Used 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport Consumer Reviews
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1997 Pontiac Montana Van
Bought this van new in 1997. We've had several great road trips in this van! Lots of interior room, captain's chairs are comfortable. Engine runs good, and 25gal tank is good for 400 miles between fill-ups. Replaced the transmission at 110k miles. Air conditioner quit working last summer, and the auto-load leveling system doesn't work anymore. Now has 170k miles and still rolling!
I'm going to miss it, loved it!
It's been an excellent van/truck/taxi/ etc. We have used this van for family every day stuff,and hauling trailers, or loaded with bikes, furniture, landscape products and more! The 4 doors and 4 captain seats a big plus for comfort or temporary removal. Did blow out the motor in 2004. Had a rebuilt one put in, no more major problems. Always started in cold CDN winters. At 10 yrs the A/C and power sliding door not working, we gave up and eventually turned the switch to "off". Now at 13 years, seeing more serious repair. Fuel injector 1yr ago, Rear wheel cylinders, alternator, tranny and rack and pinion showing signs of potential problems in near future. Been a great reliable vehicle.
Beware of first year models
It is the most comfortable van to take road trips with, powerful, and for a minivan, get's excellent gas mileage. About 26 to 28 on the highway. Since 1997 was the first total re-do of the Trans Sport line, this may be one reason it hasn't faired too well in the long run. I purchased the van used (in 1998) From about 60,000 miles up, the following has been repaired: Power steering pump Power steering rack (twice) A/C Compressor Radiator Water Pump Steering column failure ABS and TCS system Power Accessory Control Module Wiper blade arm (stripped) Front headlights fell apart Air bag (still to be repaired)
Montana - love it
Right at 100k miles now. No major mechanical problems - never touched a wrench to motor or transmision, front end, rear end, etc. ROutine brakes, service, replaced water pump, belt, battery, shocks and tires and that's it. Runs great and uses no oil. I will buy another one.
No more American for us!
This Van was the absolute worst buy we ever made. Repairs and recalls constantly. Figured we'd keep it as we put so much $ in it. Got it paid off and 6 months later, needs a new engine. It's been sitting in my garage for the past 4 years broke. We finally decided to junk it as it's not worth the time or $ to fix and or sell. We plan on sticking to Japan and Korea from now on. Would not recommend this to my worst enemy. Does it really surprise anyone that the American Auto Industry is so inferior to everyone else? Check out their decline for yourself before considering to buy.