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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Rental - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
By Pope - November 6 - 9:00 amRented the Montana SV6, for seven days, I received so many compliments, It is comfortable,roomy, and it looks like an SUV, but inside its set up like a minivan. I love it, trying to talk my husband into buying one buy very pricey.
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Why Another Pontiac - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
By Maryland - October 16 - 1:46 pmI wanted to add to a previous post that one of the reasons I chose a Pontiac is because I am still driving a 1992 Pontiac Transport. I turned 299,000 miles today and it is still running like new. The car has the original engine and has had no major engine work. I had the original transmission rebuilt at 284,000 miles. The overall maintenance costs have been extremely low. Who knows, I might get another 300,000 miles.
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Very Pleased - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
By Maryland - October 9 - 4:16 amA problem free car and the best riding minivan on the market. What a smooth ride. The DVD player is used constantly and my kids love it. I have the 3.9 Liter engine and the acceleration and power are phenomenal.
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An almost perfect car - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
By Ed Harrow - September 26 - 7:50 pmWe are short people and we can get in and out with ease. I have another GM car and it is a chore getting out because it is so low and I am 75. This is our second Montana and it out performs and rides better or equal to the 3 Cadillacs that I have owned. It is really quiet and free of vibrations just like a big car. I am glad to learn that handicap options are available however, I dont need any yet.
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love it!!! - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
By cammadzach - June 3 - 8:43 pmRecent mother of four loves the interior space of this van!! Lots of room for the kids, less fighting over whose feet will go where. Montana has a nice ride to it. Love the extra cargo space and still have enough room for stroller in the cargo area. Hubby drives Chevy Trailblazer and doesnt mind driving the mini-van when we go places because the look is close to suv!! The interior is sharp!! Cant say enough about this van!!
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Very Fuel Efficient - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
By Superior Quality - July 27 - 3:33 amI did a combine city/Hwy fuel economy of this van and it is extremely good. 12.1L/100KM. I am not sure what the manufacturer rating is but that is my real mileage experience. Performance is great with lost of power on hwy and uphill. Plenty of cargo space and leg room (spacious).
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Premium Quality Van - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
By Best Van in town - July 20 - 5:43 amI have test out many different vans. This is the best I have seen both in quality, value and features. I had bad experience with Caravan and Sienna. Caravan had transmission problem and Sienna broke down after 2 years. Both are EXTREMELY POOR in quality.
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great family hauler - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
By aarmchair - June 18 - 9:50 pmGreat for hauling 2 kids and a dog around. Comfortable on the highway, but wish we had the bigger engine, it sometimes struggles up hills with a full load. On the 4 lane highways cruises along nicely. The kids love the DVD player, and we love the headphones for them so we can listen to what we want. The back-up alarm is awesome for city parking. A well recommended vehicle. Dual sliding doors are essential with 2 kids. Kids love being high up so that they can see out. Cargo tray in back is somewhat cumbersome. If you are looking a a mini-van this is the way to go from a price and perfomance standpoint, especially when you compare how much cheaper it is then an equivilant japanese moedels
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Nice minivan for the money - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
By mike - July 18 - 4:20 amBought as new, built in Nov 2005, I bought it in may of 2008, sold to me as new, it is good so far.
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The BEST value and Quality - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
By FairJudge - February 25 - 5:56 amI dont pay for the price of a Hyundai Pony and expect it has the same feature and performance as a Mercedes. This van cost me CAD$28000; if I am getting the same feature in an Odessey will cost me CAD$37500; Sienna will cost me CAD$36800; Quest will cost me CAD$37000. I am getting the best value of my dollar for the most features and quality. It does not run on EXPENSIVE premium gas as the Quest. The frequently replaced "no flat" tire as the Sienna. Mind you "no flat" tire cost 25% more each and it has life 30% shorter than standard tire.
