Used 2009 Pontiac Torrent Consumer Reviews
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Good Solid Ride (Whip)
I bought my Torrent used with around 90,000 miles. After a few months I started to have engine power problems transmission problems, losing power, running rough. I also had problems with the stabilitrac and antilock brakes. I went to the dealership and they had no answers or ideas on what the problem was. I did some research and a domino effect of thing were improved by a new egr valve as well as plugs and wires. I did all repairs myself to save hundreds. All the problems went away and I've put 10's of thousands of miles on it with no more issues.
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Knew What I Was Getting
There are some squeaks here and there, especially with the steering wheel, but I read the reviews before I bought the car and I knew what to expect. The only disappointment has been with the gas mileage, which hasn't quite been up to the EPA estimates. Even my Hondaphile and Toyotaphile friends have been impressed with the comfort and looks of my Torrent. On the safety front, I was in an accident three months ago that sent two other drivers to the hospital but I didn't get a scratch, or even feel sore the next day. I can't rave enough. I've looked at trading it in for something with better MPG, but I can't find anything I'd give up for Torrent for.
- GXP 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,900400 mi away
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,950426 mi away
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $2,500440 mi away
Love my Torrent GXP
I bought my '08 Torrent GXP about a month ago. It is Carbon Black. Mine came fully loaded with DVD entertainment system which included a pair of Panasonic wireless headphones. It also has OnStar and XM raidio. The sound system sounds great and movies really rock coming out of the cars speakers. The wireless headphones sound great and are much much better than I thought they would be. I really like how the 60/40 rear seat can slide almost 8 in. I must say the GXP's 264 hp engine really delivers.It gives you plenty of get up and go and lots of power to tow. I drove mine through the Rocky Mtns towing over 3000 lbs and had no problem on the very steep grades. This is my first SUV and I love it.
Great, reliable car/SUV.
Sold it. (But loved it and miss it!) Super dependable with a decent ride and nice acceleration. Plenty of room for 5 and lots of cargo space. Rides more like a truck with a stiffer ride. This SUV is very flexible and dependable. It's a great family car, yet can also carry large loads (i.e., equipment, tools, lumber, etc). Have thought about trading it in but its just such a nice utilitarian vehicle that I hate to part with it. Update: Sold the car in January this year (01/2016). It was still in excellent condition, no mechanical issues, no rust, decent (but stiff) ride. Wanted something with a smoother ride for trips around the country. Sold it for $8000 which I felt was pretty good for a 7 year old vehicle. Have been a regular Pontiac owner (Grand Am, G6, Montana, Torrent) and am sooooo disappointed they went out of business.
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loved it
This by far was my favorite car I have owned. I too was recently in a serious collision on a busy highway and walked away without a scratch only because of the vehicle I was driving. It had tons of room handled like a dream and gas wasn't so bad either! The only problem I had was the front wheel bearings went in my first 6 months of owning. But were replaced by my warranty no problem. I would highly recommend this vehicle.
Don't Buy
I purchased by Pontiac Torrent in 2011 each year i have had problems. Within the first year the radio went out and the repair is $400. The next year my transmission went out $1500. The next year - when it rains the floors in my back seat get wet and causes and odor. Now i am seeing all these recalls for all these things that are wrong with the car. I called GM and the Dealership on several occassions and they just don't care. i am too far under to even get out of the car into something more reliable.
Driving it until it dies.
Originally owned a 2007, traded in for a 2009 AWD when I heard they were stopping the line. I literally walked on the lot, said how much and then started negotiating. This one rides smoother than the 2007. I'm 5 feet tall and not only do I feel safer in an SUV, this one isn't so wide that I feel like I'm driving a bus. The AWD really gets me around in almost impassable snow. We had 13 inches and I didn't have a problem. I really love this car, mechanically I have not had a single problem at 30k+. My biggest challenge is where the front end ends, I always have about 12 inches of freedom I don't know about. Plus, parallel parking isn't tough unless it's a tiny spot. Fuel econ 17/21.
Worse vehicle ever!! save your money!!
we own a 2009Torrent. I think everything on this vehicle has been replaced. Even the sun roof leaks. We have put so much money into it thinking ok last time and of course something again Safe your money!
