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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  Front End Problems and Bad DVD Player - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By stepht - November 26 - 11:40 pm

  I bought the van in March 2007 as new. It ran great but after 3 months the DVD player started to skip all the time. It was replaced and seems to work fine now. The front end had problems. My ABS,Stability, and Traction control lights all came on at once last month. They replaced the passenger side hub and something in the steering column. When I got it back it now pulsates badly when braking from a higher speed and the steering moans loudly when I turn left. It is back in the shop now. I hope this resolves the issues. I like the dealership where I purchased the car and the dealership in town that does the service.

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  Great Looking Plus Safety For Less $$$ - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By Brandon & Carol - February 19 - 4:13 am

  Good looking van with tons of features but $5-7K CAN less than Toyota or Honda. Ext. body more solid and safe than both imports. Had van since Jun/06 and it drives good on wet or slippery conditions with traction control. Fantastic for hauling large items with fold down rear seats. Local dealer was willing to give $4000 off listed price, which Toyota or Honda refused to give. Plus, interest rates for leasing or financing was lower than both imports, therefore, saved close to $2-3000. Was concern with reliability of GM vans over Toyota or Honda vans, but with regular scheduled maint., I can see this van lasting 5-7 years without any major problems. Dodge Vans have bad trans history.

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  2006 Montana - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By Martin - October 11 - 1:50 am

  Had this van only a short time but it used with only 11K on it. Had driven a 96 Dodge Grand Caravan for the past 6 years and the Montana is a nice ride! Feels beefier and is feels roomier inside. We opted away from stow-and-go seating of the other newer vans because although they do fold away nicely- they arent really comfortable for long trips. The Montana back seats are sturdy and comfortable and we love the cargo area very functional with the tray installed and the built-in air pump is handy. So far this gets my recommendation!

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  high milage van - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By steve - December 27 - 4:30 pm

  when I bought this van I did not want a mini van my wife did, the more I drove it the better I liked it,the milage is great,keeping the tires rotated adds a lot of life to your tires,I went with mobil 1 oil after 100000 miles the milage has gotten better had it tuned up at 100000 miles also this has been a great van.

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  Cross Country Driver - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By MLL - December 17 - 7:13 pm

  Rented vehicle for cross country trip from Seattle to New Jersey and back with a side trip to Northern California....9000 miles in all over a months time...vehicle ran great adequate room for three fully loaded with cargo and then some...vehicle was fully loaded,comfortable ride considering the amount of driving,wife enjoyed driving and sitting up high..like the look (SUV)but more than enough room (minus the seats)....Would highly consider buying if in the market.

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  Montana SV6 has been great - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By BBRN - September 8 - 12:26 am

  We bought our van as a certified vehicle with 15,000 miles on it in 6-07. I travel extensively in my job in this van. Van now as of 2-09 has 81,000 miles on it. Only problem sensor for all wheel drive has gone out twice, first time the switch 2nd time the housing had to be replaced as well. warranty covered both times. This is a comfortable ride on the highway, goes great in snow. It will average from 18.5 to 19+ at 70 mph and I have gotten as as high as 22 mpg at 60 mph. However yes there could be more room between middle seats making getting to rear seats easier. The standard front console between front seats is a joke use aftermarket console. very satisfied with my SV6, like rugged look