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2002
Pontiac Montana

Starts at:
$24,515
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Reg WB w/6-Passenger Seating
    Starts at
    $24,515
    19 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    6
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Ext WB Plus Y3G Mobility Pkg
    Starts at
    $26,635
    19 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Ext WB AWD w/1SX Pkg
    Starts at
    $30,655
    18 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Ext WB AWD w/1SY Pkg
    Starts at
    $34,260
    18 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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2002 Pontiac Montana 2002 Pontiac Montana 2002 Pontiac Montana 2002 Pontiac Montana 2002 Pontiac Montana 2002 Pontiac Montana 2002 Pontiac Montana 2002 Pontiac Montana 2002 Pontiac Montana 2002 Pontiac Montana 2002 Pontiac Montana 2002 Pontiac Montana

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Expert 2002 Pontiac Montana review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

If the General Motors minivan lineup was missing one feature–and it was–that would be all-wheel-drive. By their nature minivans are meant to hold families with kids and what better way to ensure their safety than to offer AWD for all-season motoring?

Thanks to the 2001 Buick Rendezvous and Pontiac Aztek sport-utility vehicles, the GM minivans for the first time offer AWD for 2002. Rendezvous and Aztek borrowed the minivan platform to become reality for 2001 and in exchange, those SUVs gave the extended-wheelbase minivans their Versatrak all-wheel-drive systems for ’02.

We tested the AWD ’02 Pontiac Montana extended-wheelbase version with seven-passenger seating–two buckets, two buckets and a bench–which serves families well because the front-seat passenger can slip through the opening between the second row of buckets to get to the rugrats on the third-row bench.

Also new for ’02 is a DVD system. Having spent the last decade trying to master a VHS video recorder, we can only say the DVD does have its own charm and the picture clarity is better than with VHS tapes. The DVD is an electronic time-out designed to keep the aforementioned rugrats quiet in their safety seats on long trips.

Having taken a long-distance trip with the grandrugrats, we can attest that DVD works. We also can attest to the fact that one of the major advantages of a DVD over a VHS system is that when “Toy Story” credits start rolling on the screen that pops down from the roof, you merely restart the DVD disc to see the movie again. You don’t have to listen to the rats go ballistic for 10 minutes while a VHS tape rewinds. However, along about the 14th consecutive showing of “Toy Story,” the adults may need a time-out.

A VHS entertainment system had been a stand-alone $2,790 option before ’02, but the DVD system is part of a $3,600 package with several other items. An added cost is the purchase of DVDs to replace the VHS tapes in your library.

One other observation: The Montana has more cupholders than seats, yet not one holder for a “sippy cup,” one of those wide-bottom plastic thingamajigs with handles that weans kids off the bottle and prepares them to master a real cup. No big deal, you say? Then you hold that sippy cup through 14 showings of “Toy Story.” But we digress.

The extended-wheelbase Montana holds an incredible amount of people and their stuff, from the luggage to the gross of diapers necessitated by those 18 or so cupholders. If you can’t get all you need on the floor, under the seats or in the cargo hold in a van that’s 200 inches long, then you don’t need it.

Even when fully loaded, the 3.4-liter, 185-horsepower V-6 responds better than expected with ample kick when needed to pass. And the 18 m.p.g. city/24 m.p.g. highway rating is most welcome in an AWD vehicle. To provide AWD security plus extended driving range, a 25.5-gallon fuel tank is standard.

Jostle-free ride and decent handling, though expect some lean in corners from a 200-inch-long vehicle. No snow to test Versatrak, but several hours of surefootedness in a rainstorm. Base price of the extended AWD Montana tested was $33,810.

Standard equipment includes dual front and side-impact air bags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, rear window washer/wiper, daytime running lamps, remote keyless entry, fog lamps, luggage rack, dual sliding rear doors, deep tinted glass, AM/FM stereo with CD/cassette players and clock, air conditioning, power heated outside mirrors, cargo net, tilt steering, cruise control, power windows, carpeted floor mats and one year free OnStar emergency communications system that runs $199 annually if you opt to subscribe after that.

The Montana test came with the 1SY package as standard, which means it runs $3,600 more than without 1SY. The package adds the DVD system and such major items as rear-seat air conditioning; power driver/passenger seats; automatic level control; aluminum wheels; power assenger-side sliding rear door; self-sealing radials; and rear parking aid, a sonar sensor system that beeps to warn of objects behind when backing up.

