One substantial problem: Balky shifting with automatic transmission at about 96K miles. The transmission was pulled and dealer/shop replaced some solenoid units in the transmission. The repair was successful.
A couple of minor electrical problems:
1. CHANGE OIL indicator light stayed on at 60K miles and will not reset. We chose not to repair this problem.
2. Overhead Temperature/MPG instrumentation is sometimes erratic. It works 98% of the time so we chose not to fix it.
One trim problem: A plastic trim piece that covers part of the overhead sliding door trck (right side door) comes loose.
The car was built in December of 1999. It is a 2000 model and we bought it new in the spring of 2000.
It took some searching to purchase one, but we have the standard or "shorty" version of the 2000 Montana (not the "extended" van).
The single A/C and heating unit on the standard Montana if more than enough to keep passengers comfortable, even during 100 degree California summers.
The Montana "shorty" weighs less than the "extended" Montana and is a very quick and responsive performer. The short body, engine and transmission are perfectly matched. This van runs circles around the others and will accelerate much faster than the newer Hondas, Mercedes, etc. We compared and test drove the Montana against the 2000 Honda Odyssey, but the speed and handling of the Montana won us over.
The automatic transmission is a particularly fine performer and is perfectly geared to get the fastest acceleration and best cruising MPG from the vehicle.
Seating and creature comforts are very good and the upholstery fabric has held up particularly well.
On the road, this is a much better performing minivan than 99% of the others. The Montana was a huge improvement over the Ford Aerostar we owned previously. The Montana is much more durable and a better performer.
I wrote the 2000 Pontiac Montana "shorty" review and see a blue frown symbol next to my review. I don't know if this means my review stinks or someone is trying to say I don't like the car.
If you read the review, it is apparent that I like the Montana. My Montana is a very decent SUV. This car had only one reliability issue in 105K miles and the repair was not that expensive. Given the miles and years on this car, I would rate my 2000 with a yellow "smiley" symbol.
The review questionnaire asked me what year the car was made, and I answered correctly that the car is a MY 2000 built in late December 1999. This review should be placed with the 2000 Montana, not the 1999.
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