REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

A new start

The Pontiac Montana came with a slew of changes last year. In addition to adjustments made to the front end (bumpers and grille), this minivan had benefited from a magic seat that can be tucked under the floor, a rear parking radar, side airbags which protect both the head and the thorax, remodeled seats and soon an AWD system.Much like the Chrysler Caravan and Voyager, the Montana is available in regular and extended wheelbase versions, all equipped this year with a fourth door. All doors open onto a bright, comfortable and inviting interior. The driving position is good, visibility is panoramic, equipment is detailed, instrumentation is minimal and controls are easy to read and use.

A few glitches: loudspeakers are positioned too low in the trunk, the absence of accessible coat hooks (in the three door version) and windshield wipers heap snow, slush and water a few centimetres from roof pillars. Worse still, this vehicle’s manufacturing quality is very inconsistent at times.Only one engine is available to power this minivan, the 3.4-litre V6 with an output of 185 horses and 210 pound-feet of torque. Considering the vehicle’s weight and its main mission, it isn’t very much, although I must say that pick-up in the low rpm range is still interesting. The four-speed automatic transmission works flawlessly and is very smooth. When it comes to handling, the Montana is precise and pleasant to drive. This minivan has the qualities it needs to stand up to the best of its competitors. But unlike them, this Pontiac drives more like a truck and doesn’t seem to take well to corners, no doubt because of its width. It’s too bad that this Pontiac doesn’t offer four disc brakes, even as an option. Like many other vehicles in its category, it seems to run out of steam after a few emergency stops.

General Motor ’ s powerful distribution network has contributed largely to the Montana ’ s success, even if it could do better.

PROS
Choice of models
Modular interior
Pleasant to drive

CONS
Marginal V6 power
Mediocre braking system

CRASH TEST (five stars indicate the best protection)
Driver: * * *
Passenger: * * * *