2003 Pontiac Montana Review
Fuel Economy
18 - 20 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
If you can stomach the heavy doses of plastic trim both inside and out, the Montana offers peppy performance and comfortable passenger accommodations in a feature-laden package.
Pros
Available eight-passenger seating, folding third-row seat (extended-length models), optional rear parking aid sensor, spunky V6, sporty handling, available all-wheel drive, optional DVD video player.
Cons
Weak offset crash test scores, cheap interior materials, unrefined powertrain character.
What's New for 2003
The Montana gets only a few minor upgrades for 2003. The most notable change is the addition of an extended-length version of the Special Value van with a 60/40-split bench second-row seat as standard. More available free flow options also give the Value van a greater range of equipment.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
AVOID!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 4 | Fun-to-Drive: | 3 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 3 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Pontiac Montana AWD 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Bought the AWD because we were moving out to the country. It was a company lease return, impeccably maintained. As soon as the warranty expired, we IMMEDIATELY suffered the infamous GMC intake manifold gasket debaucle. Since then, nothing but problems, mostly with the wheel hubs, bearings, and ABS/AWD sensors. Turns out a vehicle named "MONTANA" with AWD can't handle a bumpy gravel road. Worst vehicle we've ever owned... period.
Favorite Features
Size. AWD, when it's working.
Suggested Improvements
Eliminate the obvious design flaws, from the IM Gasket to the AWD system that craps out after a few bumps. Don't tuck every fluid reservoir away so you have to be Reid Richards of the Fantastic Four to fill them. Scrap the cheapo-plastic approach. And then let the Japanese build it!
Not bad for a van
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Pontiac Montana Value Fwd 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Not a bad van. It's good on fuel, change oil every 5000 or so, and a tuneup 120,000 km runs great. I drive this 4 hour round trip. The inside is good to lots space for what I need it for and the kid's like for the dvd part.
Favorite Features
DVD, good sound to it.
Suggested Improvements
Nothing to report
If You Think So
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 5 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Pontiac Montana Value Fwd 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I think they tried to lure people in with the looks of the van more than the quality of it. This vehicle has never been wrecked. Yet a lot of the seams don't match or some are wider than others. Real poor quality control I would say. Sliding door hits the the driver door. You have to open the driver door so you can shut the sliding door. I haven't owned this vehicle very long so I can't say about the long term. If you buy one look at all the seams of the vehicle. With gas prices going up the fuel effeciency is fading fast on this one. It does ride smooth however.
Favorite Features
I like the ride. It is smooth. Looks good. Also has very good vision as far backing up and looking out the sides.
Suggested Improvements
Better battery placement. Almost impossible to get the radiator cap off. Build quality.
2003 Montana Ext. minivan in Illinois
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Pontiac Montana Fwd 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
Review
We love our 2003 Montana. It has been excellent in all aspects. We have never had any problems - mechanical or otherwise. This is our second Pontiac Minivan and we will be purchasing our third very shortly. We recommend this year and model to everyone!
Favorite Features
Audio controls on steering wheel, trip monitor and heat & a/c controls for rear
Suggested Improvements
Console between front seats, power hatchback door, passenger seat power, both side doors power
2003 Pontiac Montana
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Pontiac Montana Fwd 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I have had my montana for almost 3 years and now have 70,000 miles on it. I have not had any trouble with my van.It handles and runs great. I just wish it had a built in DVD center. I have rear air and rear audio controls which has been a lifesaver for me and the kids on long trips. The kids love the van. I like it too just wish it had better gas mileage. From the sounds of some reviews I am lucky. Also it would be nice if there were more cupholders
Favorite Features
8 seats great for transporting loads of kids. also the rear audio and air controls.
Suggested Improvements
more cupholders and 12 V plug ins for all the kids video equipment and cell phones.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2005 Pontiac Montana
- 2004 Pontiac Montana
- 2003 Pontiac Montana
- 2002 Pontiac Montana
- 2001 Pontiac Montana
- 2000 Pontiac Montana
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