Used 2006 Pontiac Torrent Consumer Reviews
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275k and still runs well
It is great in snow, gets 23mpg always, AWD, roomy, love the rear hatch. Yes I replaced one wheel bearing, did the head gaskets, and now adrive train bearing. But it's on it's third lifetime in Midwest Winters and hot summer. We got it with 74k 10 yrs ago. On our third set of tires, we buy Cooper. If I can find another with only 100 k on it, I'll buy it for later on. Love the manuverability.
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Spacious, Comfortable, Fun to Drive, Good Value
Bought used at 5K mi., has +97K mi. now. Overall reliable, comfortable, smooth ride, fun to drive. Get about 17 city/24 hwy mpg. Pros: Very spacious front/rear seating and cargo space; comfortable; reliable; smooth ride for low-price basic crossover class (broad wheel base). Cons: Replaced heating/A/C actuator motor at 53K (+$900 repair) but was GM recall later - contacted dealer, reimbursed same day; replaced wheel bearings at 75K; replaced bolts on exhaust at 86K (apparently common problem on Torrent and Equinox - made exhaust loud - easy $20 fix); slow pick-up at acceleration; odd window controls placement (all in front seat center console).
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,800182 mi away
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,999378 mi away
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,655386 mi away
This will be my last GM vechile
We loved the looks of this car and for the first year it was a solid car. After that it has been all down hill. We have now replaced all four wheel bearings and it the paint started flaking off around 50k. We now have a large spot on the driver side and on the tailgate. Our dealer told us this was not covered under the supplimental rust protectant we got because it was an issue with the paint.
PIECE OF CRAP!!!
This make is a piece of crap. 2nd year fuel pump went out, third year the entire ignition system went out. 4th year the heater quits working - apparently this has happened to thousand of this model but GM refuses a recall - the part costs $22 but it costs $1500 for labor because to replace the part requires removal of the entire front section of the car. Look it up - blender acuerator. My mechanic says it is the poorest designed car he has ever seen and won't even attempt to replace that part. I am getting rid of this piece of junk as soon as I can. It is winter in the south and no heater. The dealership just laughed when asked about ongoing issues with this car.
Started great but ended badly!
I bought my 2006 Pontiac Torrent in 2009 with only 22k miles on it. The first year and a half, the vehicle was the best that I'd owned. Drove from Memphis, TN to Gatlingburg in the snow, Hattisburg, MS, Meridian, MS, Jonesboro, AR, and Little Rock, AR with no problems. But during my trip to Little Rock, it seemed like I was having trans problems. When I took it to the trans shop, they said it was a speed sensor. Needless to say, the speed sensor kept messing up. I had it replaced 4 times before getting rid of the vehicle. Now, my ex-fiancee's aunt has replaced the trans but the problems persists. And the paint is peeling.
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2006 Not Worth It
Paint on drivers side rear wheel started peeling after 4 years. Dealer dismissed this as it was off warranty and nothing they could do. Paint is now peeling on tailgate, front passenger 1/4, rear driver 1/4 panel and inside the rear passenger door. I'm waiting to see if GM is going to step up as this is not the result of normal wear and tear. Inferior paint is a known problem on 2006 models.
Love It
Love the Torrent, I went from an Olds Bravada 03 luxury SUV to this and have not missed a moment of the other. Drove my dad's Z71 over the wkd. and couldnt wait to get my SUV back b/c its quieter and handles the bumps better. Overall the perfect SUV for a growing family with lots of room! Has pep in its step.
In the shop a lot!
I have taken my 2006 Torrent in to get fixed more than i'd like to say. The one that's bothering me the most is that during the past 23,000 miles I have had the bearings replaced 3 times... this is not normal, correct? It is in the shop right now and since it is no longer under warranty, they will not pay for the bearings to be replaced again. I am so frustrated and do not know what to do. Any advice?
