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:
Showing 11 through 20 of 62.00-
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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So Far so good - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
By cubsfan53 - March 30 - 2:03 pmJust 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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Disappointed - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
By clatimri - January 27 - 4:30 amI 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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updated SV6 review - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
By mogravedigger - January 14 - 4:19 amfirst 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 amWe 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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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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Never Again - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
By Never Again - September 21 - 6:26 amWaterstained 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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Montana SV6 3.9 L GREAT VAN! - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
By Mom, Dad & 2 teens - August 31 - 9:06 pmThe 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.
