2004 PONTIAC MONTANA NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2004 Pontiac Montana?
XM satellite radio is available on all models of the Pontiac Montana, and a new audio system option includes an MP3 player. Base models lose their standard rear disc brakes for rear drums. Side-impact airbags, privacy glass, a rear defogger, a rear wiper and heated exterior mirrors are now optional rather than standard on the base trim level. Other changes include the addition of three new colors.

Advantages of the 2004 Pontiac Montana:

• Decent handling and performance for a minivan
• Available all-wheel-drive
• Numerous incentives and rebates

Objections to the 2004 Pontiac Montana:

• Narrower than most minivans
• Lacks competitive edge against majority of today's sophisticated minivans
• Poor offset crash-test scores
• Unrefined powertrain

Editor's Advice:
Maybe it's not a minivan, advertising for the Pontiac Montana conjectures. Yes, it is a minivan; an old one that hasn't been redesigned in eight years. All-wheel-drive and gray body cladding do not constitute an SUV. As minivans go, the Montana also comes up short because it lacks many of the conveniences that its modern competition offers American families. Big rebates, low-interest financing and other enticing deals might interest you, but we recommend that you shop elsewhere.