2008 Pontiac Torrent Review
The Torrent is a midsize CUV that debuted in 2007. It replaced the short-lived Aztec, and is based on the Chevrolet Equinox. However, the exterior and interior is styled differently. It comfortably carries five passengers, and is available in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
If you’re shopping for a large CUV, you could do a lot worse than the Pontiac Torrent. However, with so much competition, there’s little reason to settle. It lacks standard side airbags, has lousy reliability so far and the base model handles like a shopping cart. On the other hand, it’s one of the best towers in its class and offers plenty of interior room. We’re not saying that you should write it off entirely, but test drive some other models as well.
What’s New For 2008:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
J.D. Power gives the Torrent 2.5 stars for design quality, 2 stars for design quality and 2.5 stars for performance. Problems with the Torrent include failed blower motors, inoperative speakers, failure to downshift, vehicle noise, hard starting, water leaks, transmission fluid leaks, flaky cruise control and vehicle shudder. It’s been recalled three times for insufficient windshield mounting, faulty passenger sensors and weak head protection. Expect below average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The Torrent earned five stars in government crash tests. It earned “Good” in IIHS frontal tests and “Marginal” in rear tests. Anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control come standard. Side curtain airbags are optional.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Sleek exterior
+ Strong towing capability
+ Spacious
Cons
– Numb steering
– Poor reliability
– Substandard interior
Head-To-Head Competition:
The Torrent can tow more than the Chevrolet Equinox on which it’s based, and features different styling, but is otherwise identical. The Dodge Nitro has side airbags and 25 more hp, but can’t tow as much. The Mercury Mariner V6 includes AWD and side airbags, but costs a few hundred dollars more.
What Others Are Saying:
“In the years since my father brought that Vega home, I’ve come to terms with his fallibility. Be sure you’re ready for the look in your child’s eyes if you choose to bring home a Torrent.” – About.com
“Despite its dynamic drawbacks, the Pontiac Torrent has just about enough vitality to make potential buyers forget about the brand’s recent history as a washed-up producer of has-beens, also-rans and rental cars. But not quite. Given the quality of the alternatives, the Torrent needed to be faster, sharper and more fuel efficient. If Pontiac doesn’t raise its game soon, the brand will be back in jeopardy, heading for a $100 slot in the category ‘DEAD CAR BRANDS.'” – The Truth About Cars
“I have some more basic issues with the Torrent, which I voiced earlier about the Equinox. The big one is the electric power steering, which is simply dreadful. It has a dead feeling that leaves you disconnected from the road. Parking is a pain.” – The Detroit News
Read more about the 2008 Pontiac Torrent at the Pontiac manufacturer web site.
