2005 Pontiac Montana SV6 Program #2431

With SUVs dominating the family car market, sales of minivans have really taken a beating. So how do minivan designers make their products more appealing? Well, Pontiac’s answer is the 2005 Montana SV6 Crossover Sport Van. They say it’s part minivan and part sport-ute. But is it really that different?

Though not a total redesign, the heavily revamped 2005 Pontiac Montana SV6 Crossover Sport Van clearly fractures the minivan mold. First, the new SV6 wears a bolder twin-port grill and the taller hood and front fenders associated with an SUV. Styling is also designed to give a wider look, although the width actually remains unchanged.

Second, larger, standard 17-inch wheels and tires and smoother lower body panels make this one sporty-looking soccer shuttle. Unchanged is the low step-in height and available power sliding doors, so the SV6 still satisfies minivan buyer must-haves.

Another difference is power. The SV6 upgrades to a 3.5-liter V-6. The more than adequate six pushes out 200 horsepower and 220 pound feet of torque. Though less power than rivals Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna, the SV6 has the gusto to tow up to 3,500 pounds.

One of the Montana’s most sport-utility traits is the available Versatrak all-wheel drive system. More capable than the systems on most all-wheel drive vans, the SV6 is also available in front-wheel drive, and all models use a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Wheelbase is almost unchanged at 121.1 inches, as is the chassis with its MacPherson-strut front suspension. Front drive vans use a twist-beam rear axle, while all-wheel-drive Montanas go all-independent. A stability system is optional and highly recommended. It works well with the standard anti-lock brakes, now larger and all-disc. Ride quality is comfortable, if a little stiff, again like an SUV. Handling is like the most civilized of SUVs, with plenty of body roll and understeer. Even under hard acceleration, however, the SV6 delivers luxury car quiet and refinement.

Inside, the 7-passenger SV6 is still more van than anything else. But to us that’s a plus, with the SV6 really showing its comforts and versatility. And the SV6 wins on standards which include air conditioning, an eight-speaker CD/MP3 sound system, OnStar communications, power windows, cruise control, keyless entry, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. A unique treat is the optional PhatNoise 40 gig digital media system that can store thousands of MP3s or dozens of movies. Other options include remote start and side impact front airbags. Highly desirable curtain airbags could not be fitted without a total redesign.

Behind the removable second seat lies the 50/50 third row that can either be removed or folded flat as a load surface. Cargo space is a fine 26.9 cubic feet with all seats in use, or 136.5 cubic feet with the seats down.

Also like a minivan is mileage. Our test all-wheel drive Montana SV6 has EPA estimates of 17 city and 23 highway. Our test 23 miles to the gallon was right on, and well beyond that of most 7-passenger boss-hog SUV’s.

Despite SUV looks and mechanics, this Crossover is still priced like a family-friendly van. Try $25,235 for the entry level front-wheel drive SV6, or go all out for the all-wheel-drive model with upgraded package and pay $30,925.

SUV, or minivan with a tall hood? If it walks like a duck…well, you get the idea. Still the 2005 Pontiac Montana SV6 Crossover Sport Van does provide enough unique features and values to warrant the distinction of not being just another minivan. So, though the SV6 may not steal the hearts of diehard soccer moms, or serious sport-ute fanatics, it does give those that can’t embrace either extreme a hanging chads choice that they can count on.