2006 Pontiac Torrent
Overall, the vehicle is a fun SUV to drive. It has 'just enough' power on both the highway and in the city to make short & long trips fun & enjoyable. The vehicle is reliable in most situations and I like the roominess in the interior. The stereo and sound system is nice. As for the AC, it is about useless in the Las Vegas heat. Many a times, I simply opened up the windows to cool off rather than tax the AC system. Passengers in the rear seats cooked. There is plenty of leg and head room. I have found that the vehicle does not have the much of a turning radius and it has many blind spots; like when backing up or parking. The rear lighting at night from the backup lights is minimal at best
Excellent SUV
Bought new off the showroom floor,now has 325k miles.Still will pull our pop up camper with it.Replaced a flexplate due to cracking at about 180k, the only real issue we've had.Front hubs seem to go out around 80k miles.I replace them myself for around $100 each.Overall has been a very reliable SUV.Too bad it's not made any more. Suspension has a sport feel, different than the sister GM SUVs like it. The wife does not want to get rid of it still,but keeping an eye out for a lower mileage Torrent now to replace it.Edmunds aked for an update: still going strong at 335k miles,had to replace one coolant pipe due to rust. Replaced trans cooler lines at 340k due to started leaking. Total cost for both around 100 for parts and fluids.Otherwise no issues
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Good Car, So Far
My wife was bent on buying one of these things from the first time she saw one on "Survivor." I was wary, partly because I wasn't thrilled about getting an SUV, and partly because I'm wary of purchasing anything else from GM (or any American auto maker, for that matter). To be honest, I must admit that I'm pleasantly surprised. The ride is comfortable. and it drives quite nicely. The sound system is more than adequate, and we love the sun-roof and leather heated seats. It doesn't feel top-heavy when rounding corners, and rides more like a car than a truck. We've had no problems thus far. And for the record, I don't ever like admitting when I'm wrong. But this was a good choice.
2006 AWD AC problems & car quits running
I have a 2006 AWD Pontiac Torrant SUV. I purchased the Torrant in 2006 with 11000 miles on it. It was a loaner car. Love the Torrant when it's not in the shop. I have only had two problems with it. Right from the start the AC would quit working I live in the south so AC is a must. Had the Torrant to my dealer several times & another and they couldn't find anything wrong. Finally after they replaced parts and worked on several things they thought it was fixed. Well it's still not from time to time. Now Torrant is in the shop again. The suv just quits while I am driving. My dealership is great & really trying to repair. Defective code B2105 com lost with ECM BCM to PCM still problem.
Cheap = Expensive
Last winter the heater blend door and actuator broke. $1300- the entire dash has to be removed to fix a $60 part. Leather seat has split. Front right wheel bearing needs replacing.
Amy's Torrent
My husband and I purchased our first SUV this past summer, and I chose the Pontiac Torrent. I love this SUV. There is so much room. I have a 6'2" husband and a 6'1" 17 yr old son. This is the reason why I chose the Torrent, the room, great gas mileage, and a reasonable price.
2006 Pontiac Torrent
I have had a Torrent for the past 11 months. After driving a Montana Mini van for five years, I found the interior room of the Torrent much smaller, with the floor gear shift lever taking up too much room, especially for the right front passenger. There is not enough leg room for stretching out, even with either front seat all the way back. The exterior gives the impression of a "big" SUV, but the interior does not. The motor is sufficient, but lacks the get up I was use to in the Montana. So far it has been a reliable vehicle, and should remain that way for years to come. It has a comfortable but noisy ride, mostly from the tires. The AWD is great in snow when driven with care.
Lots of room, poor fuel economy/engine
This is my first GM product and my first SUV. Great inside - nice and roomy. Can't use front cupholder and e brake at same time. Only 21-22 mpg.Drives wonderfully - very smooth. Very quiet ride. A pleasure to drive until three weeks ago. Carbon buildup in cylinders at only 21,000 miles and I'm not putting trashy gas in it. Something isn't burning right and GM wants to put a band-aid on it instead of finding the cause of the carbon build-up. Ive been without my vehicle for three weeks. Way too new to be having problems.
