2005 Pontiac Montana SV6 New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2005 Pontiac Montana SV6?
Pontiac tosses the old Montana minivan into the microwave, and re-releases it as a warmed over version of its former self called a Crossover Sport Van (CSV). A CSV is a minivan with SUV styling cues, available all-wheel-drive and, GM hopes, less of a mommy-mobile appearance. Highlights of the Montana SV6 include a new 3.5-liter V6 with 200 horsepower, available all-wheel-drive, and optional stability control.

Advantages of the 2005 Pontiac Montana SV6:

• Available all-wheel-drive
• Optional StabiliTrak stability control
• Plenty of comfort for four adults
• Fold-flat third-row seating

Objections to the 2005 Pontiac Montana SV6:

• Stability control and all-wheel-drive cannot be combined
• Side-curtain airbags with rollover protection are not available
• Based on aged GM minivan platform

Editor's Advice:
Of the quartet of new General Motors CSVs, the 2005 Pontiac Montana SV6 is our favorite because it is cleanly styled inside and out, and the dark gray paint that covers the lower half of the front end masks the largesse of the new nose. However, in the grand scheme of the minivan universe, the Pontiac Montana SV6 ranks no better than mid-pack. To become truly competitive with the best in the class, a complete redesign that is rumored to be coming during the latter of the decade is necessary.