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2006 Pontiac Montana SV6 Review

New Pontiac Montana SV6

The Montana SV6 is a new van that Pontiac describes as offering performance-oriented appearance and details in the mid-van segment, rather than a minivan. The Montana SV6 is designed to offer the best attributes of SUVs—aggressive styling and a powerful stance—and the convenience of a van, including a low step-in height, interior versatility and dual power-sliding rear doors.



Although the 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6 features a slick interior and distinctive styling, it doesnt have the on-road finesse or in-cabin conveniences of its minivan competitors.

I am surprised at how quiet and comfortable the ride is. The basic model has all the creature comforts. This vehicle was bought for about $6200 below MSRP under the Employee Discount Program here in Canada. Mileage is about 20mpg in town and 25mpg on highway.
I was a little dubivous about the new extended nose but came to like it. Crashworthiness is improved and it frees up more interior space. Performance is okay, I can pass at highway speeds no problem.

The body style is shared among several GM divisions, it is generally recognized that the Pontiac version is the best looking. Pontiac has always seemed to have the best styling of any division.
I think we all know that there are better vans out there but for a premium price. From what I can see in other reviews you either love it or hate it. Its love for now.....that could change.

Despite the change in name and outward style, the SV6 does not represent a full redesign of the old-style Pontiac minivan (which dates back to 1997), and passenger and cargo space are nearly identical. The Montana SV6 does, however, incorporate more of the features that todays minivan buyers are looking for, along with a more powerful engine. Additionally, structural upgrades, including a longer, reinforced front end and a stiffer occupant compartment, have improved the vans crashworthiness. Seat-mounted side airbags for first- and second-row occupants are optional, but theres still no protection in the third row. Inside, the Pontiac Montana SV6 seats seven, and the fold-flat third-row seat offers a 50/50 split, allowing families to carry a mix of passengers and cargo.

The SV6 is more family-friendly than the old Montana, as Pontiac has taken Hondas example and installed folding center trays (with cupholders) between the first- and second-row captains chairs. An overhead rail system provides rear-seat access to climate and entertainment functions, and can be customized to families liking with various storage containers. In addition to the usual rear DVD entertainment system, the SV6 is available with a PhatNoise mobile digital media system that allows owners to store thousands of MP3s and/or several dozen movies on a removable 40-gigabyte storage device. Were not entirely sold on the whole "crossover sport van" concept. To our eyes, the Montana SV6 looks more like a minivan with a really big and flat front end. Subjective styling issues aside, the 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6 offers budding families a myriad of interior features and solid overall competence, but still doesnt match the driving dynamics, safety features or conveniences of the best-in-class minivans.

Powertrains and Performance:

The standard engine is a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 200 horsepower and 220 pound-feet of torque. It comes standard with a four-speed automatic transmission, and Pontiac offers this engine for the front-wheel-drive Montana SV6 as well as the all-wheel-drive version. A 3.9-liter V6 with 240 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque is optional, but only on the front-wheel-drive SV6.

Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:

The Pontiac Montana SV6 van comes in one size and trim level. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, an eight-speaker sound system with a CD/MP3 player, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, the OnStar communications system, cruise control, keyless entry and power windows, mirrors and locks. An upgrade option package includes a passenger-side power-sliding door, a power driver seat, a sport suspension, rear air conditioning, alloy wheels and additional interior storage. An all-wheel-drive system is available, and includes an automatic load-leveling rear suspension and an inflator kit. An optional PhatNoise mobile digital media system allows owners to store thousands of MP3s and/or several dozen movies.

Other noteworthy options include dual power-sliding side doors, leather seating, a 115-volt A/C outlet, trip computer, rear parking assist, heated seats and a remote vehicle starting system. A sport package, featuring the 3.9-liter V6, 17-inch chrome alloys, engine cooler and sport badging is optional. The SV6 is also one of the few minivans to offer factory-installed mobility options, including a lowered floor and a sit-and-lift second-row seat.

Interior Design and Special Features:

The Pontiac Montana SV6 seats seven, and the fold-flat third-row seat offers a convenient 50/50 split. A pleasing color scheme with faux metal accents brightens up the vans interior. Folding center trays (with cupholders) between the first- and second-row seats are available. An overhead rail system provides rear-seat access to climate and entertainment functions, and can be outfitted with various storage containers. Springing for the PhatNoise digital media system saves you the hassle of juggling DVDs on road trips, while an optional remote vehicle start system makes it easy to warm up the van on cold mornings.

Safety:

All models come standard with four-wheel antilock disc brakes. Side-impact airbags for first- and second-row occupants are optional, but theres no protection for passengers seated in the third row. The StabiliTrak stability control system is optional. The NHTSA gave the 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6 a perfect five-star rating for driver and front-passenger protection in frontal crashes. For side-impact crashes, the SV6 earned four stars for protection of front occupants and five stars for the rear occupants. In frontal-offset crash testing conducted by the IIHS, Pontiacs minivan earned a "Good" rating (the highest).

Driving Impressions:

The standard V6 power plant is down on power compared to its competitors, so we recommend you opt for the stouter 3.9-liter V6. The Montana SV6s suspension is on the soft side, yielding a smooth ride and average handling for this class. Upgrading to the sport suspension (part of the Convenience Package) does provide more responsive handling, though maneuverability in tight spaces is still compromised by the vans large turning radius.

Pros: The styling. Its not your average Mini Van, but it has all the amenities of a great family car. It is easy to get into,with its power doors and being low to the ground.

Cons: It should have a sportier feel, not tan carpeting. Also, seeing out of the rear view window can be tricky.

Overall Review:

I love this car. It handles well. It looks good and is easy to get into, (power doors, space). I feel safe in it. It keeps the kids quite and entertained. I have and will heghy reccomend this car to anyone looking for the ultimate family car, without a huge price tag.