GM-GMC: Buying a minivan, pontiac montana, chevy venture


Question
Hi Dean - My present vehicle, an Olds Silhouette,
has 112,000 miles on it (1995 model) and I`m thinking of replacing it in the not-too-distant future.  I would like to look at the 2000 minivans from Chevy, Pontiac as well as the Silhouette and was wondering if you have any advice for me as to  which one might be the better choice.   
In the past five years, many things have gone wrong with the minivan (have spent about $6,500 total on it in five years) and thinking that maybe I should look at another model..   I have GM rebate $, so would like to stay with GM, though.  I`d appreciate anything you can tell me.
Thanks so much!

Carol  

Answer
Hi Carol.  It is unfortunate that you did have some repairs with your old van, but let me first tell you that the new models only share their name with the 96 & older vans.  EVERYTHING else is new.  They ride on an all new chassis (better riding and handling), new engine and transmission (better fuel economy), and a whole slew of creature comforts, ranging from a HEPA-type filter for your air conditioning, to a TV for rear passengers.

The three choices that you have here, can be basically set out to this:

Chevy Venture - most economically setup of the bunch
Pontiac Montana - best all-round option content
Olds Silhouette - best luxury in a mini-van

The Chevy is more tuned to a price point with GM.  They are the first stepping stone in the GM van stable.  The Venture can be bought with the most basics, or, spec'ed with much more equipment.

The Montana, is the median between the lower Venture and higher Silhouette.  The cloth seating is nicer than the Venture (opinion), and the interior is a bit nicer (again, opinion).  Leather is optional, as is the MontanaVision (TV).  

The Silhouette is the top of the line unit.  Leather, the whole bit.  Color is essentially your only option.  

All of these vans share the same underpinnings (chassis and powertrain).  If you drive them back to back, you would notice that the Venture has the smoothest ride, while the Montana and the Silhouette, have a bit firmer ride which is more responsive and better handling.

It sounds like another Silhouette, or, possibly a Montana, would be for you.  First of all, see if the equipment list of the Silhouette is what you are looking for.  If so, great!  

If not, then a lesser-equipped Montana would probably be better.

Essential options:

C34 - Front and Rear Air Conditioning
U1P - CD Player
NW9 - Traction Control
UA6 - Theft Deterrent System
E? - Power Sliding Door
    - Rear Level Control Suspension (shocks that adjust for changing loads)
AU0 - Remote Keyless Entry

Beyond that, use your own disgression, and tastes to equip one to your own liking.  Drive through a few lots to see some colors, and when you are ready, drive a couple to get the feel of the new design.  I feel they are much better, and alot more comfortable.

I hope that this covers a very broad question, but if you would like something narrowed down more in particular, please drop me a line!

Auotmotively yours,

Dean