Worst Car Ever!
This has to be the biggest lemon I ever bought! It's now 2 years old and it's been in for service over 10 times starting 6 months after I bought it. It's been in for reasons ranging from a bad battery to the ignition column locking up. Each time I take it in service claims it's fixed and each time I have the same issue or a whole new one. I've called Pontiac and GMC and neither can help me. I'm now stuck in a car that's been deemed unsafe for another 2 years because it will cost me too much to get out. I cringe whenever I drive the car and brace myself to deal with service centers. If you want reliable, go with a Honda. If you want headaches, buy a GMC or Pontiac.
Excellent Vehicle, Price and Durability
I've owned this vehicle for nearly 4 years. The interior is spaceous, providing plenty of room for passengers in both the front and back seats. Never had any problems with engine, transmission or brakes. I maintain my vehicle every 3,000 miles and rotate tires per 6,000 miles. Replaced tires at 53,000. Only wish I had insisted on a sunroof and leather interior. No complaints!
Good for the money...kind of
Good looks inside and out help make up for the lack of HP (185) in comparison to some other SUVs. The A/C lacks in hot weather. Dealer says they don't work as well when it's hot out. Works great in cool/mild weather. Fun ride and very roomy. The sliding back seat is great.
Worst SUV, lots of REPAIRS
We purchased this vehicle because we wanted a SUV that had better gas mileage than our Envoy. But wish we had just purchased another Envoy!! Have had car in shop numerous times, check engine light repeatly comes on, had front wheel bearings replaced. Now the drivers' side heated seat BURNED UP, it even melted my husbands belt!!! I think they(Pontiac) should think about the issue!! Would not buy another TORRENT.
Awesome! For two weeks.
I was so excited when I bought this car, for the first month. Then things started happening: A bracket snapped that held something for the emissions system, another emissions problem, two warped rotors, radio on the fritz, heated seat cushion replaced, coolant sludged up, etc. Each of these was a separate trip to the shop, the Enterprise rent-a-car guy knew me by name. All within the first couple months of owning this thing (except for the rotors, that was at 17,000 miles, still ridiculous). The car is nice looking, functional for all my outdoor needs, lots of features, but overall I can't believe how many issues I've had with it. Worst reliability I've ever had in a vehicle.
What's up with the wheel bearings?
From 20000 miles until today I have replaced a total of 5 wheel bearings each and then again the rear passenger side. I cannot for the life of me figure out what is causing this! The first two were under warranty the last 3 have cost a whopping $ 400 each incl. labor. Fortunately today my mechanic gave me a break on the parts and discounted my bill I hope that this is the last that needs replaced but I fear it won't be.
Get to know your mechanic!
I bought my Torrent used with 70,000. Around 80K I replaced a wheel bearing and it stopped heating. By 90K I had blown head gaskets twice and made the decision to put a new motor in it with 44K. This motor is running much smoother but my engine light stays on at all times. Going on 95K on the body and my struts need to be replaced and another set of tires. I need to get this car paid off and move on from GM.
It's been pricey
While I enjoy driving this vehicle, its look and comfortable interior, it has been very pricey to maintain this lease. First two wheel bearings changed were covered under the lease at 20,000 kms. Remaining 4 on all tires were not. Have just begun to hear that familiar humming once again that signals another $350 out of my pocket. The alternator went at 72,000 km for the cost of $1,000, tires were replaced around the same time, along with rotors and brakes. This spring, the paint began chipping on the drivers side and back and so the whole vehicle will need a paint job.
