Volume-wise, the Trans Sport rates only about average; much of the potentially available space is lost to the long nose. With the middle and rear seats removed (a fairly easy task), total cargo volume is just over 112 cu. ft. But what space exists is quite user-friendly.
With the Trans Sport's low ride height, entry and exit is easy, whether you're coming through the front or the side.
The rear hatch-type opening rises high enough for even fairly tall people to stand under it without hitting their heads, and there's a handy strap so shorter people can easily pull the hatch back down and shut.
The two seating choices are for five or seven passengers. The middle and rear rows consist of modular seats that are individual instead of benches.
Young families will most likely enjoy the optional integral child seats that are built into the outboard seats of the middle row (if you order just one, it's installed in the right outboard position). That's a safety plus that would be hard to pass up.
With the 7-passenger seating, you also get a rear cargo net, handy for keeping loose things from rattling around the cabin.
The driver faces a modern instrument panel with complete instrumentation, and most functions are located for easy reach and operation.
There was lots of storage almost everywhere in our test vehicle: two glove boxes, map pockets in the doors and storage bins in the rear, and - get this - we counted more cup-holders than seats.
Quality of materials, assembly, and fit-and-finish seemed to be quite good on our Trans Sport SE. Whether slamming doors in a parking lot or driving over rough back country roads, it had a solid, well-put-together feel to it. Owner surveys show that the Trans Sport has come through with superior reliability, too.
The biggest problem with driving the Trans Sport is becoming acclimatized to the long nose. The styling has resulted in a considerable distance between the driver and the base of the windshield, and even more distance from there to the front bumper. It can feel as if you're driving from somewhere in the middle of the vehicle.
The view forward is a little odd, too, with the foremost angled windshield pillars creating a kind of tunnel-vision effect. But the windows are big, and the general outward vision is excellent.
Once under way, the Trans Sport is a nice-handling minivan. Pontiac engineers have always done a good job with suspension tuning, and the Trans Sport rides and drives pretty much like a car that just happens to be taller and roomier than usual.
Steering feel is very good, and in all likely driving situations the Trans Sport is smooth, comfortable and predictable.
The Trans Sport also has a surprisingly capable ride on bad roads. It deals commendably with potholes and rough pavement while all the time maintaining a decent level of comfort and good driving control.
With the 3.8-liter V6 engine, performance is more than just adequate, and there's plenty of torque to deal with crowded traffic or freeway merging. This engine transforms the Trans Sport and its siblings - so much so that having it makes all the difference. Performance is pleasant with it, and unacceptable without.
There's an optional trailer-towing package available, and so equipped the Trans Sport's towing capacity is rated at 3000 lb. - enough for a small camping trailer or small boat.
In tighter traffic, new owners will have to get used to the driving position. But that's really just a short-term problem that shouldn't weigh heavily in a purchase decision.