pump, power steering pump, problems with wheel bearings? and now head gasket/intake gasket problems, and yes it had the Dexacool coolant in it. Oh yeah and the horn doesn't work and hood doesn't shut well and I also had to have a new gas line.
20th Jan 2005, 12:38
Really dislike Dex cool. Was told by dealer that it is supposed to clot up in the reserve tank. Is it also clotting up in the hoses and radiator as well? Had the van a couple of months, and needed a new water pump. Related to Dex cool? Is there anyway to get recall #01013 on my Montana? I never received notification, and Dealer won't touch it unless I have this notification.