2002 Pontiac Montana 3.4 liter 3400 SFI V6 from North America

Summary:

Great car, but lacked longevity

Faults:

It was doing great, but when it turned 150,000 everything seemed to fall apart.

Rear window wiper/washer failed 2 times.

Front windshield wiper/washer - replaced control entirely 2 times.

Emission control problems.

The rocker panels below the doors rusted totally away by 100,000 miles.

Passenger window control hasn't worked after the 36,000 warranty expired.

Dash lights and heat / A/C fans failed 2 times.

Replaced brakes 1 time.

Replaced all wheel bearings 2 times.

ABS brakes failed at 50,000 miles and they can't seem to fix it permanently, so have been doing without.

Window washer container split and I will not pay to have that fixed - I can fill it about half full, so I just deal with it.

Transmission is failing despite having adhered to all regular maintenance schedules.

Overall, I'm disappointed with the lack of longevity. I am not a mechanic and I shudder when I learn what these repairs cost. I am on the hunt for a newer used van or new (2015) van, and I'm not liking what I see. SUVs seem like overkill without much benefit - just a 'fashion statement'.

General Comments:

It has been a very comfortable car, the seats are adjusted easily and are nice fabric, unlike what I'm seeing in new cars today.

I really enjoy the higher ride - I can anticipate traffic with this excellent visibility; it is very nice getting in and out, and nice to sit without your knees under your chin. Passengers also liked the ride, and several bought vans based upon their riding experience. I am a contractor and used it for business - it was dependable. I had it totally detailed, inside and out 2 times a year, and except for the rusted away rocker panels, it looks very nice.

As much as I like it, I really am disappointed with its lack of longevity.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd November, 2014

2002 Pontiac Montana 3.4 from North America

Summary:

Terrible vehicle, money pit

Faults:

Head gasket at 75,000 km.

Intake manifold gasket at 85,000 km.

Front wheel bearings at 70,000 km.

Circuit boards for both rear brake lights at 70,000 km.

Catastrophic engine failure at 98,000 km (no longer worth repairing, vehicle sold to auto-wreckers).

General Comments:

Easily the worst vehicle I have ever owned.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 22nd February, 2011

23rd Feb 2011, 12:18

Unfortunately not one of General Motors finer moments in time... so sad to see a great company do that to so many families and individuals... I believe because they were not prepared for the oil companies bogus gas crisis... they were never the same again, and neither was the American public...

23rd Feb 2011, 12:28

I maybe mistaken, but to do the head gasket on this van and the Venture, you have to drop the engine? Without a warranty, paying for this out of pocket is a total waste.

29th Mar 2011, 20:16

The GM dealer split the cost 50/50 (trying to save face for selling such a brutal product), my cost was $800.

2002 Pontiac Montana from North America

Summary:

Decent vehicle, but would not purchase another without replacing the lower control arms

Faults:

We have had both lower control arms break while we were driving the car. One instance it broke on a gravel road just after we turned off the highway. Two weeks prior to that, it was in for service and they had replaced all the bushings in both lower control arms. No one had noticed the crack. We called GM, but they said the car was out of warranty and they would do nothing.

The second control arm broke while we were on the highway, and fortunately no one was coming in the other lane; we got the car under control and off the road. This was within one week of the front end being repaired and an alignment done. Again, no one noticed the cracks.

I am wondering if this is a GM problem or I am alone?

The other problem is the ABS light keeps coming on, and it is always the right front hub. The dealer has replaced it 3 times (I paid for the repair the first time) in the last year and advised the last time (Dec.) that they would not cover it any more. The light is now on again. Not going back to GM.

General Comments:

Car was usually reliable, but these problems are now scaring me.

Car is comfortable and good on gas.

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

Review Date: 27th January, 2011