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1999 Pontiac Montana Minivan
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| Big and Spacious--Like the State |
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| Updated |
Jun 10, 2004 22:46:18 |
| Rating |
 58 ( -10 -17.24% ) |
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Description:
1999 Pontiac Montana Minivan:
Big and Spacious--Like the State
By Bruce Caldwell
Pontiac claims, "We are driving
excitement" right on the top of the invoice sheet of the 1999 Pontiac Montana
Extended 4-Door minivan. We carefully checked the standard and optional equipment lists,
but the closest approximation to that claim we could find was "extended
wheelbase." Pontiac has delivered plenty of driving excitement in the Trans Am,
Formula, and Grand Prix GTP, but try as we might, we couldn't find 'excitement,' exactly,
in the Montana minivan.
The Montana was more like a driving
excursion... and that's a compliment, by the way. The '99 Montana was perfect for
traveling, whether on short excursions or long expeditions. What the Montana does best is
move large quantities of people and their possessions in a comfortable, competent manner.
The acceleration is quite impressive for a minivan, but unless your last vehicle was
powered by a giant rubber band, we don't think you'd describe the acceleration as
exciting. The 185 horsepower 3.4-liter V-6 moves out quickly, and easily conquers steep
hills. A very smooth 4-speed automatic transmission complements the strong engine. EPA
fuel economy ratings are 18 city and 25 highway. Our test vehicle returned mileage figures
in the upper teens.
Our test Montana (Pontiac dropped
Trans Sport and replaced it with the name of a popular '98 option package) had the Sport
Performance & Handling Package, which includes traction control (weather conditions
were too nice to need it), sport suspension (slightly firmer than standard), automatic
level control (good when carrying big loads), 15-inch cast aluminum wheels, and rain/snow
self-sealing performance tires. The Montana has an on-board air compressor by the rear
hatch so in conjunction with the self-sealing tires, flat tires shouldn't be a worry. With
its extended wheelbase (8 inches more than the standard Montana) and relatively big
dimensions, the Montana didn't strike us as a sporting machine. Maybe we were too cautious
to realize its potential excitement.
Interior room, layout, features, and
versatility are all excellent on the extended model Montana. All three rows of this seven
passenger van offer substantial room for large adults. The driver's position has better
leg room than many sedans. There's a flat area for the driver's left foot. The Montana
doesn't have the annoying wheel well intrusion found on so many front-wheel-drive
vehicles. The power front captain's seats provide excellent comfort and support with the
manual lumbar adjustment.
With the front seats all the way
back, there is still excellent leg room in the second row captain's seats. There's as much
or more leg room in the third row. The bench seat holds three passengers, but since it's a
split seat, the middle position isn't very comfortable. The seats all recline. The
folding, removable seats can be configured in a great number of ways to accommodate a wide
range of passengers and cargo. Cupholders, storage bins and pockets, reading lamps, and
grab handles are all plentiful and well executed. Our extended model had two large sliding
doors with the right side being power operated. The upgraded sound system was excellent.
We commend Pontiac for its safe and convenient steering wheel audio controls. There were
rear seat audio controls and head phone jacks. There were also front and rear auxiliary
power outlets.
The 1999 Pontiac Montana is a smooth,
comfortable, competent vehicle in wide variety of driving conditions. We've driven the
Trans Sport/Montana on all-day, cross-state family trips. The entire trip was pleasant and
friction-free. Everyone arrived refreshed and in good spirits. In those situations, we
value family harmony much more than driving excitement.
OVERALL RATING: A-
By Bruce Caldwell |
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