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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  Nice minivan for the money - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By mike - July 18 - 4:20 am

  Bought 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 am

  I 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.

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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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  Pontaic Montanna SV6 2006 opinion - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By Will - February 3 - 7:26 pm

  Short base van. 47K Kms. Blue colour. The good: Comfortable. large, smart looking, takes 2 kids and a dog easily. Long rides are easy to drive. Very practical. Cons: Build quality is questionable. SW problem (fuel cap is open message) took 3 weeks to diagnose and repair). Now have a horrible creaking noise when turning wheel and front end is very noisy when going over bumps.. suspect stabilizer bars. Engine. Very powerful in cruising, reasonably fuel efficient. Starting power is lacking. Stereo system and DVD players are reasonably good. Included cordless headphones are a nice touch.

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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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  Never Again - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By Not Happy - October 26 - 11:03 am

  Bought this van with excitement and now cant wait to dump it. Fuel economy is horrible (Average 17 highway) and keep getting message that the All-wheel drive is disabled. Had it in the shop five times and they say nothing is the matter with it. Had to buy new tires for it because the ball joint in the passenger front went bad and tore up the tires. A joint in the steering column had to be replaced and when you apply the brakes, the whole van shutters. To top it all off, the interior stains horribly with just water. Not impressed.

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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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  Never again GM - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By Ger - July 18 - 7:40 am

  Bought this car NEW and found out it had over 500 miles on it. Major problems with front end, alternator, brakes, rear wiper. Then had a total engine failure 750 KM from home. Two days after paying for $1900 to service it) GM paid for a rebuilt( at 50,000 KM) engine but is refusing to pay for a rental car as we stayed a few nights with relatives while waiting for the local dealership open over a long weekend.