Overview & Reviews

In response to strong competition and the perceived "soccer mom" stigma its midsize Montana minivan was suffering from, Pontiac hatched its Montana SV6 "crossover sport van." Based on the outgoing minivan's chassis, the SV6 stood taller and had a longer nose and surgically enhanced cladding along its sides to make it look more like an SUV. The results were an improvement, actually, and the Pontiac Montana SV6 ended up being the most rugged-looking minivan in the General Motors camp.

Despite these enhancements, however, sales of the Montana SV6 didn't exactly rebound to Pontiac's satisfaction. In fact, they continued to drop in its second and final year. Perhaps this was because the SV6 was really just a warmed-over Montana with an available 3.9-liter V6 engine and a few structural upgrades underneath to improve crashworthiness. Other improvements included optional seat-mounted side-impact airbags for second-row occupants, though such protection was still lacking in the third row. The SV6 was more family-friendly overall, however, seating seven with a fold-flat 50/50 third-row seat.

In sum, the Pontiac Montana SV6 was pretty much an ordinary minivan with beefed-up styling and acceptable levels of content and capability. But it still couldn't match the driving competence, safety features or popular conveniences of the day's top minivans.

Most Recent Pontiac Montana SV6

The Pontiac Montana SV6 minivan was sold for 2005 and 2006 only. Standard equipment included air-conditioning, an eight-speaker CD/MP3 sound system, rear-seat DVD entertainment and OnStar telematics. An options package added a passenger-side power sliding door, power driver seat, sport suspension and rear air-conditioning. An optional PhatNoise mobile digital media system allowed owners to store thousands of MP3s and/or several dozen movies. Other popular available items included dual power-sliding side doors, leather seating, heated front seats and rear parking assist.

The standard Montana SV6 engine was a 3.5-liter V6 (200 horsepower and 220 pound-feet of torque) coupled to a four-speed automatic transmission and available in both front-wheel and all-wheel-drive versions. For 2006 models, an optional 3.9-liter V6 was available. It generated a healthier 240 horses and 240 lb-ft of torque, but was offered on front-drive SV6s only. On the safety front, second-year SV6s also benefited from optional second-row side airbags.

Inside, the Pontiac Montana SV6's cabin featured a pleasing color scheme with bright, metallic-looking accents. Convenient folding center trays were available in the first two rows, and an adjustable overhead rail system provided rear passengers with access to climate and entertainment controls as well as additional storage. A couple of options made life much more convenient and comfortable for all: The PhatNoise digital media system meant no longer hassling with CDs or DVDs on the road, while remote vehicle starting made it easy to warm the van on chilly mornings.

We found the standard V6 to be underpowered compared to other minivans in its class, so we recommend that shoppers look for the punchier 3.9-liter V6. The Montana SV6's standard suspension was tuned to deliver a soft, smooth ride, and we found handling response about average for this type of vehicle. SV6s with the optional sport suspension did offer sharper handling, but did nothing to improve its excessive turning radius, which sometimes made maneuverability difficult in tight quarters.

User Reviews:

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  Do not buy this vehicle - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By Mike - June 9 - 3:40 am

  This is the worst vehicle I have ever own and I have been driving for 28 years. The front end has been repaired twice, the interior stains with WATER, yes water. There is no leg room between the driver and middle row of seats. The middle row is so close that the seats cannot fold forward as the head rest hits the front seats. Sometimes it doesnt turn over for no reason. The only good thing is that Im trading it this week for a Ford Fusion. I hate this car so much that Im even taking a payout loss of $7000.00. DO NOT BUY THIS VAN.

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  So glad to be rid of it!!!! - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By stlbluesfan - April 28 - 7:13 am

  What a piece of crap. Bought it used in 2007 with 34000 miles on it. Nothing but problems. Replaced the steering column after 1 year ($570), went through 2 sets of rotors (could not be turned, had to be replaced), front sway bars bad, wheel bearings bad, wouldnt start most of the time on first try, check engine light on intermittently, transmission starting to hard shift, sliding door stuck open more than once, rear windshield wiper motor burnt out, much much more...too much to keep listing here. All with only 86250 miles on it and regular service and maintenace. Traded it in on a 2007 Honda CR-V and could not be happier. Will never buy another GM product!!!

