1999 Pontiac Montana Review

Should have know better!!

Written by: J.L. on 05/12/2009

Vehicle

1999 Pontiac Montana 4 Dr STD Passenger Van Extended

Review

Bought new since it was first minivan with VHS entertainment system. Overall was fun to drive but had several major mechanical problems. Had to replace intake gasket twice so far - 1st time at 24k and 2nd at 60k, needed major transmission rebuilt at 56k at $2500 cost. Just right now the AC went out. Cupholders next to seat were useless - didn't hold anything and spilled coffe often. We will probably get rid of it now since we are getting afraid we will get stuck. If reliability would be better, would have been great experience - this is the reason GM is going out of business.

Favorite Features

Comfortable seats, steering wheel controls, entertainment system, overall roominess, good acceleration

Suggested Improvements

Quality & Reliability!!Quality & Reliability!!!Quality & Reliability!!!! You didn't get this, now you are going out of business!!!!!! Secondly, have dealer mechanics know what they are doing - overall dealer service experience was very poor!!!!

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Should have listened to Edmunds!

Written by: K White on 09/01/2008

Vehicle

1999 Pontiac Montana 4 Dr STD Passenger Van

Review

Bought this van second hand, with 153,000 km. Since then, I replaced water pump,spark plugs, wheel bearing, rocker panels, head gasket, intake gasket, thermostat. Also, roof leaks, needs front and rear struts, rear windshield wiper doesn't work, abs light is on, air bag light comes on and off. Front end vibrates. Get about 500 km to a tank. Needs a transmission part, up shifts and down shifts hard.

Favorite Features

Captain's chairs, room, power.

Suggested Improvements

More reliable, better gas mileage, gaskets, tranny, etc.

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Lots of Miles

Written by: Kirk on 08/09/2008

Vehicle

1999 Pontiac Montana 4 Dr STD Passenger Van Extended

Review

My van has 281,000 miles on it. The major problem with them is related to antifreeze. Everything that has cost me money to fix was antifreeze related. I had to replace parts that wore out like struts, steering components and such. I use it as a cargo van daily loaded down with 1500 pounds of weight daily and carry a ladder on top. I get about 17 mpg. When I drive it empty I still get 24mpg. The body is still in good shape, I just had to replace the door hinge because I open the door way too many times. The v6 is still has a lot of torque with all those miles. At 250k it finally got a hole in the leather seats, not to bad for a work truck.

Favorite Features

Automatic headlights and traction control. It should be standard on every vehicle

Suggested Improvements

Bigger Brakes and a front console. I love my aftermarket console. Don't let the antifreeze eat through everything. It probably be a antifreeze problem that will kill this van.

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Great Vehicle for Family

Written by: andy on 02/16/2008

Vehicle

1999 Pontiac Montana 4 Dr STD Passenger Van Extended

Review

I bought the vehicle brand new, I do not have any complaint about the product. Great, reliable, dependable, comfortable van. I'm going to purchase one more of it soon. No other vehicle beats it.

Favorite Features

Traction control, TV DVD, power seats, air compressor.

Suggested Improvements

Electrical part can be improvised, both side power sliding doors would make it even better. 8 seaters.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Best Minivan- Pontiac Montana

Written by: pjk on 12/18/2007

Vehicle

1999 Pontiac Montana 4 Dr STD Passenger Van Extended

Review

re: true cost to own. 9 years I would like to submit my true cost to own a 1999 Pontiac Montana I sold recently to buy my new Buick. Total repair cost for 9 years. $82 Two rear stop lights... price $12 One tie rod end ... price $50 first part to fail 8.5 years old. 75K miles Charge A/C ..... price $20 one can of refrigerant. total $82 The rest of repairs were two sets of tires two sets of brake shoes oil changes every 3K Thats it. Van bought new $17k plus tax. Van sold 9 years later $5100 $11900 total depreciation $1322 depreciation per year. This Van was driven 95% in the Pgh area .. salt in winter potholes,hills, average trip was about 3 miles. It still looked like new no rust

Favorite Features

The seats come out very easy. The ride is smooth..the shifting is smooth. The galvanized body is the best. The stainless steel exhaust is the best. The handling is the best. The interior seats looked like new after all that wear and tear. The cabin air filtration keeps air inside the car clean 28mpg

Suggested Improvements

Don't install Bosch windshield washer, standard GM wipers are best.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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