- minivan 162,778
- 2,798 high price
- Spencer, IA
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- autoshopper.com
- minivan 162,778 white automatic
2001 pontiac montana review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. It really is better in montana. introductionpontiac advertising seems to suggest that montana is something more exciting and adventurous than the standard-issue suburban minivan. The truth is, the montana differs only in detail from minivans offered by chevrolet and oldsmobile. Those things alone relate to a better driving experience. for another, montana is really quite handsome by minivan standards, especially with the new and neater front bumper and grille it has acquired for 2001. The base-level, short-wheelbase van comes with six bucket seats, but can also be configured for seven passsengers, with two buckets up front, two captain's chairs in the middle, and a three-person 50/50 split bench seat in the rear. Or trade the split bench for a fully stowable bench. Even eight-passenger seating is available, with three modular bucket seats in the second row and the stowable bench in the third. Extended-length models offer the same configurations again, minus the six-bucket style and plus a second eight-passenger variation with the split bench rather than the stowable in the extreme rear. the montanavision video entertainment system comes only as part of the top two option packages on the extended-wheelbase model. So, effectively, montanvision prices begin at $31,275. all models get two sliding rear doors as standard equipment; a power-operated curbside door comes with most long-wheelbase trim levels. Onstar is standard on all models. The engine sits in the usual sideways position, which allows maximum use of interior space. The suspension is independent up front, with a twist-beam axle in the rear; again like the olds and chevy minivans. The twist-beam axle is simpler than an independent setup, but nearly as light, and contributes much-needed rear roll stiffness in a front-heavy vehicle. interiorthe standard bucket seats fold and remove easily. The fore-and-aft range of the driver's seat is one of the longest we've sampled, and will probably make room for plus-six-and-a-half-footers. There are large side bolsters on the backs of the seats, but the seating surface is relatively flat. However, when the speedometer needle reaches 75 mph, it blocks the right turn-signal indicator. It still folds down from the ceiling where the front-seat occupants can't see it, a legal requirement. Separate controls allow mid and rear-seat passengers to adjust the volume on individual headphones, and to regulate heating and cooling in their area. All of this equipment will keep rear-seaters busy and entertained. What we like best about this system is its integration. Aftermarket systems we've tried tend to be more difficult to use and not as durable. driving impressionwhatever pontiac wants it to be, montana is the perfect family truckster. Cross winds 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. The noise from the powerplant is limited to an isolated and distant hissing. At 80 mph, which we found to be the average cruising speed on most western highways marked at a 75 mph limit, the engine is revving 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, and it's efficient; we managed 25 mpg on a fast trip across the state. The epa estimates highway fuel economy at 26 mpg. Traction control is optional; 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 as 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, such as the latest bonneville and gm's newest big pickups and suvs, lack this mushy feeling, so the montana will likely get a better-feeling brake pedal in the future. The montana was also the favorite of women responding to good housekeeping's latest driving survey. the montana is the most appealing of the three gm minivans to us, and that's just because we prefer the ducks unlimited-style colors, the stickier tires and the '99 bonneville sports sedan steering wheel. It handles rough roads without any ungainly bouncing around. And it still has all the bins and cubbies of the oldsmobile and chevy versions. montana feels smaller than the big new honda odyssey, faster than the new mazda mpv, but it's not as quick as the latest mercury villager or dodge caravan. Stocked as it is with a lot of lookalike vehicles, we think there's plenty of room in the minivan market for montana. model lineupregular length 24,180), extended length 26,520). assembled indoraville, georgia. options as testedoption package 1sj 5,625) includes montanavision video system, am/fm/cassette/cd stereo with equalizer and coaxial speakers, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, separate rear-seat audio controls, driver information center, rear air conditioning, illuminated visor mirrors, six-way power driver's seat, traction control, silver painted alloy wheels, automatic leveling, sport suspension, power right-side sliding door, universal garage-door opener, parking aid, saddlebag storage, theft-deterrent system; leather seating surfaces 1,175). model testedmontana extended length 26,250). Bucket Seats✔ AM/FM✔ Air Conditioning✔ Alloy Wheels
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