Leather seats with power passenger side ran $1,175, and a power driver’s side rear door cost $350. With $655 for freight, the vehicle stickered $10 shy of $36,000.

While AWD is a welcome addition to the Montana lineup, couldn’t have asked for a worse time to add the security feature–during a mild winter.

2002 Pontiac Bonneville SE

Exceptional ride, superb handling, outstanding performance. The ’02 Pontiac Bonneville delivers on all counts. You also enjoy quick steering response and the ability to go in the direction pointed thanks to traction control that helps you get–and keep–going when rain or snow covers the pavement. Four-wheel ABS, front and side air bags and such amenities as air conditioning and power doors/windows/ mirrors. What more could you ask for?

What we would ask for is a major styling overhaul. Bonneville was last given a fresh look for the 2000 model year, but the car has not aged gracefully.

Bonneville looks a little saggy and baggy and needs to sport a more muscular design in keeping with its performance character. Pontiac excitement is supposed to start when you take your first look, not after you take your first drive.

The midsize Grand Prix gets a remake for ’03, the compact Grand Am for ’04, and rumor has it that sometime after that, a new top-of-the-line Pontiac model merging Grand Prix and Bonneville would appear.

Base price of the ’02 SE sedan tested is $25,530, but with a host of options quickly tops $29,000. Add $2,130 for a package with an AM/FM stereo/CD upgrade to include cassette player along with leather bucket seats, OnStar communications system, leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls and dual zone air conditioning. And then there’s a power seat upgrade (driver standard) to include passenger side along with heat for both at $530, plus a power glass sunroof for $1,080.

2002 Pontiac Montana review: Our expert's take
By

If the General Motors minivan lineup was missing one feature–and it was–that would be all-wheel-drive. By their nature minivans are meant to hold families with kids and what better way to ensure their safety than to offer AWD for all-season motoring?

Thanks to the 2001 Buick Rendezvous and Pontiac Aztek sport-utility vehicles, the GM minivans for the first time offer AWD for 2002. Rendezvous and Aztek borrowed the minivan platform to become reality for 2001 and in exchange, those SUVs gave the extended-wheelbase minivans their Versatrak all-wheel-drive systems for ’02.

We tested the AWD ’02 Pontiac Montana extended-wheelbase version with seven-passenger seating–two buckets, two buckets and a bench–which serves families well because the front-seat passenger can slip through the opening between the second row of buckets to get to the rugrats on the third-row bench.

Also new for ’02 is a DVD system. Having spent the last decade trying to master a VHS video recorder, we can only say the DVD does have its own charm and the picture clarity is better than with VHS tapes. The DVD is an electronic time-out designed to keep the aforementioned rugrats quiet in their safety seats on long trips.

Having taken a long-distance trip with the grandrugrats, we can attest that DVD works. We also can attest to the fact that one of the major advantages of a DVD over a VHS system is that when “Toy Story” credits start rolling on the screen that pops down from the roof, you merely restart the DVD disc to see the movie again. You don’t have to listen to the rats go ballistic for 10 minutes while a VHS tape rewinds. However, along about the 14th consecutive showing of “Toy Story,” the adults may need a time-out.

A VHS entertainment system had been a stand-alone $2,790 option before ’02, but the DVD system is part of a $3,600 package with several other items. An added cost is the purchase of DVDs to replace the VHS tapes in your library.

One other observation: The Montana has more cupholders than seats, yet not one holder for a “sippy cup,” one of those wide-bottom plastic thingamajigs with handles that weans kids off the bottle and prepares them to master a real cup. No big deal, you say? Then you hold that sippy cup through 14 showings of “Toy Story.” But we digress.

The extended-wheelbase Montana holds an incredible amount of people and their stuff, from the luggage to the gross of diapers necessitated by those 18 or so cupholders. If you can’t get all you need on the floor, under the seats or in the cargo hold in a van that’s 200 inches long, then you don’t need it.

Even when fully loaded, the 3.4-liter, 185-horsepower V-6 responds better than expected with ample kick when needed to pass. And the 18 m.p.g. city/24 m.p.g. highway rating is most welcome in an AWD vehicle. To provide AWD security plus extended driving range, a 25.5-gallon fuel tank is standard.

