2006 Pontiac Montana SV6 review from North America

The four year lease on my 2006 Montana SV6 is about to expire, so I thought I'd report on this vehicles performance, reliability and overall value.

My van is the top of the line 1SC extended model equipped with heated power leather seats, rear air & heat, dual power sliding doors, air ride, DVD, XM radio etc. I paid $37,600 CDN for the van on a 48 mth 120K lease agreement with a residual of $11,646 at lease end. My monthly payments are $591 including our PST & GST (taxes).

The lease costs of the agreement including taxes over the 48 mth term is approximately $28,500 or $7,125 annually. This, I believe, is a good value when compared to other similarly equipped vans. IE: Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda.

Maintenance costs IE: oil changes, tire rotation etc have been very moderate. I purchased a set of snow tires on rims for $1,000 and have had them installed yearly from October until April. The total average maintenance costs have averaged about $250 per year including the snow tire installations as well as filters etc.

Replacement costs for normal wear & tear items IE: brakes, tires, bulbs etc have also been moderate. I've replaced both front & rear pads and rotors at a cost of $930 and I've just purchased a new set of 17" General HT all season tires from Canadian Tire for $620 installed and balanced. I've replaced both front wiper blades and one head light bulb at a cost of $36. I also paid $300 to have the fuel injectors and throttle body cleaned and serviced. All prices include tax.

Repair costs, although unexpected, have also been moderate. My van came with a 3 year 60k comprehensive warranty and a 5 year 100k power train warranty.

Within the 3 year 60k warranty, the dealership replaced a number of front end components, some more than once. These components were a ABS wheel sensor, sway bar bushings (twice), tie rod end, ABS brake hub, steering knuckle (twice). Other components replaced under warranty were a cruise control module, ABS harness and a seat heating element.

Upon expiry of the 3 year comprehensive warranty I've had to pay for the replacement of a ABS brake harness ($300) and tie rod end and wheel alignment ($200).

The total costs for repairs & maintenance over four years will be approximately $4,500 or $1,125 annually taxes included. Thus my total cost of ownership excluding fuel is $33,000 or $8,250 annually taxes included. This I believe, is a good value when compared to the competition after all, end use cost is what it's all about.

The vans performance is adequate for what it is. It's not a European road car, nor is it equipped with unnecessary horse power. It's what it is, and does what it's supposed to do.

I do have some concerns about long term reliability. There is a burgeoning transmission problem that no doubt will mature at or near the expiry of the power train warranty. Starting just recently, upon shifting from reverse to drive the transmission hesitates between shifts and abruptly clunks into drive when power is added. I've brought this to the dealers attention, but they have not been able to replicate the problem. I was told that it would cost about $3,000 including taxes to rebuild the transmission / torque converter.

Personally, I like the van, but I would not buy another. There are some items IE: rear seat removal and adjustment and leg room issues that are a nuisance. The fact that GM may go bankrupt is also a concern from a warranty and resale perspective.

I can say that I am pleased with the van and think it has been a good overall value.

I welcome your comments.