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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  Pontiac Montana sv6 are amazing - 2008 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By Jehad Chamseddine - May 19 - 10:04 pm

  Beautiful vehicles never let me down drives very nice and favrioute vehicle ever had this vehicle is great for family’s and really recommend buying it

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  Reasonable Deal - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By Wing - November 8 - 8:06 am

  I have a regular wheel base. The interior is furnished with good quality material. The seats are comfortable. Handling is very car like with adequate power. I have never loaded up the van with 7 adults and cargo. I cannot tell whether the van has enough power when its fully loaded. There needs to have some improvement on the seat arrangement. In my opinion, there is too much leg room for the third row seat while the second row has barely enough legroom. If GM can rearrange the seats a little bit, it will make the van more passenger friendly. Fuel consumption for city drive is 14.6L/100km. Highway driving is about 10L/100km. my combined fuel consumption is 11.6L/100km.

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  So Far so good - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By cubsfan53 - March 30 - 2:03 pm

  Just purchased an 06 Montana with 46,000 miles. Took it up to northern Michigan, it averaged 24 mpg. The seats had some of the "water spots" mentioned in other reviews, used Tuff Stuff spray cleaner on them, and they look good. Lots of nice interior features. Hoping for the best!

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  updated SV6 review - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By mogravedigger - January 14 - 4:19 am

  first posted review in 2009 of our 2006 Miontanna SV6. dont know of we got a good one or what, so many negative reviews. Our 2006 now had 110,000 miles on it. with no problems at all. yes it does have stains on the seats, yes they are hard to get out totally, but hey grandkids are messy and what fabric does not stain.Scotch guard helps but hey I can live with it. but come on people this is nitpicking. Our van has vever let us down and other then routine maintence oil changed at 4,000 miles (oil is cheap people change it often) brakes replaced rotors were fine 2 transmission fluid changes and 4 sets of tires this vehicle has not been in shop since awd sensor replaced under warranty. .

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  Montana SV6 - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By David Battistel - September 7 - 1:26 am

  We really didnt want to purchase a minivan, but it was really our only option based on our space requirements. I will only buy GM products, so the SV6 was a natural choice. I was not too keen on it at first (I would have rather had an SUV), but it has grown on me since. I really enjoy driving it (not as much as my Sierra though) and I am impressed with the overall package. If it turns out to be as great as my truck, I will be very happy.

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  Montana SV6 3.9 L GREAT VAN! - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By Mom, Dad & 2 teens - August 31 - 9:06 pm

  The 3.9 L engine is real peppy. I had a 2000 Montana with a 3.4 L engine that had the Dexcool leak problem. Still it lasted me 138,000 miles before being totaled in an accident. Had to have my Montana Van back, so I chose the SV6. Teens love the DVD & wireless headphones. I love the remote start. This Van offers a lot of features for a good price.

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  Happy Times (lease is over) - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By Bye Bye GM - August 12 - 10:00 am

  We bought this van new in 2006 primarily thinking it was a good value and was nicely equipped for the price.It was fun to drive, but had several issues that left us stranded with our child on many occasions.The vehicle was always dealer serviced, often for recall and warranty repairs. We had trouble with the power door (broken cable), broken DVD player, rear wiper motor, front steering shaft, front suspension components, premature brake wear, even the keyless entry fob and remote start had issues. Battery cables and battery also needed to be replaced for the vehicle to start. Bottom line, you get what you pay for. This van cost me more to drive even with extended warranty than my other car.

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  I must have a lemon - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By Disappointed - January 24 - 12:13 pm

  Have owned GM vechicles for 25 years, so I bought a new SV6 in Jan 06. I started having problems within one week of purchase. Have had it for 17 months. So far has had new alternator, ignition switch, front hub, new radio, sliding door locks, many new wires, rear door handle broke on first cold day, cup holder replaced, OnStar antennae fixed, many electrical adjustments, too numerous to remember. Still only 50,000 kms and troubles still happening- a real lemon. Had difficulty finding 17 inch winter tires when purchased.

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  I Love my 2006 Montana SV6 - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By jim1 - January 19 - 1:20 pm

  My wife inherited our Montana van from my uncle June 2008 then had 10,900 km now as of Nov 2008 it has 26,400 km. My wife drives about 60 km return trip to work 5 days a week she loves it. Some may say it has problems. Only work done on ours is had calipers sanded and rear rotors. Tires good for another 30,000 km likely. Going from our 1999 Ford Contour in 2 years owning it spent over $ 5,000 in repairs montana a dream no bi weekly repairs. Only complaint my uncle had was the deep space front wipers go into freezing rain snow there bothered him he called it a pig trough becauses was so deep could be improved. Seats do stain easily but is newset automobile we have ever owned is great

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  Very happy buyer-needs quality materials - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By Florida dad - August 31 - 2:26 pm

  We bought our 2005 sv6 using the employee discount and paid $25k for a $31k model. Bronze ext., tan int. In the month or so that weve owned the car, weve loved the design- both interior and exterior, enjoy the DVD (I was originally lukewarm about this feature) and my wife loves the powered doors. Performance is adequate, but no more than that. Fuel economy is fine for this type of vehicle. The jury is still out on the usefulness of the storage box behind the rear seat. Sometimes we use it, sometimes not (usually not). At least its removeable. Overall, weve truly enjoyed our purchase and with 2 kids (and a 3rd due in April) we need this vehicles versatility more than ever!