Lousy GM Torrent/Equinox vehicles
Absolutely WORST front and rear seats ever! 14.5 mpg in Summer and 12.5 mpg in Winter as overall mileage definitely PROVE GM does not really care about keeping its customers...GM will be down the tubes in short order as they keep this up. Oh, and how about the 'skunk smell' from poor QC of radiator hose-curing, so every one of these lousy SUVs need to have dealer flush ( but GM never notifies owner of this problem !)...and unsatisfactory shifting transmission is a joy, isn't it? How about the rear strut towers intruding big-time into rear cargo area...nice play GM! Don't be foolish enough to even test drive one of these slugs...instead buy a Toyota or Honda SUV if you really want SUV.
Winter Handling
I have a 2006 Pontiac Torrent and it is absolutely the worst handling car I have ever driven in the snow. The traction control light goes on but doesn't seem to help at all. Starting,stopping, and cornering are all bad. Any faster than 3 - 5 mph around a corner, and it will spin. Much worse than my S-10.
Please don't buy this truck!
I purchased my 2006 Pontiac Torrent used but 'GM certified' the day after I drove it off the lot I had to take it back for an oil pan seal (luckily the dealer covered that since I had the car less than 24 hours) that was just the beginning and I should have RAN!! I have had this truck 3 years and thus far I have replaced the following: tires, 16 wheel bearings (all by different mechanics to rule out mechanics error), rear end, carrier bearing, CV axles (front and rear), brakes and rotors, 4 alignments (to try and fix the wheel bearing issue), ball joints, control arms, EGR tube, ABS sensor, factory radio (switched for an actermarket as I've heard of sooooo many issues with the factory ones), cruise control, steering column, windshield washer motor, windshield (x3 don't let a pebble hit the glass, ever!), and after JUST putting over a grand in to it not even a month later (which seems to be about the timeline I get in between repairs) the check engine light is on, the alternator is going out, and there is an all too familiar grinding starting back up. I have actually decided to get a second vehicle as this one is in the shop SO MUCH and every time I go to sell it, something else BREAKS and I have to get it repaired. I am not one to beat my vehicles up (I hate paying for repairs!) and this thing STILL is nothing but problems! The interior is also cheaply made as there is paint coming off the door handles and the radio surround. Oh! And the bumper brackets broke about a month after I bought it (and continued to break) so I got innovative and started using cable ties, probably the most reliable part on this entire vehicle!!! STAY AWAY FROM THIS VEHICLE AT ALL COST!!!! I've estimated about 8 grand (so far) in repairs and as soon as the check engine light came on it started idling hard (non-permissible content removed)!
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Super!
Awesome leg room in the front and back seats. Comfortable ride. Excellent power and fuel economy. No problems. Reliable and fun to drive. I've owned GM vehicles for years and this is the best one yet.
Love my Torrent
I purchased this Crossover vehicle last February. I have been very happy. It is very fun to drive has a lot of power. Almost as much as my 2000 Grand Am which I loved!! I have only one complaint in design. I am about 5'8" but when i have to clean snow off the windshield, the way the windshield is kinda of recessed its hard to get the snow off the windshield. I love the self dimming mirrors, I got my car at night and when I was driving home from the dealer I discovered these. Nice stereo system I have the 6 cd changer. I get more compliments on the color of my Torrent, I have the Crystal Lake color. All in all I love my Torrent!!
Absolutely Love This Car, Thanks Edmunds
This is the second car I purchased in the last 2 years following everything I learned from Edmunds. Edmunds and their information e.g consumer reviews are an invaluable aid and extremely accurate! I could not be more pleased. I love this car. I have the high end, with Leather and Moon Roof. The car is exceptionally comfortable; handles well; build quality is excellent. A pleasure to drive. Roomy, but deceivingly smaller in appearance. I have now compared it to all the major competitors in the parking lots around town; and it's right up there with a 4 Runner, Pilot, Murano and Grand Jeep.
Saftey was amazing
I have a 2006 Torrent i recently came into some weather conditions and slid into a ditch. I caught a support cable and rolled my torrent and i drove it away. I was unharmed as my seat belt kept me secure. While rolling i came to rest on my passenger side. I was able to easliy climb out. I didnt even crack a window! So glad i was in a torrent. UPDATED: it's been 5 months since my roll over. I needed a new hood and some body work but everything still runs. All the damage was cosmetic.
