Minivan practicality with SUV style.

Introduction

Families are buying sport-utility vehicles in droves, but not everyone needs or wants an SUV. For many, a minivan still is the best option. The Pontiac Montana answers this call. 

Montana offers all-wheel drive for improved traction in wintry conditions, and a DVD entertainment system is available for improved relations with backseat occupants. A Thunder Sport appearance package adds some SUV-style macho. 

For 2003, Montana is more versatile than ever. The low-priced Special Value model now comes with a 60/40 split second-row seat, and is available with the standard or extended wheelbase. More stand-alone options are available that should help buyers tailor their Montana to their individual tastes. 

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Lineup

All Montana models are powered by a 3.4-liter V6 engine and come with a four-speed automatic transmission. All have sliding doors on both sides of the body. 

Pontiac Montana comes in two different lengths. Regular-wheelbase models ride on a platform with 112 inches between the front and rear wheels. Extended-wheelbase models have 120 inches between the axles for more interior room. The extended version is 13.6 inches longer overall, and comes with a larger fuel tank (25 gallons vs. 20). All regular-length Montanas have front-wheel drive (FWD), but extended-length models can be ordered with front-wheel drive or GM's compact Versatrak all-wheel drive (AWD). 

Pontiac builds the Montana in several trim levels, but doesn't bother with different badges like 'GL' or 'SE' to distinguish one from another. So we'll use the factory order codes to keep them straight. 

Pontiac does call the lowest-priced Montana the Special Value model (code 1SV), and for 2003 offers it with either the regular ($24,165) or extended wheelbase ($25,965). Either way, the Montana Special Value seats seven, with bucket seats up front, a 60/40 split bench behind that, and a 50/50 split bench in the way-back. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, cruise control, tilt steering, power windows and door locks, power heated mirrors, remote keyless entry, a luggage rack, and P215/70R15 self-sealing tires. Regular-length Montana SVs ride on steel wheels, while alloy rims dress up the long version. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) and side-impact airbags are offered as a package for $950. The Montana Special Value has front-wheel drive, a twist-beam rear axle, and front disc/rear drum brakes. 

Upgrade to the base model (code 1SA) in regular ($25,815) or long-wheelbase ($27,415) mode, and captain's chairs replace the second-row bench. You also get ABS and side-impact airbags, along with a rear-window defogger and deep-tinted rear and side glass. The long-wheelbase version can be ordered with Versatrak all-wheel drive ($30,365), a combination Pontiac calls 1SX. 

A more deluxe version of the extended-wheelbase Montana is available that adds a six-way power driver's seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls, a cargo net, rear air conditioning, a rear-seat DVD entertainment center, and other features. With front-wheel drive it's code 1SE ($29,565), with Versatrak it's 1SY ($33,615). 

Models with Versatrak also feature an independent rear suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, trailer-towing equipment and 16-inch wheels instead of the standard 15-inch units. 

Montana offers an enormous list of stand-alone options and option packages. OnStar is available as part of a Safety & Security package ($500), along with a theft-deterrent system and universal transmitter. The list also includes leather seats ($1175), a sport-tuned suspension with self-leveling ($750 with the regular wheelbase, $425 on long vans), and traction control ($195). Extended-wheelbase models can be ordered with a driver's-side power sliding door ($350), three modular bucket seats instead of a split bench in the second row ($235), and trailer-towing package ($165-395, depending on other equipment). 

The Thunder Sport package ($2800 with FWD, $2570 with AWD) includes all-independent touring suspension, special interior trim, 16-inch chromed wheels with 255/60 tires, a rear spoiler and special badging. Thunder Sport is also available only on extended wheelbase models. 

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Walkaround

Pontiac's Montana is quite handsome by minivan standards. This is one Pontiac on which the brand's lower body cladding enhances appearance, giving this minivan a more SUV-like look. Montana's front end is unmistakably Pontiac, with its bird-beak grille dipping down into a curved bumper that seems to smile confidently. The bumper integrates into the body cladding exceptionally nicely

On the other hand, the Thunder Sport package adds wild-looking bulges to the hood that don't seem to go with the Montana. 

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Interior

Pontiac Montana comes with a height-adjustable driver's seat, which really aids comfort on long trips. You can completely change your driving position without getting too close or too far from the steering wheel. The fore-and-aft range of the driver's seat is one of the longest we've sampled, and will probably provide enough room for six-and-a-half-footers. That also means you can make yourself some extra room in the driving position while you are parked and waiting for the soccer game to end. 