Loved Until Recently
Bought my 08 Torrent GXP in 2011 and, up until recently, I have loved it. However, Ive now had the power steering hose break three times and Im growing tired of repeatedly fixing it. My battery also died at only 44,000 miles and the all-wheel drive regularly goes out when the temperature dips below zero, which is the type of weather when you mostly need AWD. I love the comfort, look, features, and how the Torrent drives, but Im now looking at a new car as Im sick of these mounting piddly issues. I never once had my 04 Malibu 2LT in the shop beyond oil changes in the 7 years, 80K+ miles I owned it.
Great first SUV
Just read the news about Pontiac perhaps going good bye. Sad but this Pontiac Torrent is a rock solid performer and for good value. It is said GM always stops building a car when they got it right. I echo most of the comments above. This is a fun to drive vehicle and handles well for the 3.4L Minor gripes: the cupholder window control, Perhaps a luggage rack bar on top as standard. Back seat room is far superior to all other midsize SUVs. The only problem? My 20 year old daughter now "claims" it as her primary driving vehicle! But such is life when you teach children how to help pick a car( she picked it). But I have fun on my commute motorcycle
Like it so much bought a 2nd one
Actually owned it's cousin the Chevrolet Equinox for 4 years. I love that car. So much so I added a Torrent to the stable. The Equinox and Torrent are fun to drive and I have had zero problems. A little over 20 in the city and 24-26 on the highway MPG. The moving Rear seat is my favorite feature, but the performance of the engine and transmission is as good as the Mercedes I once owned.
2009 Pontiac Torrent 3.4L V6 AWDI have had a Ponti
I have had a 2009 Pontiac Torrent AWD 3.4 L V6 since 2010. I get 25-28 MPG highway at 60 mph. I live in the country so for city driving I have less data. Going up steep hills hill MPG can drop to 15 MPG. Minimum MPG is 23-24 with no city driving and various driving terrain. Vehicle has 185,000 miles and gets the same good MPG as new. Car has had a new throttle body, new front transaxle, new timing chain, two new intake manifold pressure sensors, new ERG, new battery, and all fluids, plugs, and filters changed at recommended times or more often. Brakes are original and will go to ~210,000 miles. The problems I have seen with the car are a lot to front transaxle wear and rear differential wear. I have had to change those lubricants more than recommended. Also had some automatic transmission shifting issues. The transmission seemed not to be able to make up its mind. The dealership said it was OK on test drive so I fixed it myself by installing new intake manifold pressure sensor (first sensor went bad in 2 months so it took another one before problem was solved). I relayed the info to the dealership and they agreed that was the problem. Vehicle drives great in snow and ice, it has all options; Stabilitrac and traction control. Road noise is high. Buy a quiet all weather tire and it will be better. Overall I would buy this vehicle again. I like the AWD snow and ice driving. I have never gotten stuck.
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Highly recommend GXP
This is one fast little SUV. The six speed auto tranny helps with fuel enconomy while not hurting performance. The manual mode of the transmission has about a 1 second lag between the time you shift up or down to the time it actually does it. Seats are very comfortable over a long trip.
Not what I expected.
Nice small compact SUV backseats are spacious. Drives well, smooth ride good for road trips. Gas isn't so bad in it. Seems like the average fuel lasting in this day and age. Easy to drive. Only thing I don't care for is the overheating of the vehicle. Took it in to get serviced they replaced thermostat the. All was well. Not to long after it overheats again. I Had to get the radiator replaced! Been okay until yet third year with vehicle ben fighting overheating warnings on the dash again. this time it's not really overheating but it says it is. Also it's showing air bag warning light off an on since beginning, and had tons of ABS issues with it. If u need to get new tires for it the price isn't bad for getting new tires. Doesn't seem to rust quickly body stays well manageable. It is not to low to ground or to tall perfect for the average person. My AuX cord input thing on stereo just went bad it's been iffy since I got it. Only thing I hate hate hate about this vehicle out of all the vehicles I have ever owned. Is the space in it the front cupholders suck big time no room flimsy no protection and the other one is deep down to the floor might as well not even bother using it it would be the same outcome as if u held in on ur leg. No room to put anything up front as in nothing in this car is flat. Everything is at a slope. No little storage cool spots for nothing. So if u put something down expect it to go flying across the dash or anywhere else when u go to drive off in car. Even the slots on the doors r like skinny and small. If u put something down in the slots on the door then u better have a baby's size hand or a long pair of tongs to get it back out. So it's up to you if u like space and storage compartments don't buy this car. If u don't care then cool.