Jostle-free ride and decent handling, though expect some lean in corners from a 200-inch-long vehicle. No snow to test Versatrak, but several hours of surefootedness in a rainstorm. Base price of the extended AWD Montana tested was $33,810.

Standard equipment includes dual front and side-impact air bags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, rear window washer/wiper, daytime running lamps, remote keyless entry, fog lamps, luggage rack, dual sliding rear doors, deep tinted glass, AM/FM stereo with CD/cassette players and clock, air conditioning, power heated outside mirrors, cargo net, tilt steering, cruise control, power windows, carpeted floor mats and one year free OnStar emergency communications system that runs $199 annually if you opt to subscribe after that.

The Montana test came with the 1SY package as standard, which means it runs $3,600 more than without 1SY. The package adds the DVD system and such major items as rear-seat air conditioning; power driver/passenger seats; automatic level control; aluminum wheels; power assenger-side sliding rear door; self-sealing radials; and rear parking aid, a sonar sensor system that beeps to warn of objects behind when backing up.

Leather seats with power passenger side ran $1,175, and a power driver’s side rear door cost $350. With $655 for freight, the vehicle stickered $10 shy of $36,000.

While AWD is a welcome addition to the Montana lineup, couldn’t have asked for a worse time to add the security feature–during a mild winter.

2002 Pontiac Bonneville SE

Exceptional ride, superb handling, outstanding performance. The ’02 Pontiac Bonneville delivers on all counts. You also enjoy quick steering response and the ability to go in the direction pointed thanks to traction control that helps you get–and keep–going when rain or snow covers the pavement. Four-wheel ABS, front and side air bags and such amenities as air conditioning and power doors/windows/ mirrors. What more could you ask for?

What we would ask for is a major styling overhaul. Bonneville was last given a fresh look for the 2000 model year, but the car has not aged gracefully.

Bonneville looks a little saggy and baggy and needs to sport a more muscular design in keeping with its performance character. Pontiac excitement is supposed to start when you take your first look, not after you take your first drive.

The midsize Grand Prix gets a remake for ’03, the compact Grand Am for ’04, and rumor has it that sometime after that, a new top-of-the-line Pontiac model merging Grand Prix and Bonneville would appear.

Base price of the ’02 SE sedan tested is $25,530, but with a host of options quickly tops $29,000. Add $2,130 for a package with an AM/FM stereo/CD upgrade to include cassette player along with leather bucket seats, OnStar communications system, leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls and dual zone air conditioning. And then there’s a power seat upgrade (driver standard) to include passenger side along with heat for both at $530, plus a power glass sunroof for $1,080.

Available cars near you

Safety review

Based on the 2002 Pontiac Montana base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
4/5
Frontal passenger
4/5
Nhtsa rollover rating
3/5
Side driver
5/5
Side rear passenger
4/5

Factory warranties

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
6 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
3 years / 36,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Consumer reviews

4.1 / 5
Based on 13 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.3
Interior 4.4
Performance 4.4
Value 4.3
Exterior 4.5
Reliability 3.9

Most recent

  • Most comfortable van I've ever driven

    I enjoy this vehicle It met my everyday need for 3 kids and driving from A to B. Even on long distance drives its like it is on auto pilot.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Best bang for the buck

    This is the 3rd Montana I have had and they are great UNTIL the head gaskets fail. I have hauled 1700 pounds of payload and gotten 24 mpg doing it so they are like an enclosed pick-up truck. Good value for the dollar spent!!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Runs really smooth

    It runs really smooth. Only have to give it up because I got a new one. Would recommend this to friends.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Great Mini van!

    We purchased it used, drove it for seven years, and had minimal issues. Therefore, we are very satisfied and highly recommend this vehicle.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • best all round family vehicle

    we have owned a Pontiac Montana Lux AWD for about four years. It is a great family vehicle. I bought it for the all wheel drive to replace our suv and get 24mpg hwy with more room and comfortable seating, with six reclining seats. It also has the dvd/tv system which is great for traveling with 4 kids and touring tires with air ride suspension for a great ride. The Pontiac Montana also has a sporty performance feel of a Pontiac Grand Prix I once owned, with the same tires and similar motor it gives the exciting performance and handling desired by a car guy like me while accommidating a family of six.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • awesome minivan!

