22nd May 2007, 15:18
Pay no attention to the Japanese van lover. I've owned my 2006 SV6 for eighteen months and I'm extremely please with it.
There were a few minor warranty issues, but at least the transmission hasn't failed nor has the engine sludged up. Typical of the Odyssey and Sienna.
If you want real value at a fair price, buy a domestic and stay away from the over hyped and over priced Japanese makes. You'll be glad you did.
9th Mar 2009, 10:59
I have owned a 2005 SV6 since new, and have nothing but issues since its purchase.
I too have had the passenger door issue, since resolved, but acting up again.
I had the front brakes done at 47,000, but had been acting up since 30,000, told not to worry, just rust build up, complained and only paid for pads.
Had the front end noises, warrantied the sway bar bushing (TWICE).
Now since 73,000km's, the shudder came back in front end, taken back in. Now told that the rotors are warped, needs new ones, new pads etc. Complained and they state the brake warranty was over at 60,000. Well where did that do me under the first issue.
My point is this we get lemons, but they need to honor and take care/pride in their products. It doesn't seem to me that they do, and who are we bailing out!!
27th Jul 2009, 11:16
I've had my 05 Montana for 2 years, and the brakes are a disaster. From vibrating hard when braking on hills, to squealing when I tap them crawling in rush hour. Now I have some intermittent squealing while driving without even touching the brakes.
The repair shop keeps replacing pads, calipers, rotors (last time they were cracked). I have yet to get more than 3 months at a time without my van sounding like I'm dragging a pig underneath it.
It's embarrassing, and expensive. I will not buy a GM van again. Looking through other sites, some of these problems are all over other years and other GM vehicles.
7th Aug 2009, 19:14
Purchased my SV6 late fall early spring of 2005. First year serviced 14 times. Traded in a 2002 Montana, which was probably my best vehicle ever, God I wish I had it back.
General Motors chose profits over quality, this is the worst vehicle I have ever had in my life. Am truly embarrassed to tell people the problems I have had with this vehicle. This vehicle is worth nothing now and after one year of trying, I really cannot find a dealer that will accept it on trade.
Am going to leave it on the side of the road with the keys in it, when I go to buy my new Odyssey. My friend has had one for 4 years, and the only thing he has had done is have the brakes replaced once.
What's 1000 Montanas at the bottom of the sea? A good start.
6th Feb 2010, 13:03
I bought a 2005 used Montana last May (at my GM dealership) and have put almost 25000 miles on it without any problems. I have a power sliding door and remote vehicle start. It is comfortable to drive and the mileage is fair. The second row seating is a little tight for teenagers. These vans are good value for the dollar spent.
Thinking about after sales service is often overlooked in the buying process. Not all dealerships are created equally. Look to your friends and family to find dealers that have good service histories.
17th Feb 2010, 08:24
We have owned our 2005 Montana SV6 extended for almost 5 years now, and have 245,000 kms on it. We have had no major problems with it so far other than wheel bearings, but with that many kms we feel that is pretty fair. We get great long distance mileage, but it is hard on gas in town. This van has done us very well and hopefully will continue to do so. Anyone know of how many kms these are know to get, or does anyone else have a story about theirs with a lot of kms?
21st Aug 2010, 20:18
I bought my 2005 Montana SV6 new in April 2005. The transmission went out at about 6,000 miles. The warranty covered it. I have about 75,000 miles on it now.
My passenger side electric sliding door jams from time to time, and my DVD player works when it feels like it, but other than that, I am very happy with this vehicle. This is my second Pontiac Montana.
1st Oct 2010, 15:32
I love my 2005 Pontiac Montana SV6. I have about 120,000 miles on it, and have had no problems. I get around 27mpg on the highway and around 21mpg in town. Has been an awesome vehicle. Everyone that rides in it, always tells me how comfortable it is.
9th Mar 2011, 10:37
I have a 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6 Van.
Previously I had a lot of problems with the sliding right door. I brought it to the mechanic and they could not find the problem. I decided to try something myself. There is a contact plate on the door itself. I took a pencil eraser and went over the entire plate, brushed it off and it has been working ever since. The plate was not making the proper contact with the connectors on the van. I was so proud of myself and being a woman. The men didn't have a clue.
23rd Mar 2012, 15:14
I own a 2006 Montana SV6, bought used with 50,800km. 1 1/2 years later with 190,000km (all highway), I have had multiple issues to deal with; brake vibrations & unexplainable rear wheel noise being the most prevalent. I have had all 4 discs replaced 3 times, & it's back at the shop again today for the same issues! This time the front discs have only lasted 1 1/2 months, & are vibrating viciously on the highway, especially down hill!
My garage tech. seems perplexed, and so far has remained vigilant, but everyone reaches their limit, and I'm waiting for him to tell me to take it elsewhere! Has anyone got a proven result that was performed and lasted? If so, then what was done, and who figured out the remedy?
At 47, I have owned numerous makes & models of vehicles, and as a GM of Canada employee for over 23 years, I admit to being a loyal, and mostly happy GM owner, but this van has undoubtedly been the worst vehicle for electrical and braking problems I have ever owned! I'm stuck making payments on a high mile vehicle, that will not easily be unloaded. My tough luck I guess!
13th Apr 2016, 03:14
We have had an '05 Montana SV6 for right at 5 years now. It will turn over 200,000 miles this month. When we bought it, there were around 70,000 miles on it.
We had nothing but trouble out of the dual power sliding doors. We kept them turned off, but then the "door ajar" sensor finally totally malfunctioned and the van would "ding" constantly even when the doors were closed all the way. Finally, I found the extra fuse panel just inside the dash by the passenger door and pulled the fuse. No more dinging! I wish that I could have found out where that smaller fuse panel was much sooner!
Minor transmission issues. Had it rebuilt at 100,000 miles. Been great since.
Other than the door issues, we have had no major problems besides normal maintenance for such a high mileage vehicle.
We have had a rear main oil seal leak for about 75,000 miles now, but it is much cheaper to check the oil and add a little here and there than to pay for the labor to change the oil seal. The "stop leak" products did not seem to slow the leak.
The van has served its purpose well, but I think it could have been built a little better.
15th Jun 2006, 17:39
I say check the MPG yourself. maybe the indicator is bad.