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best for the money
I have been a sedan or coupe driver all my life, I also build and drive street rods, but this torrent is the most fun vehicle I have ever owned. I always am looking for an excuse to go somewhere. I have looked at other vehicles and it seems to me that this car offers a lot more goodies for the money.
Great SUV for the price
Great SUV for the price. Love the features and the ride. MPG is combined about 22. Not bad for a SUV of this size with a V6 engine.
The best crossover vehicle I've owned
This will be the third crossover vehicle I have owned the other 2 being Subaru Outbacks a 1997 and a 2002. The Pontiac has it all over them. More power, more room, better styling, better fuel economy all with a lower price tag. The interior on the Pontiac Torrent is very roomy, comfortable and well laid out. Cargo space is huge and versitile because of the sliding rear seat. Fit and finish is outstanding both inside and out. Power from the standard 3.4L V6 is impressive and the 5 speed automatic transmission is smooth shifting and the rest of the drivetrain is also smooth and quiet. Handling, braking and ride quality are top notch as good as I have experienced in vehicles costing much more.
regretful
GM says 16/24 mileage,more like 12/19,that's using cruise control, at approximately 70mph never over. It gets even less at 55 mph!what the!? Let up on the gas and it comes to a stop, I mean motor runs but I mean the power just dogs, it's like all power stops going to the drive train? I guess it saves on brakes. It has a horrible turning ratio, didn't notice it on test drive, you need to plan ahead to park. The CD player takes forever to load. If I'd known the gas mileage was going to be this bad, I would've bought a truck or a SUV with 4x4.
WOW What else can I say ?
I have had this vehicle for several month's now, and look for reasons to take it out and play. All of the ponies under the hood are married perfectly with the 6 speed tranny. I think this 3.6 really puts out like Pontiac said it would. Hope I get to keep my license for as long as I own this beauty, which I have the feeling will be a long time.
Would recommend
Bought in Pittsburgh in Feb 2008. Has handled very well in snow and rain! Doesn't have a lot of horsepower - but, that keeps the MPG lower. Some of the inside features are breaking (mirror covers). But, overall a very reliable car, and I drive a LOT.
Don't buy
Absolutely horrible and because you now must deal with GM they don't want to recall these vehicles because that would cause them to fix a problem that Pontiac created.I have owned one for almost 2 years and I have had nothing but problems,within a month of owning it the radio didn't work, the lock on the drivers door costs 300 to fix because unless you actually try to open it while it is locked you would of never known it doesn't lock, the rear windshield wiper motor went, the wheel bearings are 300 a piece, and because of how they are made it is common for rocks and sticks to get into the cv shaft and cause 200 in damage.Stabilitrak & ABS light constantly on & off.
Owning a 2008 Torrent
This vehicle is fun to drive for my wife, much easier than our previous '03 Explorer. Great ride. The only complaint is the short turning radius.
GXP Sleeper
Every Torrent owner I have talked to really likes their vehicle. This GXP is really fast and handles like a sports car. It is so neutral in the corners. When you expect the front end to push, it just digs in & goes round. I am at over 22 mpg now. It has great utility to boot. If you are looking for a vehicle like this, you really owe it to yourself to give it a try. I know of Honda owners who don't get but a 1mpg more in their smaller CR-V and no fun factor at all. Even Scions only get about 23.5 & are slower than molasses.
Ahead of its time
Excellent value
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Beautiful car
I bought it with 82,000 on it. I love the looks, how it rides, plenty of power, and comfort. Had it a year now and its been a huge headache. December I put a transmission in it that cost me $3000 dollars being AWD. Had some hiccups for a short time after with check engine lights and ended up changing the battery and all was good till now. Took it to the dealership about a month ago and with a crank sensor being bad.... now all kinds of issues are coming up and the dealership has officially given up on it with no explanation. JUNK!!!!!
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Never buy a GM vehicle again!
Has same issue with the blend door actuator as the 06 model for which there is a recall. GM won't do anything for the same issue in the 08. My son is n active duty member of the US Army and can not afford the over $1000.00 repair Bill. Ridiculous!!
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Love the car, hate the cup holders!
Love the car. Getting in and out is great, the interior is very roomy. Hate the cup holders. I dropped my keys in the open space and it took me an hour to get them out between the seat and the open space. Wish I knew something I could get to replace the cup holders.
