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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  Lemon - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By mom of 3 - July 14 - 12:06 pm

  We have had this car in the dealership service 15 times in 1 year with no resolve. It drives horrible with transmission or fuel pump like problems. Nobody seems to have any clue as to what is wrong with it or how to fix it.

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  bad dealers info - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By mikolo - March 23 - 12:20 am

  City driving; average 19l/100km, not even close to what dealer and Gm claims:13l/100km. Cargo space is ridiculosly small, also legroom at 2nd and 3th row. Rattling noise on cracks on the road.

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  Front End Problems and Bad DVD Player - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By stepht - November 26 - 11:40 pm

  I bought the van in March 2007 as new. It ran great but after 3 months the DVD player started to skip all the time. It was replaced and seems to work fine now. The front end had problems. My ABS,Stability, and Traction control lights all came on at once last month. They replaced the passenger side hub and something in the steering column. When I got it back it now pulsates badly when braking from a higher speed and the steering moans loudly when I turn left. It is back in the shop now. I hope this resolves the issues. I like the dealership where I purchased the car and the dealership in town that does the service.

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  Dont Buy One! - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By Goodbye Pontiac - November 2 - 12:43 am

  I have been buying Pontiacs for many many years, I am so disappointed with this product, I will probably not buy another. I will be saying hello to Ford again. The seats water stain and I am talking one trip to the pool and your seats will be a mess and take many many hours of work. I even had the dealership steam them and that didnt work. I scrubbed and scrubbed and had to saturate the whole seats to get them decent. Next time to pool, they did it all over again. They knew this and continue to use this material. If it doesnt have leather seats, dont even think about it, you will be as sorry as I am. Cant wait till it is time to trade. Emailed a complaint and no results.

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  A big worry on wheels - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By think twice - September 12 - 3:00 am

  I bought this vehicle as a certified used product. Only one thing was for certain and that was problem after problem.The front end was basically replaced because of the severe shuttering. This included replacement of both front hubs and tie rods. Since replacement the problem has returned over about 5000 miles.The brakes also shuttered when applied.I had the brakes reworked with the same results.All work was done at dealership under warranty.Now my warranty has expired and Im left with a Very unreliable vehicle.I bought this van to travel with my family.Now I worry taking it out of my neighborhood. The ignition sticks, the drivers side slider door has to be slammed to close properly, the engine...

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  Great Looking Plus Safety For Less $$$ - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By Brandon & Carol - February 19 - 4:13 am

  Good looking van with tons of features but $5-7K CAN less than Toyota or Honda. Ext. body more solid and safe than both imports. Had van since Jun/06 and it drives good on wet or slippery conditions with traction control. Fantastic for hauling large items with fold down rear seats. Local dealer was willing to give $4000 off listed price, which Toyota or Honda refused to give. Plus, interest rates for leasing or financing was lower than both imports, therefore, saved close to $2-3000. Was concern with reliability of GM vans over Toyota or Honda vans, but with regular scheduled maint., I can see this van lasting 5-7 years without any major problems. Dodge Vans have bad trans history.

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  Ripped off - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By ANGRY - February 1 - 9:36 am

  I am very disappointed in this minivan. I bought only 4 months ago, have had it in the service dept 8 times with sliding door problems, overhead console breakage, bounce in front end, starter is messing up, and got a message "service due soon". I have 1800 miles on vehicle. I got ripped off royally, being a woman they took advantage and dumped a bad car on me. I was talked into buying it before I knew it was a 2006, 2 year old van being sold as new. I was given a phony story by the salesman. I think they saw me coming with "Sucker" written on my forehead! I am thoroughly disappointed in it and the dealership attitude about it. Service dept helpful & nice, but I wish I had my Dodge van back!

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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 Martin - October 11 - 1:50 am

  Had this van only a short time but it used with only 11K on it. Had driven a 96 Dodge Grand Caravan for the past 6 years and the Montana is a nice ride! Feels beefier and is feels roomier inside. We opted away from stow-and-go seating of the other newer vans because although they do fold away nicely- they arent really comfortable for long trips. The Montana back seats are sturdy and comfortable and we love the cargo area very functional with the tray installed and the built-in air pump is handy. So far this gets my recommendation!

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  Great looking car, crappy build - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By ZDW - July 7 - 12:20 pm

  I purchased this vehicle because I liked the outer body design, however I have had nothing but problems with this vehicle. I have had to replace the sway bar link twice, replace the brakes and rotors numerous times, the wheel bearings are shot, the bushing had to be fixed, the shocks are shot, and it is difficult to start. Additionally, the automatic door sometimes refuses to close and there is this annoying ding sound the entire time we are driving. This car was purchased for me to drive my family around and now it looks as though I am going to have to trade it in for a better car.