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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  Satisfaction Guarantee - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By Best in its Class - February 14 - 4:36 pm

  Excellent mileage and lots of leg room. Drive it daily to work on the Hwy, very responsive engine. Actual mileage is about 8.2L/100km Hwy & city combine. City alone is about 13.4L/100km. This is very good for a van. The van is huge, lots of compartment and storage space, however, it drives like a car.

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  Excellent Quality - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By motormaster - December 31 - 12:20 pm

  I am surprised with the GM built vehicle. Design is better than any Japanese brand. Standard features such as ABS braking,DVD,regular unleaded fuel,immobilizer,alarm,power package, On Star, cruise etc. Very fuel efficient engine with lots of power on the road.

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  No more soccer mom image - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By autojudge - November 27 - 8:20 am

  Love this VAN/SUV. Great quality. Efficient gas mileage and plenty of power on hwy. Spacious interior with plenty of cargo space.

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  Best designed van - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By carsmart - November 21 - 6:46 am

  Best price and best design. Plenty of power, great fuel economy and uses only regular unleaded fuel.

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  Put all import van in shame - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By good Quality - May 18 - 2:13 pm

  Best Value comes in great quality. This SUV look alike van does not have the "soccer mom" image. Roomy interior and lots of cargo space. Enough power for highway and uphill driving. Fuel economy is better than Mazda MPV. Montana SV6 runs on economical unleaded gas vs Nissan Quest uses only EXPESNIVE premium unleaded gas.

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  LOVE my Montana SV6 - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By brenda - April 20 - 2:26 am

  I am so glad that I went with this minivan compared to others. It looks more like an SUV and I get so many complements on the inside and outside. I would recommend this van to anyone who wants an SUV with out the high insurance and the high price of an SUV.

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  Wonderful ! - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By auntiesdaycare2006 - January 14 - 2:46 pm

  This is the most wonderful minivan i have owned yet! Its drives like an SUV and not a minivan!!!

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  First gm I owned - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By mike - October 21 - 11:20 pm

  This van is so good, what a deal I received on this, it is a brand new 2006, 14 miles on it, dealer had 2 of these vans, I owned a Ford windstar, can t compare it, the onstar is great, I would recommend this van to any one, if I could I would buy the other 1, thanks, msg

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  Great for large family! - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By Awesome Van! - October 29 - 8:16 pm

  The Pontiac Montana is the exact same as the Saturns Relay. It has a 5 star rating as well. There are 7 in our family...5 kids. We LOVE this van. Everyone thinks it is an SUV. It looks classy and drives better than anything I have ever driven or owned before. It is luxurious and smooth. The children all have plenty of room. The seats are very comfortable in the front, middle, and back. It is quiet, smooth, and handles like a dream. If you have ever driven a Saturn of any kind, this drives just like that. I love it. If you feel the price (@$30K) is too much, find a used one, even a few months old..lose the 20% depreciation.

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  2006 Montana - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By EJN - June 1 - 3:36 am

  Bought the vehicle out of state. The vehicle has been over all reliable in that no one has been stranded. Had trouble with the electric side door, the interior light control switch, rear wiper motor, not starting the first time with the ignition switch (software). Both sliding doors jammed on the bottom weather striping. Dissatisfied with the dealer and staff that services vehicles. They had to put the computer on the car (told them not to) and charge me to say the wiper motor is dead. My non mechanical wife told me that. Mad at my local dealer with the poor service and their technicians not following instructions. Have over 80,000 miles on the tires. Economy dropped with the alcohol gas.