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  Disappointed - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By clatimri - January 27 - 4:30 am

  I really thought this would be a great family vehicle. I bought it used with only 9000 miles on it.The front end needed many things replaced. The ride....very rough in the driver seat. Rode in the back with children, it was the most uncomfortable seat I ever sat in. The bucket seats..cheap..material leaves terrible ring stains from even water....those seats were uncomfortable too. The rode noise was horrible. We always had to turn radio up or dvd player up louder to hear it. I have always been a dedicated gm buyer..........no more pontiac vehicles for me.

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  Never Again - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By Never Again - September 21 - 6:26 am

  Waterstained seats. rust-stained exterior paint. crappy tires, shocks replaced, brakes replace, load sensor blown, transmission shot all under 55K miles. I have brought this back to the dealer so many times it is ridiculous! I bought a new car/van so I wouldnt have mechanic bills - and, the bills keep mounting. There is no excuse for the lousy fabric they use for interiors; they know its an issue and no one cares. ALL DONE BUYING GM PRODUCTS. NEVER AGAIN!!

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  Never Again - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By Not Happy - October 26 - 11:03 am

  Bought this van with excitement and now cant wait to dump it. Fuel economy is horrible (Average 17 highway) and keep getting message that the All-wheel drive is disabled. Had it in the shop five times and they say nothing is the matter with it. Had to buy new tires for it because the ball joint in the passenger front went bad and tore up the tires. A joint in the steering column had to be replaced and when you apply the brakes, the whole van shutters. To top it all off, the interior stains horribly with just water. Not impressed.

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  Never again GM - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By Ger - July 18 - 7:40 am

  Bought this car NEW and found out it had over 500 miles on it. Major problems with front end, alternator, brakes, rear wiper. Then had a total engine failure 750 KM from home. Two days after paying for $1900 to service it) GM paid for a rebuilt( at 50,000 KM) engine but is refusing to pay for a rental car as we stayed a few nights with relatives while waiting for the local dealership open over a long weekend.

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  Junk heap only - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By Judy - April 4 - 9:16 am

  I purchased a 2006 Pontiac S6 as a repo from a bank in June 2008. It had 43,000 miles on it. Within a week of purchasing, it had "service stability soon". Front hub was bad - $525. I was also told there were 13,000 these parts on back-order. No recall tho. Back brake pads had to be replaced & rotors turned. Front needs it too. Seats stain from water. Tonight I drove to my sisters and I swear Im riding a broncing buck. Have no idea whats wrong. Im sure its big bucks whatever it is. This is why I drove Toyotas for 20 years and will probably never drive another American product and the big 3 wonder why theyre in trouble.

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  Lemon - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By mom of 3 - July 14 - 12:06 pm

  We have had this car in the dealership service 15 times in 1 year with no resolve. It drives horrible with transmission or fuel pump like problems. Nobody seems to have any clue as to what is wrong with it or how to fix it.

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  A big worry on wheels - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By think twice - September 12 - 3:00 am

  I bought this vehicle as a certified used product. Only one thing was for certain and that was problem after problem.The front end was basically replaced because of the severe shuttering. This included replacement of both front hubs and tie rods. Since replacement the problem has returned over about 5000 miles.The brakes also shuttered when applied.I had the brakes reworked with the same results.All work was done at dealership under warranty.Now my warranty has expired and Im left with a Very unreliable vehicle.I bought this van to travel with my family.Now I worry taking it out of my neighborhood. The ignition sticks, the drivers side slider door has to be slammed to close properly, the engine...

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  Ripped off - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By ANGRY - February 1 - 9:36 am

  I am very disappointed in this minivan. I bought only 4 months ago, have had it in the service dept 8 times with sliding door problems, overhead console breakage, bounce in front end, starter is messing up, and got a message "service due soon". I have 1800 miles on vehicle. I got ripped off royally, being a woman they took advantage and dumped a bad car on me. I was talked into buying it before I knew it was a 2006, 2 year old van being sold as new. I was given a phony story by the salesman. I think they saw me coming with "Sucker" written on my forehead! I am thoroughly disappointed in it and the dealership attitude about it. Service dept helpful & nice, but I wish I had my Dodge van back!