I'm in love
I just brought this baby home and I'm smitten. I test drove several SUVs over Labor Day weekend (the 2008s were priced to move). I didn't even know that Pontiac had a crossover (I was familiar with the Equinox, which is the same vehicle). I was about to pull the Trigger on a Santa Fe, which actually had a nicer interior with more storage, but once I test drove the Pontiac, I was sold. The 3.4 L pulls that rig right up to speed with no problem, and the handling was tight like a sports sedan. Compared to the Santa Fe and the Escape, the Torrent won on performance alone (and good looks). Also, I averaged 26 MPG on the 120 mile freeway drive home. Not bad for a big vehicle like this.
Stephanie's Torrent
I love my Torrent. I went from a little Neon to the Torrent and what a difference. I love sitting up high, it is very comfortable, I love that there is room for my purse (in the middle), it rides very nice and I just LOVE it! My boyfriend loves driving it as well because he has plenty of leg and head room. It has an excellent stereo.
Comfortable Cross Over
This is a very good riding cross over type SUV. It gets very good gas mileage on the highway - about 25 to 26. The controls are pretty good, but the steering and handling on the base model is unacceptably sloppy. If you like this vehicle, get the GXP model which has a different and tighter steering system. The center console could be a lot better and more useful - it lacks storage and the center mounted power window buttons are not intuitive.
Don't miss out on a great bargain
The Torrent is a great little SUV for women. Enough space to carry just about anything, but handles like a compact, that fabulous Pontiac power steering and transmission. Pontiac is the true signature American car; sharp style at first glance, muscle when you need it, smooth ride, fun and always dependable. I have done weekend driving with the Murano and the Jeep Liberty and the Torrent beats both no contest. It has all the classic benefits of a Pontiac: fast start, stylish interior and exterior, affordable price (at $26,000 it is $12,000 cheaper than the Murano) and great on gas. I get 27 miles to the gallon, and it only takes $61.00 to fill up the tank. I love this car.
Love This Car
Love how this handles-what a difference between the Torrent and my Jeep. Lot of room, comfortable and smooth ride. For the price you can not beat it.
2008 pontiac torrent
So far so good. Lots of room. Very comfortable. Good braking. Nice exterior design. Getting fair gas mileage.
1st month 3000 Kilometers
Happy with the purchase of my 2008 GXP over all. My wife tells me it's good for grocery shopping. Its comfortable to drive and has a good driving height for visibility. No problems driving in rain. Nice looking vehicle. Lots of room to carry all our stuff.
Great looking SUV
I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who is thinking about getting an SUV. This is my first SUV and I love the look and comfort of it. XM radio in the vehicle is a great feature that I can't believe I lived with out before. This is a very roomy vehicle, yet still very sporty looking.
Strong enough for a man but made for me
My husband went on and on about seeing this beautiful vehicle, so we went to test drive it. As soon as I got in and adjusted the seats and realized that I would never again need a pillow to get close enough to the steering wheel, I was in love. And then to top things off,I finally had a place to store my huge purse; the center console lifts up to hold a purse or anything else. And then you can fold the center back down again. For a woman who pays a lot of money for purses, I never have to throw it on the floor, or the back seat, I can have it next to me but neatly stored. Someone was really thinking there. Thank you!
Bill's Torrent
I previously owned a 1998 Old's Bravada and a 2007 Mazda CX9. All of my vehicles have their pluses and minues but I really like the Torrent. The biggest problem I have is with is with the interior design on the Torrent. The cup holders are virtually worthless to use. The stereo system is excellent. The handling affects out on the road are very good - just hope the gas mileage gets better.
I love this car/crossover whatever
So nice, so tight. Moves as one unit. No squeeks, no rattle, just solid build. Quiet, with a nice tech sound to the engine. Everything high technology. Seats firm and fitting. Sit high and command a view of the road. About 26 mpg on the road at 65. 55 gets you 28
Surprisingly good
Outstanding space utilization. Back seat is exceptionally roomy. Flat floor. Great fold down rear seat operation. Folds flat with one hand and misses front seats with room to spare. Relatively light (3800 lbs.) for an SUV with this much room. Tows well with 2500 lb. U haul. Rich exterior appearance (silver with 17 inch wheels). Satisfied with build quality.
Concerns with Manufacturing
I have a 2008 torrent and have had several issues go wrong with the SUV! My windshield wipers don't work on low speed, Air conditioner went out a few weeks ago, my back door, passenger side does not lock or unlock with auto unlock! These are just a few of things I have had trouble with right after the warranty went out!
