1999 Pontiac Montana

Summary:

This is a well-made family vehicle

Faults:

Minimal issues with this van. The only thing that we've never been able to satisfactorily fix is the gasket around the windshield; it leaks occasionally in one corner.

Mechanically, we've had to have work on the radiator (at 120,000 miles), and the tie rods replaced (at 130,000 miles).

General Comments:

It has stood up to moderate wear (we are not rough with our vehicles), and we are delighted that at 152,000 miles it is still running well. We hope to keep it another couple of years.

The fabric upholstery has no rips, and the plastic housing and dashboard have no cracks.

We have had to replace a couple of the plastic pins/screws that hold some of the interior housing in place (driver's door).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th May, 2010

1999 Pontiac Montana 3.4

Summary:

Not dependable

Faults:

At 120,000 miles, the cam shaft broke in half. We were stuck 300 miles from home. Pulled engine out to rebuild. The cam bearing journals were all ruined, and it cost $1100 to repair the block and $1500 dollars in parts to repair. No Indy dealers knew anything about this problem, and yet the machine shop was very familiar with this engine breaking cam shafts.

The van has a problem of shutting off as you go down the highway. May shut off 2-3 times in five minutes, and then run perfect for 30 minutes. The van has been to 4 repair shops, and the problem cannot be located.

General Comments:

Very good car when it runs and rides very nice. Just seems to have a lot of problems.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 15th April, 2010

1999 Pontiac Montana 3.4 liter

Summary:

Pontiac needs to own-up to and fix their pre-planned problems

Faults:

I just had to replace the harmonic pulley; the belt had broke a few time because it was off balance.

I also have found that the display for the radio quit working just recently.

I had it checked, and now the windshield wipers are stopping in the wrong place, needs a new motor from what I have been told.

Now the engine seems to have some slip and loss of power! The check engine light keeps coming on now, and everywhere I take it to tells me the same thing. "It is a manufacturers code and only they can fix it!" What is going on? Is this a reliable company or not? I have never had so many things, sensors and whatnot's go wrong. These are just the bigger things that I have concern with.

My father in law has a 97 and he told me that I would have to replace the head gasket at 180,000 miles... Everyone says the same thing! What is going on Pontiac? Where are your moral values?

I have had a few other little things such as it constantly blows fuses, the window motor, and the rear air controls that do not work now! I am amazed at the dissatisfaction that I have with this car. I thought that a vehicle was supposed to keep a certain standard!

General Comments:

What happen to the American values in our car companies? I would like to join this cause with everyone else. I have bought used cars before, and it just seems that this one has been set to break at a certain time for everything!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th October, 2009

9th Oct 2009, 06:17

For heavens sake the car is ten years old with 158K miles on it, what do you expect - a lifetime warranty?

9th Oct 2009, 14:07

I guess you expected a lifetime warranty, since you bought this vehicle with over 150,000 miles on it.

Seriously though, how can you fault the manufacturer when this vehicle is already ten years old and has such high mileage?

I wouldn't blame the vehicle, as it seems you have unrealistic expectations. You didn't only buy this van used, it was also pretty much used up.

9th Oct 2009, 16:55

Exactly! There are a lot of people who bash manufacturers because their worn out old sled didn't come with a lifetime warranty!