Pontiac Torrent SUV Review
SUV Reviewer
The Pontiac Torrent fits right in between the compact crossovers and the midsize SUV classes. This middle of the road sizing allows for great cargo space, passenger leg room, and better than average performance when compared to compact SUVs. The Pontiac Torrent didn't exactly have a line waiting outside its doors on the date of release, but once the consumer realized that the standard features list was significantly longer than most other vehicles on the road, the interest became much more intense.
Two of the more popular standard features on the Pontiac Torrent were the second row of seating that slide and reclined. Stationary seats were often uncomfortable and thus this solved the problem. The other feature on the Pontiac Torrent which consumers loved was the cargo shelf that was easy to remove and replace and made this vehicle one of the highlights of the crossover/compact SUV line.
Technically, many claim that the Pontiac Torrent was really nothing more than the Chevy equinox during the first generation with a new badge. Each has the spacious cabin with reasonable interior. The ride was wonderfully quiet and the travel was smooth. The interior offered versatility, which in and of itself is a unique trait. With a sticker price that was consistent with Pontiac's devotion to quality and value, it was surprising that there was not enough interest to keep it alive. GM began to experience some of the most unimpressive monetary issues and it wasn't long before sacrifices had to be made. Pontiac was one of those sacrifices.
As a used vehicle the Pontiac Torrent gets two thumbs up. Despite its short life on the production line, GM has made a point of maintaining the parts that will be required by the vehicles and models that did not survive the bankruptcy issues. Since it was only available for 3 model years it is not the most plentiful of used vehicles so finding one is an exciting venture.
The alloy wheels, complete power accessories, and air conditioning were standard on the original Pontiac Torrent. For the beginning of its short life span there was only a single trim and thus they were all considered the Torrent until the introduction of the GXP. For the 2008 model year the GXP became the upscale version of the already well equipped Torrent. Heated front seats, which were specially designed sport seats, larger wheels, dual exhaust, sport tuned suspension, power driver seat, sport tuned steering, and of course more power.
While the first model year introduced the Torrent to the world in style, it wasn't until the second model year was released that some of the more prominent safety features that are often taken for granted today were introduced. In the 2009 model year the side airbags became part of the package. Antilock brakes, disc brakes, navigational systems, and other typical features arrived throughout the years. The Pontiac Torrent was a functional and sound vehicle with lots of neat ideas lurking just under the hood.
Two of the more popular standard features on the Pontiac Torrent were the second row of seating that slide and reclined. Stationary seats were often uncomfortable and thus this solved the problem. The other feature on the Pontiac Torrent which consumers loved was the cargo shelf that was easy to remove and replace and made this vehicle one of the highlights of the crossover/compact SUV line.
Technically, many claim that the Pontiac Torrent was really nothing more than the Chevy equinox during the first generation with a new badge. Each has the spacious cabin with reasonable interior. The ride was wonderfully quiet and the travel was smooth. The interior offered versatility, which in and of itself is a unique trait. With a sticker price that was consistent with Pontiac's devotion to quality and value, it was surprising that there was not enough interest to keep it alive. GM began to experience some of the most unimpressive monetary issues and it wasn't long before sacrifices had to be made. Pontiac was one of those sacrifices.
As a used vehicle the Pontiac Torrent gets two thumbs up. Despite its short life on the production line, GM has made a point of maintaining the parts that will be required by the vehicles and models that did not survive the bankruptcy issues. Since it was only available for 3 model years it is not the most plentiful of used vehicles so finding one is an exciting venture.
The alloy wheels, complete power accessories, and air conditioning were standard on the original Pontiac Torrent. For the beginning of its short life span there was only a single trim and thus they were all considered the Torrent until the introduction of the GXP. For the 2008 model year the GXP became the upscale version of the already well equipped Torrent. Heated front seats, which were specially designed sport seats, larger wheels, dual exhaust, sport tuned suspension, power driver seat, sport tuned steering, and of course more power.
While the first model year introduced the Torrent to the world in style, it wasn't until the second model year was released that some of the more prominent safety features that are often taken for granted today were introduced. In the 2009 model year the side airbags became part of the package. Antilock brakes, disc brakes, navigational systems, and other typical features arrived throughout the years. The Pontiac Torrent was a functional and sound vehicle with lots of neat ideas lurking just under the hood.