So far, so good
Four months, 7,000 miles (about 70/30 highway/local) 22.7 mpg, same as my '02 Santa Fe 4cyl, but much peppier and roomier. This SUV is fun to drive, has enough horsepower to carry 4 good size (and then some) people without dragging its feet, and handles very well. Even though it has lots of room inside, it's not a huge land barge like the Escalade. My friend bought a Ford Explorer and his 15 mpg is killing him. I've always had good luck with Pontiacs, and this looks like another winner.
Great choice
I had the Equinox LS for the past four years and had no real complaints. I know I've only owned the Torrent for a few weeks and its new, however the ride, handling, and style is superior over the Equinox. I would have gone for the new Vue however the cost to lease is unreal. I agree 100% with a lot of the other writers on the quirks based on my experience with the Equinox, but the Torrent is such a better upgrade.
2008 Pontiac Torrent
I traded up from a Vibe with 90,000 miles. That little car cost me almost nothing. I miss the Change holder, fuel door lock, always on headlights, and most of all the cover for the storage area. This is especially important for me since I am on the road a lot and my car is in a Motel Parking lot overnight. The car is only 48 hours old and already has 600 miles on it. I hope it is as reliable as the Vibe. It is a solid car, drives well, and maybe someday I will figure out how to program the radio.
not like 2006
Well, had the remote start problem back four times still not right. Steering tight. Gas is not good. Miss the change holder. Heated outside mirrors. Seat are not the best for ride, they changed them from 2006. Wish I had my 2006 back. Pag gr.
Great Choice!
What can I say. Black on black with 17 in. Wheels and it sexy looking as well as fun to drive. I opted for the 3.4, the 3.8 must be incredible! Love the onstar! Now if they could give us better front cup holders? When you take off, the 5 speed trans is so smooth! Watch it. You'll get speeding tickets! Gave up my stow & go Chrysler Town & Country and have no regrets!
Perfect Size SUV
Traded in my GMC Yukon for this Pontiac because of high gas prices. Though I would have to settle for less of a vehicle to save gas but I was wrong. Torrent is solid and is fun to drive. Tows my camper with no problem.
GXP!
Torrent reaches above the domestic SUV norm while delivering ample passenger space in front and rear. Great Acceleration.
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Locked up steering and ignition
This car has locked up 8 times on us since we bought it in April 2008 I have been told that's the way there designed and that's normal for torrents.
Pontiac paperweight.
If you're looking for a car that needs a new motor after 240k, then this one's for you! But don't think that a new motor will do you any good. If anything, you'll just be wasting thousands of $$ for a heap of junk that will leave you dead in the middle of an intersection. I had my motor replaced at 240,000km because it just died one morning and never started again. The motor that was put in ($3,700) had under 100,000km, and lasted me 6 months before it died on me in the middle of a highway intersection. The check engine light came on, the car DIED, and all of the lights started flashing: service stabilitrak, low oil, no engine power, no fuel, no abs. If you can think it, the warning sign came up for it. Codes showed up for Throttle Position Sensor, Knock Sensors, Crank Position Sensor We towed it home, replaced all of the sensors and a whole new Throttle Body. Drove the car for half an hour, and it died again. Not accelerating, not driving, and throwing all of the codes for the sensors we JUST REPLACED. The car would turn back on, but wouldn't drive for more than a few feet before dying again. I have no more savings to get this car back up and running and no local shops have a clue in hell what could be wrong with it. I have 2 young children who can't get to school now. I've been without a vehicle for 5 weeks and I have no options. Awesome. I don't understand why there isn't a recall on this vehicle - the amount of people who seem to have experience the same issues is almost comical.
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july08
The vehicle replaced a leased 2005 GMC EnvoyXL SLT. Though the Envoy was loaded the Torrent has plenty of features and is fun to drive. I pulled my boat 500 miles with no problem and the mileage is about 20% better than the Envoy. The Torrent is fun to drive, don't believe the reviews about it being "mushy" etc. The 3.4 V6 has plenty of spunk. The vehicle performs very well in town and on the highway. Highway mileage is about 25 and city is about 18. Plenty of room inside for 4 adults for long distance and 5 adults is not problem for shorter drives, rear seating has amazing leg room and front seat passenger seat has more room than the Envoy. We added the chrome package and leather.