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Used 2006 Pontiac Torrent SUV Consumer Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
164 reviews
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Pros
Cons
4 out of 5 stars

275k and still runs well

Creighton Barker, 08/25/2017
2006 Pontiac Torrent 4dr SUV AWD (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
37 of 37 people found this review helpful

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.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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4.75 out of 5 stars

Spacious, Comfortable, Fun to Drive, Good Value

aldwis25, 09/01/2013
2006 Pontiac Torrent 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
67 of 70 people found this review helpful

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).

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2.5 out of 5 stars

This will be my last GM vechile

variety, 09/01/2011
2006 Pontiac Torrent 4dr SUV AWD (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
37 of 41 people found this review helpful

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.

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3.25 out of 5 stars

PIECE OF CRAP!!!

NRBO, 12/02/2010
2006 Pontiac Torrent 4dr SUV AWD (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
48 of 54 people found this review helpful

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.

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4 out of 5 stars

Started great but ended badly!

timmy78, 08/12/2013
updated 08/14/2016
2006 Pontiac Torrent 4dr SUV AWD (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
27 of 31 people found this review helpful

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.

Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
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3 out of 5 stars

2006 Not Worth It

archie74, 04/09/2011
2006 Pontiac Torrent 4dr SUV AWD (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
17 of 19 people found this review helpful

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.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

2006 Pontiac Torrent

Greg, 09/15/2007
2006 Pontiac Torrent 4dr SUV AWD (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

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

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Love It

QOTW, 11/04/2007
2006 Pontiac Torrent 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

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.

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2.63 out of 5 stars

In the shop a lot!

Joanna, 08/26/2009
2006 Pontiac Torrent 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

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?

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5 out of 5 stars

Excellent SUV

Steve B., 06/26/2018
updated 08/15/2019
2006 Pontiac Torrent 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)
11 of 12 people found this review helpful

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

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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