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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  " Wooden Wheels "....Junk - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By Matt Miller - June 19 - 7:50 am

  Rear suspension is the the most clunkiest, hard hitting that Ive ever experienced. Its been diagnosed as "thats how they are". Whoever passed this through the quality inspection at the factory must have worked for the Amish previously. It sometimes has trouble starting and the inside looks bad from staining. I still owe too much to trade in though. I never noticed the suspension clunking during the test drive because I drive down a smooth newly paved road. Also, the traction control starts working on dry pavement while not actually spinning, so I sit still for no reason for a few seconds.

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  Cheap, but cheap - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By Cavea T. Emptor - June 17 - 7:40 am

  Im amazed by the generous reviews, but I guess buyers want to be happy. Shoppers should be more critical however, so beware. It has the usual hundred little fit and finish flaws that typify domestics, which should not come as a surprise. However, the ceiling is lower than previous models, and although Im only 6, I have to slouch to avoid hitting my head on the center console and outer pillar. Leg room for driver and front passenger is barely adequate. Same old silly under- the-hood wipers are impossible to clear without lifting the hood. At least they moved the grille off the hood assembly so you might not shatter it in cold weather. It runs, but you get what you pay for.

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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.

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  high milage van - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By steve - December 27 - 4:30 pm

  when I bought this van I did not want a mini van my wife did, the more I drove it the better I liked it,the milage is great,keeping the tires rotated adds a lot of life to your tires,I went with mobil 1 oil after 100000 miles the milage has gotten better had it tuned up at 100000 miles also this has been a great van.

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  Cross Country Driver - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By MLL - December 17 - 7:13 pm

  Rented vehicle for cross country trip from Seattle to New Jersey and back with a side trip to Northern California....9000 miles in all over a months time...vehicle ran great adequate room for three fully loaded with cargo and then some...vehicle was fully loaded,comfortable ride considering the amount of driving,wife enjoyed driving and sitting up high..like the look (SUV)but more than enough room (minus the seats)....Would highly consider buying if in the market.

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  SV6 nightmare - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By dartguy43 - January 1 - 5:06 am

  When I bought this van back in 2006 I needed a family vehicle that I could also have the room to move a few musical instruments around in. This van does about 3 to 4 long highway drives a year (approximately 1000 km there and back). The rest of the time it just gets driven around the city. I have always done the regular maintanance on the vehicle at the dealership and still this thing has been nothing but problems. They have had a steering column recall,comes with crappy tires (good for about 25000 km at most,has had to have numerous brake jobs, a transmission flush at 78000 km,bushing arms replaced, rotors replaced etc. \

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  Ugh! - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By kdsay - December 29 - 8:13 pm

  I was really excited to get my new minivan, with the DVD player and Dual sliding doors, but within 1 year after purchasing my 06 Pontiac Montana it has gradually fell apart, I have have to replace 2 sets of tire and tire rods and all brakes and other part having to do with the front tires, everytime I fix one thing something else false apart, the back windshield wiper just started going one day and would not turn off? The back blinker has went out several times and the front driver setbelt is broken and is going to cost over 200 to fix!! The seats are all ridiculously stained!I have had my van professionally cleaned several times and the stains will not come out! Even water!

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  Texas in a Montana - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By tate - October 1 - 3:03 am

  Our SV6 has room for grandkids dogs, and all supplies needed for vacation or everyday driving! The DVD with wireless head phones is a must for trips with 5, 6, + 7 year olds.

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  Montana SV6 has been great - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By BBRN - September 8 - 12:26 am

  We bought our van as a certified vehicle with 15,000 miles on it in 6-07. I travel extensively in my job in this van. Van now as of 2-09 has 81,000 miles on it. Only problem sensor for all wheel drive has gone out twice, first time the switch 2nd time the housing had to be replaced as well. warranty covered both times. This is a comfortable ride on the highway, goes great in snow. It will average from 18.5 to 19+ at 70 mph and I have gotten as as high as 22 mpg at 60 mph. However yes there could be more room between middle seats making getting to rear seats easier. The standard front console between front seats is a joke use aftermarket console. very satisfied with my SV6, like rugged look

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  Water leaks - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By Rick D. - July 24 - 2:20 pm

  I purchased a 2006 SV6 AWD. It was a used lease van with 12,500 miles.The dealer prepped it for sale after purchase agreement. I have been a GM owner and mechanic for 30 years.I wanted the AWD version for safety in winter. It handles,brakes and has more comfort than the Astro AWD it replaced.The 3.5liter engine power per weight ratio is too low, but the 3.9 liter has too much torque for the AWD unit! The van had a major flaw that may have been unique to this one or a problem on the assembly line.It had a chronic water leak from the wheelwells and all the seams.The rug was always wet. The dealer had to completely strip out the interior and found multiple leaks from improper sealant at all seams