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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  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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  Junk heap only - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By Judy - April 4 - 9:16 am

  I purchased a 2006 Pontiac S6 as a repo from a bank in June 2008. It had 43,000 miles on it. Within a week of purchasing, it had "service stability soon". Front hub was bad - $525. I was also told there were 13,000 these parts on back-order. No recall tho. Back brake pads had to be replaced & rotors turned. Front needs it too. Seats stain from water. Tonight I drove to my sisters and I swear Im riding a broncing buck. Have no idea whats wrong. Im sure its big bucks whatever it is. This is why I drove Toyotas for 20 years and will probably never drive another American product and the big 3 wonder why theyre in trouble.

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  I must have a lemon - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By Disappointed - January 24 - 12:13 pm

  Have owned GM vechicles for 25 years, so I bought a new SV6 in Jan 06. I started having problems within one week of purchase. Have had it for 17 months. So far has had new alternator, ignition switch, front hub, new radio, sliding door locks, many new wires, rear door handle broke on first cold day, cup holder replaced, OnStar antennae fixed, many electrical adjustments, too numerous to remember. Still only 50,000 kms and troubles still happening- a real lemon. Had difficulty finding 17 inch winter tires when purchased.

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  I Love my 2006 Montana SV6 - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By jim1 - January 19 - 1:20 pm

  My wife inherited our Montana van from my uncle June 2008 then had 10,900 km now as of Nov 2008 it has 26,400 km. My wife drives about 60 km return trip to work 5 days a week she loves it. Some may say it has problems. Only work done on ours is had calipers sanded and rear rotors. Tires good for another 30,000 km likely. Going from our 1999 Ford Contour in 2 years owning it spent over $ 5,000 in repairs montana a dream no bi weekly repairs. Only complaint my uncle had was the deep space front wipers go into freezing rain snow there bothered him he called it a pig trough becauses was so deep could be improved. Seats do stain easily but is newset automobile we have ever owned is great

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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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  GM Doesnt Stand By Their Products - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By Kris - November 23 - 10:00 am

  With 20,000, our Montana failed inspection and needed all new tires, a new sway bar and new shock absorbers. GM is not standing by their product and refusing to reimburse us for the cost of repairs. I see this as a sign of things to come, so, were dumping this car as soon as we can and buying HONDA. The Montana is my fourth GM car, I would have been a loyal GM customer forever, but not after whats happened.

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  Lemon this van is a nightmare - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By smitty - October 25 - 8:06 am

  Bught brand new, always had a Pontiac so I thought this van would be good. boy was I wrong. Its been in the shop every month for something. It leaks water, threw the wheel well and the carpet gets soaked. It had to be stripped out inside and totally resealed. where they asleep on the job the day they made these vans? This was turned into the lemon law through GM but no response. Will never buy another Pontiac again.

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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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  Very happy buyer-needs quality materials - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By Florida dad - August 31 - 2:26 pm

  We bought our 2005 sv6 using the employee discount and paid $25k for a $31k model. Bronze ext., tan int. In the month or so that weve owned the car, weve loved the design- both interior and exterior, enjoy the DVD (I was originally lukewarm about this feature) and my wife loves the powered doors. Performance is adequate, but no more than that. Fuel economy is fine for this type of vehicle. The jury is still out on the usefulness of the storage box behind the rear seat. Sometimes we use it, sometimes not (usually not). At least its removeable. Overall, weve truly enjoyed our purchase and with 2 kids (and a 3rd due in April) we need this vehicles versatility more than ever!