DecodedCars2006 Pontiac Montana
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.
- Class
- Minivan - 2WD
- Body styles
- Sv6 Ewb AWD Minivan /Uplevel 1/Upleve, Sv6 Ewb FWD Minivan /Uplevel 1/Upleve, Sv6 Swb FWD Minivan /Uplevel 1/Upleve
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl, 3.9L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 19 combined · 16 city / 23 hwy
- Length
- 191.7–205.5 in
- Curb weight
- 4,206–4,575 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints10 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 34 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 11 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 Pontiac Montana is a minivan offered with 2 engines (3.5L 6-cyl and 3.9L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 206 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 121-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,575 lb (Sv6 Ewb AWD Minivan /Uplevel 1/Upleve).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 19 MPG combined (16 city / 23 highway), 2% better than the 2006 minivan average of 18.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2006
- New body dimensions: 4.3 in longer, wheelbase +1.2 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engine added: 3.9L 6-cyl
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 Montana →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sv6 Ewb AWD Minivan /Uplevel 1/Upleve | 205.5 in | 71.7 in | 72 in | 121.3 in | 62.6 / 63 in | 4,575 lb | 56/44 |
| Sv6 Ewb FWD Minivan /Uplevel 1/Upleve | 205.5 in | 71.7 in | 72 in | 121.3 in | 62.6 / 63 in | 4,308 lb | 56/44 |
| Sv6 Swb FWD Minivan /Uplevel 1/Upleve | 191.7 in | 71.7 in | 70.5 in | 113 in | 62.6 / 62.6 in | 4,206 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montana SV6 FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 19 | +2% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Montana SV6 FWD | 3.9L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 19 | +2% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Montana SV6 AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | 0% | $3,950 | 523 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Pontiac Montana under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 minivans
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Pontiac Montana (this car) | 19 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Toyota Sienna | 19 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2006 Kia Sedona | 18 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2006 Honda Odyssey | 20 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2006 Chrysler Town and Country | 19 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Nissan Quest | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Ford Freestar | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (1)
Suspension › Rear · Mar 19, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V110000 · 5,375 vehicles
- Problem
- THE BRAUN CORPORATION HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 GENERAL MOTORS MOBILITY CONVERSION, HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE LOW FLOOR MINIVANS. DURING CONVERSION, THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE TRAILING ARM MODIFICATION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY WELDED.
- Risk
- A SQUEAKING OR CLUNKING NOISE MAY DEVELOP. THE TRAILING ARM BUSHINGS MAY PREMATURELY WEAR AND THE TRAILING ARM MAY FRACTURE OR SEPARATE, ALLOWING THE REAR AXLE TO BECOME PARTIALLY SEPARATED FROM THE CHASSIS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND WILL HAVE A SUPPLY OF RETROFIT PARTS AVAILABLE TO REMEDY THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 4, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BRAUN AT 1-800-488-0359.
Not every 2006 Pontiac Montana is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2006 Pontiac Montana buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 3 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 3 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Suspension — 2 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 160,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2006 Pontiac Montana. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Montana years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Montana | 18 | 201.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 9 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Pontiac. How we calculate this →