The front seats hold you securely, but they don't feel like the buckets in a sedan. There are large side bolsters on the backs of the seats, but the seating surface is relatively flat. This makes the van easy to get into, and encourages you to move around on long trips. 

The optional modular bucket second-row seats ($235) fold and remove easily. Handy diagrams on the frames underneath the seats show how to unlatch them from the floor. They are among the lightest seats in any minivan we've tested, and removing them won't kill your back. However, they are heavy enough that you might still want to convince a teenager to haul them into the garage. Doing this reveals a flat and wide rear cargo floor. 

The dashboard is neatly arranged, and the gauges are easy to read. However, when the speedometer needle reaches 75 mph, it blocks the right turn-signal indicator. A gentle chime indicates you've left the indicator on, but you'll miss it if you've got the stereo turned up. The steering wheel has seek, set, and AM/FM radio controls within reach of your left thumb, and volume, mute, and play (for cassettes and CDs) near your right thumb. The videotape and CD players are nicely located up on the front console. 

The DVD entertainment system was redesigned last year. It now features a large seven-inch screen that folds down from the roof panel, plus a wireless remote, auxiliary jacks for video games and camcorders, and wireless headphones. Called MontanaVision, the system comes standard on the up-market versions of the long-wheelbase models. What we like best about MontanaVision is its integration; aftermarket systems we've tried tend to be more difficult to use and not as durable. 

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Driving Impression

While not an SUV, the Pontiac Montana can be the perfect family truckster. Crosswinds won't make it wander on the way to Wally World. Veer off onto poorly maintained secondary roads and the suspension doesn't get upset. You feel confident driving on bad roads, and that's with front-wheel-drive. 

Versatrak all-wheel drive enhances driving comfort and confidence in bad weather and on unpaved roads. While operating as a front-wheel-drive system in normal conditions, it automatically directs power individually to each rear wheel whenever necessary to maintain forward progress. The system is compact as well as efficient. 

The Montana corners quickly for a minivan. The Montana's tires don't complain until you push very hard, and that's unique for a minivan. Body roll is less noticeable than in many other minivans, even those from within the GM stable. The Montana handles best when equipped with the Sport Performance and Handling package ($750 with the standard wheelbase, $425 on the longer van), which includes alloy wheels, all-weather tires, automatic level control, sport suspension and traction control. The front-wheel-drive Montana has a twist-beam rear axle that contributes much-needed rear roll stiffness in a front-heavy vehicle. Versatrak versions have an independent suspension at all four corners. 

Back on the big highways, you'll feel no pain. The noise from the powerplant is limited to an isolated and distant hissing. At 80 mph, the engine is loafing at just 2400 rpm. The Montana doesn't sound like it's straining to keep up, and passing slower cars can be done without too much prior planning. 

The V6 engine has good throttle response in traffic. The V6 is efficient, too. The EPA estimates highway fuel economy at 26 mpg. We managed 25 mpg on a fast trip across Michigan. 

Traction control is optional ($195) for front-wheel-drive models and it's a good idea for easier control in winter driving. Without traction control engaged, you can easily spin one of the front wheels during a spirited take-off on dry pavement. With a torque-pumping V6 and front-wheel drive, torque steer is sometimes noticeable, a slight tug on the steering wheel under hard acceleration. 

The brake pedal is typically spongy, as it is on most GM platforms that were designed in the early 1990s. Newer designs have eliminated this mushy feeling, so the Montana will likely get a better-feeling brake pedal in the future. Having said that, the antilock brake system works well, without undue clattering of the pedal. 

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Summary

The Pontiac Montana is one of our favorite minivans, especially when equipped with Versatrak all-wheel-drive and the latest in entertainment systems. 

Model Lineup

Special Value 1SV ($24,165); Base 1SA ($25,815); Extended Wheelbase Special Value 1SV ($25,965); Extended Wheelbase Base 1SA ($27,415); Deluxe 1SE ($29,565); AWD 1SX ($30,365); Deluxe AWD 1SY ($33,615). 

Assembled In

Doraville, Georgia. 

Options As Tested

Convenience Package #2 ($735) includes power sliding door on right side, rear parking aid, dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors, driver information center, extended overhead console; power sliding door on driver's side ($350); second-row modular bucket seats ($235); Sport Performance & Handling Package ($425) includes chrome alloy wheels, all-season tires, sport-tuned suspension, automatic level control, traction control; Safety & Security Package ($500) includes OnStar, theft-deterrent system, universal transmitter; Premium Seating Package ($1,175) includes leather upholstery and power passenger seat; AM/FM/CD/cassette/RDS stereo with equalizer ($100).