    I was a little outraged when i read some of these reviews. It does sound like some of these people let their children beat these minivans to death. This minivan is great, coming from a family of 3, a mom and two kids (18,20) Because we all drive, we actually fight over who gets to drive this minivan on our family outings because it drives so nice. Living in the Poconos of PA, we rely on this van to get around in the winter through snow and ice storms and it has never failed us! It really runs like a champ, i have never had a problem with this van and the power sliding doors are great! we take this van on road trips and we fill it up with friends just to go to dinner! its great all around!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Horrible

    Bought it used and its been down hill from there. Thank God we bought a warranty because it has covered more than $9000 in repairs. I, especially in recent years, have not felt safe driving this vehicle. The interior is falling apart such as the cup holder front broke off a while ago and on the driver and 2nd row driver side seat, the plastic around the back lever has or is about to break off. Also the plastic on the back of the second row seats has broken off. The 2nd row drivers side passenger seat's back does not adjust any more. Also happened to two other seats but those were fixed. The power sliding door does not operate as a power sliding door because it wont close unless you do it manually. Also the weather stripping falls off as if it were meant to. Also the power steering fails periodically. This is a car you would want to stay away from. It is poorly built and bounces and leans in the turns as if it had no suspension. GM really screwed up on this one and has lost a customer.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 1.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 1.0
    Reliability 1.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • 9 years with one major flaw!

    The vehicle was a good dependable vehicle for several years. Then, the heat went out. Found out the head gasket was bad and $800 bill. Repaired and it lasted 2 years. Then had to replace again. Know someone that has had it replaced 3 times. Otherwise, it has been a good vehicle for the last 90,000 miles mostly in town driving or short trips up to 1 1/2 hours with a few long trips.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 2.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • We loved this van!But....

    We had this van for over 6 years.Great for long trips,comfortable,good on gas.But...Head gasket blown twice.had to change the head too.$3800 total.My advice change the termostat every year.Even then it's not garanteed it won't happen to you.For handleing change chocks and strouts It cost around $1000.Finaly be easy on the tranny 2nd gear started hitting around 120000miles.If you don't mind spendig money at your mechanic,this car is for you.I put all the expenses together I could have leased a new car.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 3.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Not happy with it...

    I bought brand new fully loaded special edition. I wanted Versatrak AWD but it was hard to find. I settled for Traction Control but it is worthless. (my mom has a Rendezvous with versatrak and the rendezvous is a great vehicle and the awd is great). My wipers have NEVER worked right. My A/C quit, it swayed horribly. The 3.4 need 2 gaskets replaced the power doors only worked when they wanted to. It was a beautiful vehicle but I could not get it to run without problems. I really do not drive it much anymore.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 3.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Great Minivan for the price I paid!!

    Just bought this pre-owned, over the weekend. So far, I love it!! Drives great on city streets and highway. Love the dual sliding doors (I have 2 boys, 8 & 5) Wish it had a little more interior cargo space and "seating leg room" for adults when the seats are in place. But if you have smaller kids, the bucket seats are great for removing and cleaning purposes. No need to move "huge" bench seats in and out, just the ones you have to... Definitely recommend if you're looking to buy, at least check this out and test drive it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Love this van!

    I love this van. It's reliable and handles great. The only thing is the seats are not comfortable for me. Perhaps it would be more comfortable for a person taller than 5'4".
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2002 Pontiac Montana?

The 2002 Pontiac Montana is available in 4 trim levels:

  • AWD w/1SX Pkg (1 style)
  • AWD w/1SY Pkg (1 style)
  • Plus Y3G Mobility Pkg (1 style)
  • w/6-Passenger Seating (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2002 Pontiac Montana?

The 2002 Pontiac Montana offers up to 19 MPG in city driving and 26 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 2002 Pontiac Montana reliable?

The 2002 Pontiac Montana has an average reliability rating of 3.9 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2002 Pontiac Montana owners.

Is the 2002 Pontiac Montana a good Minivan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2002 Pontiac Montana. 69.2% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.1 / 5
Based on 13 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.3
  • Interior: 4.4
  • Performance: 4.4
  • Value: 4.3
  • Exterior: 4.5
  • Reliability: 3.9
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