Pontiac Montana Owner's Manual

About The Montana

General Motors and its many divisions have created a huge number of different cars for the market over the years, and in many different forms. From 1997 to 2009, the Pontiac Division worked on the Montana, a minivan created as an update and replacement for the older Pontiac Trans Sport. The Pontiac Montana was developed and sold across two model generations.

The “Montana” name started life in Pontiac’s minivans as a trim level for the previous Trans Sport, but eventually became a badge and model name in its own right. The first generation was sold from the 1997 to 2004 model years, with the second generation running the remainder of the production life from 2005 to 2009.

From 1997, the Pontiac Montana only came with a single powertrain option, namely a 3.4-liter V6 engine capable of delivering up to 180hp. Both 3- and 4-door variants were available, as well as a standard and long wheelbase. The latter gained an additional 8 inches of wheelbase, and 9 additional inches of overall length.

First-generation Montana models were unfortunately dogged by safety concerns from the IIHS after reports of poor results in the 40-mph moderate overlap crash test. These were addressed within the second generation, which gained a stronger, bulkier design, as well as a new name, the Pontiac Montana SV6.

The new models had more of an SUV-type styling for their front end, with a more squared-off fascia and bumper, and a larger, bolder grille design. There were also minor modifications made to the design of the headlights.

The Montana SV6 gained an extra engine option, offering both a 3.5-liter and 3.9-liter option, both V6 engines. The latter could deliver up to 240hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. GM brought out a flex-fuel version, too, but only for the Canadian market.