Against 452 other V6 cars rated 2004–2006, the Montana sits right on their 19 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2000, the 3.4L 6-cyl (2000–2004), does 19.8 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3.5L 6-cyl (2005–2006), 18.5: $137 a year apart.
Every Pontiac Montana engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 17 / 24 | 2000–2004 | $1,939 | |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 16 / 23 | 2005–2006 | $2,076 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Chrysler Town and Country gets 19 mpg, the Kia Sedona 17.7 mpg and the Nissan Quest 19 mpg, next to 19 mpg for the 2006 Montana.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2006) | $0.168 |
| Fuel per year | $2,021 |
| Fuel over five years | $10,105 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2004–2006 | about the same |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,207 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2006 Pontiac Montana gives up 7 mpg in town: 23 on the highway against 16 in the city, $730 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2006) | 16 mpg | $2,400 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 23 mpg | $1,670 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7 mpg (44%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Montana changed over the years
The Montana peaked in 2004 at 20 mpg (17 city, 24 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2005 at 18 — 2 mpg apart, or $213 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2006 car does 19.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2005 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2004 | 17 / 24 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2003 | 17 / 24 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2002 | 17 / 24 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2001 | 17 / 24 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2000 | 17 / 24 | 1 | $2,021 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
- Fuel profile built from your actual mileage and local prices
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- Insurance and fuel folded into 5-year cost to own
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How we count
This page rests on 7 EPA ratings of the Pontiac Montana — 2 engines across 2000–2006. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,207. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2006 Pontiac Montana get?
19 mpg combined, 16 city and 23 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2000 the Montana has averaged 19.4 mpg.
Is the 2006 Montana more efficient than the 2005?
Yes: 19 against 18 mpg combined, about $112 a year less to run.
Which Montana year has the best gas mileage?
The 2004, at 20 mpg combined (17 city, 24 highway).
Does the Montana get better gas mileage than the Chrysler Town and Country?
About the same: 19 mpg for the 2006 Montana against 19 for the 2007 Chrysler Town and Country.
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