2002 Pontiac Montana EXT SE from North America - Comments

I purchased this Vehicle as my first purchase, The vehicle was an optimum vehicle from the GM Dealership, finding now that I did not purchase as Optimum, my bad for not researching this site. Well live and learn.

I realized that at high millage that some wear and tear items would be needed down the road. How ever after only gone.

I have been pleased with the looks and handling up untill 5 months of owning the vehicle had to replace fuel Sensor ball bearings joint barrings on both front joints along with haveing to replace the AC condenser and a few other things totalling about 2000.00.

Was happy untill just recently experiencing a bit of higher then normal heat temp at 140,000 took it into dealer was told that the dexcool needed replace. That was replaced. That lasted for about a week and it started to heat faster. Towed it to the dealership as it was starting to go too hot.

Advisement to have Plugs and wires replaced. pressure test appeared normal.

*Second run proved to pose the over heat issue again. After a closer look I have an internal coolant leak in the engine, and have to replace head gasket... was advised to replace rather then fix as well they advised my second gear in the transmission was about to fail...

So my repair bill now for all this is 7,000.00 plus dollars which is pretty close to what I paid for the van in the first place.

Found out the Intake manifold issue on these vans was not done on my vehicle. but still GM refuses to do anything.

I was drawn in by comfort and utility of the vehicle as well as the low price I managed to get on the vehicle on the inside there could have been better work as the carpet areas tear easy. Design Flaw maybe not sure.

The drive is or was nice up until this recent issue, I weighed out my options of repair bill or trade to newer.

I am not sure if I am the only one but contacted GM Headquarters and got shot down there with the fact of the high millage.

Overall I have a feeling it was the motor that has turned me off these flashing roomy vans I find it has a fair bit a room when you have 3 children all in booster seats Now looking at the 2004 8 passenger I see very few issues with the 2004 Montana any comments would be greatly appreciated.

We had a very similar experience... replaced thermostat, had coolant leak, replaced water pump, AC condenser... all in 6 month period and totalling nearly $2K -- even with the 100,000mi extended warranty.

Van sometimes will not pull in reverse or drive.Turn engine off and restart and sometimes it will work okay, any suggestions appreciated.

I can't believe it! I have read so many bad things about these vehicles, never mind what year they are - it doesn't seem to matter. Those who are praising them - well, I guess they are the lucky 'few'. Believe me people don't make up this stuff. The vehicles ARE crap!