In 1997, GM launched the second generation of the Pontiac Trans Sport and two years later it changed the name to Montana.
It was a marketing twist to help the all-wheel-drive versions.

The Pontiac Montana was introduced on the European market as well, with the name Opel Sintra. While the American version was well received by the market, its sibling didn’t have the same success. For the North American continent was a good choice, especially since it was offered in two wheel-bases options.

Unlike its predecessor, the Trans Sport didn’t have the same sharp nose. It looked more conservative, with a tall front fascia and a big grille. The MPV was fitted as standard with a pair of sliding doors. There was an option for power-operated curbside door.

Seven-passenger seating was standard with two front buckets and two split-folding benches for the middle and rear seating rows. Another seven-passenger version came with four captains chairs. Eight-passenger seating was available with modular bucket seats in the middle row and a split-bench seat in the rear row. There was also a six-passenger version for the short-wheelbase model. A videotape and a CD player was available as an option, to offer in-car video entertainment for the back-seats.

The Montana featured a 3.4-liter V6 engine mated to a 4-speed auto. The front-wheel-drive was standard while the all-wheel-drive was offered as an option.