- minivan 144,798
- 3,500 high price
- Fairfield, OH
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- autoshopper.com
- minivan 144,798 gasoline red automatic
2003 pontiac montana review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. Minivan practicality with suv style. introductionfamilies are buying sport-utility vehicles in droves, but not everyone needs or wants an suv. For many, a minivan still is the best option. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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). Thunder sport is also available only on extended wheelbase models. . walkaroundpontiac'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. . interiorpontiac montana comes with a height-adjustable driver's seat, which really aids comfort on long trips. 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. There are large side bolsters on the backs of the seats, but the seating surface is relatively flat. Handy diagrams on the frames underneath the seats show how to unlatch them from the floor. 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. 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. . driving impressionwhile 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. AM/FM✔ Bucket Seats✔ Power Windows✔ Anti-lock Brakes✔ Cruise Control✔ Air Conditioning✔ DVD Entertainment System✔ Leather Seats✔ Sport Package✔ Alloy Wheels
3,500 Fairfield, OHFairfield, OH at autoshopper.com