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Excellent crashing!
I missed a stop sign, hopped over some water,went downward to the landing of a grass field, hit some little trees and still was able to drive it home. I never crashed before by the landing was like a Cushion. I love my Torrent!
WORST CAR IN THE WORLD!!!!!!!!!
Black 2006 Pontiac Torrent, one yr old paint chips off under side mirrors, three years old, on 4 set of brakes, new rear wheel bearings, and backing plates, air conditioning takes a powder. 4 years old, paint on lift gate begins to chip, on rear pass. wheel well chips, paint on hood chips and paint INSIDE drivers side pass. door all chips off--GM says this is just wear and tear, can't help us-- dealer going to do 50 -50 split on new paint job! 2 more sets of brakes, one last week and are squealing again!!! It's no wonder that GM is in trouble....no more Torrents for me, nor any other type of this make of vehicle EVER!
Good at the Start/Getting noisy now
I've had the car for about 6 months. I loved it at first, put 3000 miles on it in two weeks on a trip to florida. The car was tight at first, but is turning into a rattletrap. I have 10,000 miles on it and cannot get rid of the noises despite numerous trips to the dealer.
Caution Danger!
Until now, I had been very happy with my Torrent which I had purchased less than a year ago. Although, my recent experience has left me terrified of the vehicle. I been driving for four hours in the middle of the summer when without any warning whatsoever my car had died. I lost all steering and veered to the side of the road. A bad alternator had caused the car to die. Because of this, the power lock doors and windows would not open. I was trapped inside my Pontiac Torrent midsummer in 37 degree Celsius sun unable to open any doors or windows. I had learned the hard way there is no emergency release within the vehicle to unlock the doors and car windows.
One Year Review
We lived in AZ, were moving to VA and needed something for the winter months that could also move a lot of stuff cross-country. The tires are specially made and when we got a flat in Santa Cruze, NM we were stranded for a few days until a new tire came in. It handles well in the snow but the wiper blades are in a well that easily fill with snow and ice requiring you to get out and clean it on dangerous roads. The materials for the interior are very cheap. The turning radius is horrible. Gas mileage is not what they claim. Overall value though is very good and we enjoy it. The clamps on the rack do not hold at all.
Overall Great SUV
Get a lot of comments about how good the Torrent looks with the 17" allows. A very versatile, roomy SUV. Great pickup and smooth transmission. Interior materials are somewhat cheap. Very few reliability issues so far, at the 43,000 mile mark. The center arm rest design is a disaster. Would buy it again.
Vacation
We went on a trip from Alabama to Branson, Mo then on to Arizona to the Grand Canyon and then on to Yellowstone Park and back to Ala. The performance overall was great. Had a great time
Not bad, not bad at all.
I must have a good one. In 4 years I haven't had any major issues. The one thing I didn't like was the standard equipment tires wore out very quickly. I was lucky to get 15,000 miles out of them. Other than that, it's been a good vehicle.
Damn Good Vehicle
My lease on the 2006 is up next month & am looking to replace it with another Torrent, thats how much I like it. Gas mileage is 16 city 22 hwy, handles well, roomy enough for my 6'2" 350lb front or back seat. Don't need 3rd seat. I am looking for comfort & economy, the engine has plenty of get up & go when needed. Has plenty of added features that seem to work well when needed, good enough storage space. Great Looking Too!
It's been good to me so far
Before buying my Torrent, I also test drove it's Chevy sister, the Equinox. The decision maker was the Equinox had scratchy upholstery while the Torrent's was soft and comfortable. The Torrent has proven to be a comfortable vehicle, even for tall passengers riding in the back seat. Sharp exterior but the interior could use a touch of class. Three design flaws: (1) I don't smoke, but a removable ashtray should be standard for things like gum wrappers; (2) The CD storage area is not easily accessible; and (3) A wider cargo compartment would have been more beneficial than having the small side storage wells. No mechanical problems (knock on wood). Nice vehicle and GM offered 0% financing
Very happy with vehicle.
