EDMUNDS.COM 2005 PONTIAC MONTANA
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 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, optional rear parking assist, sporty handling, numerous optional entertainment features (MP3, DVD, XM radio).
Cons
Weak offset crash test scores, ABS not standard, can''t get side curtain airbags, cheap interior materials, unrefined powertrain character.
What''s New for 2005
The Montana''s model lineup goes under the knife this year -- trimmed away are the regular-wheelbase and all-wheel-drive models.
Overview
Introduction:
The Montana is marketed toward those looking for a little sport in their family minivan. Its first iteration debuted in 1990 as the Trans Sport, an oddly styled van with a measly 120-hp V6 and flimsy plastic body panels. Not surprisingly, it failed to put much of a dent in sales of the class-leading Chrysler vans. A redesign in 1997 finally put the Trans Sport on the map, as it featured a more palatable shape, traditional steel-body construction and a healthy V6. Renamed the Montana in 1999 and then face-lifted again in 2001, Pontiac''s minivan offers plenty of nifty features to go with its sporty appearance. The OnStar system, a combination MP3/CD player, the "MontanaVision" video entertainment system and XM Satellite Radio are all available. Amazingly, ABS remains an extra-cost option. Also on the options list is a sport suspension that gives the Montana excellent road manners for its size. Pontiac will replace the Montana with an updated version called the Montana SV6 later this year, but for now buyers looking for a competitively priced combination of features and handling should give the current Montana a look.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The Montana comes in two basic trim levels: Base and MontanaVision. The base van is well equipped with features like air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and door locks, a tilt steering wheel, keyless entry and an AM/FM/CD stereo. The high-line MontanaVision model is upgraded with ABS, side airbags, a power-adjustable driver seat, rear air conditioning and audio controls, a driver information center, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with satellite audio controls and, of course, the MontanaVision rear DVD entertainment system. Notable options include a leather seat package, power-sliding rear doors and a parking distance monitor that lets you know how close you are to objects behind the vehicle -- a real help in tight parking lots.
Powertrains and Performance:
All Montanas come equipped with a 3.4-liter V6 that makes 185 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque. A four-speed automatic transmission is standard. An optional towing package, which raises towing capacity up to 3,500 pounds, includes heavy-duty cooling, a firmer suspension with rear level control and a heavy-duty alternator.
Safety:
The Montana has received mixed crash test results. In tests conducted by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), a 2002 model Montana received four out of five stars for protection of the driver and front passenger in a frontal impact crash. Side-impact tests resulted in a five-star rating for front passengers and a four-star rating for rear passengers. After undergoing the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety''s (IIHS) frontal offset crash test, the Montana received an overall rating of "Poor," the lowest possible. Side airbags and ABS are optional on the base model, and standard on the MontanaVision. Side curtain airbags are not available.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Like most minivans, the Montana''s interior is geared toward simplicity and ease of use. The climate controls are a simple three-dial design and the gauges are clear analog dials, but much of the switchgear is a cheap gray plastic that doesn''t look or feel particularly sturdy. Multiple seating configurations allow seven- or eight-passenger capacity, and the optional MontanaVision DVD entertainment system will keep the kids entertained for hours. It''s also worth mentioning that all Montanas can be equipped with a disappearing third-row seat that makes loading bulky items onto the cargo area''s flat floor a snap.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
The standard V6 engine is down on power compared to its competitors, but it still manages to provide adequate acceleration. The transmission shifts quickly with little prodding, but the engine note does get a bit harsh at higher rpm. The Montana handles well for a minivan, especially with the optional sport suspension. Larger bumps and road obstacles tend to upset the Montana more than most other minivans, but overall it''s fun to drive -- as minivans go.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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