1999 Pontiac Montana Extended review from North America

When I first got the car at 23,000, I had to have the dealership re-pad the front bucket seats.

At 24,000 miles I had to replace a broken double cup holder.

At about 40,000 miles I replaced the trunk closing handle (the plastic loop you grip onto to close your trunk).

At around 40,000 miles the coolant light came on. I added coolant and the light went off. A couple weeks later the light came back on. I added more coolant and the light eventually goes off. Then I started checking coolant at least every week or two and filling if needed. The light never has came back on. I would suggest keeping up on this as there is a problem no doubt about it. My van has never over heated, but, I have smelled antifreeze coming through the heater vents.

At about 45,000 miles I replace the 3 front spark plugs, the back 3 are too tough for me to get to. I replaced because it seemed to crank a little to long to start, and I was bored. This actually helped (in my opinion) the van start better.

I really cannot complain about this van. My wife and I have four children and we all are seated comfortably. The van has always started, never stalled and is nice and quiet.

Reading a lot of reviews, I'm grateful the machine I paid $14,500 dollars for a year ago has not had many problems (nor in my opinion should have). Knowing I probably own the only 1999 Montana Ext. Minivan Pontiac that didn't screw up (too badly) I'm taking my precautions. I'm keeping the antifreeze filled regularly, but it's taking 3-4 gallons (unmixed) antifreeze a year.

My next purchase I suppose will be a bigger transmission pan to allow better cooling. I feel so bad for all the people that have had their van overheat because of this cooling problem. I'm just lucky so far.