I leased my 2006 on Christmas Eve 2005. I am very impressed at the amount of interior room the vehicle has. I am a tall individual so I drive with the seat all the way back and reclined. Not one complaint from passengers seated directly behind me. Reliability so far has been top notch. I like the way the dashboard is situated. Only complaint I have is, I think the manufacturer could have made the vehicle more powerful. 185 horsepower is just not enough for this sized vehicle. A sufficient amount would be about 215 horsepower.
love the torrent
The torrent has a smooth ride. The controls are easy to use. The only things that are not easy are the cup holders and ash tray. They are in an awkward position. The torrent is very comfortable on long trips. The sound system is terrific.
Check it out!
Every one likes this sports utility. I wanted a truck or a car that had seats folded down. This vehicle is a combination. I recommend this vehicle to an independent, family-oriented person. The mileage isn't that great, but better that a truck. This vehicle is a must to try out. On the test-drive I drove it up to 80 mph with no shaking on the wheels. I like OnStar. They are very nice and helpful. When my engine light came on they did a diagnoistic check right then. It was an emission problem which they believe the gas cap wasn't turned enough. It is probably best to turn it about 6 clicks to seal the tank.
2006 Pontiac Torrent AWD - Da' Big Hoopty.
Named by one of our Grandsons when he was 6 (now 22), we bought Da' Big Hoopty (Our Family's Term of Endearment) brand new in 2006 in Crystal Lake color with all options except the 17" Wheels, and is the best vehicle we have ever owned. Although it is about to turn 67K Miles, it is and has always been a delight to drive, whether around town, AND on trips, in total comfort. Has also proven many times to be very sure-footed in rain, ice or snow with zero issues. It's dependability has also been 100%, never once leaving us stranded. So, do we ever plan to part with (our) Da' Big Hoopty? No. Besides, it still looks and rides like a brand new vehicle because we do take very good care of it, as it should be since vehicles are just way too expensive not to do so.
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Love this SUV
Bought in 2009 used with 60K miles. We have taken this car everywhere to include cross country. It has surpassed our expectations. We only had to replace an ignition switch early on but that's it. Rest is normal mx. The 6 CD changer and heated seats still work after a decade for us. The car has a bit of road noise but the car is great. First to offer moving back seat to accommodate whatever you are hauling.
back to GM
Just traded in 2000 MB ML320. Liked styling, financing and colors/options. A little noisy on the some back roads and my boys wish for a center arm rest in back seat. Still breaking-in so performance and mpgs still not really tested. Looking forward to lower maint. and fuel prices, and more self maint. This is my 1st GM in over six years and I'm happy so far.
Very Good SUV
Have had the car for 3+ years. No reliability issues. Still driving on the original tires, brakes and wheel bearings. Just drove from Denver to St Louis with ave mileage of 24-25 mpg. Very good in snow. Peppy around town but not as much fun to drive as my Honda Accord. Love the interior room and cargo capacity. Can haul more than a Jeep Commander.
Sporty/Fun SUV
I fell in love with the Equinox, UNTIL I drove the Torrent. We traded in the mini-van and I could not be happier. It has plenty of room in the back seat for the kids and the interior is great. I am loving this car. It's fun to drive and it looks sporty and fresh. Great vehicle!
I love my TORRENT!
I purchased this vehicle from a family friend who runs the hummer dealership, he said even though Pontiac is out of bus, their cars are still reliable. relatively low miles when purchased, and i've had no problems with this vehicle. Just turned 18, my first car, paying for it myself. want to eventually buy a torrent GXP and bump up to a 263 hp engine. I LOVE MY TORRENT.