Opinions on the Pontiac Torrent V6

[Uzzy]

A friend of mine is looking at getting a 2006 Torrent to replace her 2005 Saturn ION. She loves it and tells me it's a V6, so I suppose it has the much maligned Chinese 3.5L, correct? What's the scoop on these motors? Are they that bad? The vehicle is in excellent shape and she can get it for about $50 more per month than her ION.

[FenwickHockey65]

Is it a standard Torrent or a GXP?

The standard Torrent had the craptastic 3.4L V6.

The GXP had the 3.6L V6.

By the way, the 3.5L V6 wasn't too bad. A lot of people liked it in the Malibu/Aura. It was the 3.4L that was from China...and royally sucked.

[Elvisuperman]

The 3.4 was crap.

[Blair1118]

My sister just got a 2008 Torrent GXP with CFC and its AMAZING, like that last post, not sure if its the same V6, but she's had it for a few months now and its been her favorite car ever.

[Uzzy]

This one is not GXP and it's the 3.4L not 3.5L I was confused there.

But all I've heard is "they're junk." Well I want to know why. I want to hear about specific issues about them. I've heard the same about other engines and know people that have heard that about engines that I know are good, or fine if you know what to look for. I want to hear from owners and mechanics (though mechanics tend to be overly critical and harsh sometimes).

[civilzues]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

By the way, the 3.5L V6 wasn't too bad. A lot of people liked it in the Malibu/Aura.

I had it in my G6 and it was also craptastic!

[K-1]

Originally Posted by Uzzy

This one is not GXP and it's the 3.4L not 3.5L I was confused there.

But all I've heard is "they're junk." Well I want to know why. I want to hear about specific issues about them. I've heard the same about other engines and know people that have heard that about engines that I know are good, or fine if you know what to look for. I want to hear from owners and mechanics (though mechanics tend to be overly critical and harsh sometimes).

From the previous owner of an '05 3.4L 'Nox:

- Oil pan gasket leaked = replaced under warranty
- Rear head gasket leaked = replaced under warranty
- A/C compressor died = replaced under warranty
- Fuel sending unit died = replaced under warranty
- Radio died x2, paint peeled off x1 = replaced 3x under warranty
- Front and rear badges deteriorated = replaced under warranty
- License plate bulb burned out = replaced under warranty
- Averaged 20mpg over life of vehicle

[W.A.F.U.]

Originally Posted by Uzzy

This one is not GXP and it's the 3.4L not 3.5L I was confused there.

But all I've heard is "they're junk." Well I want to know why. I want to hear about specific issues about them. I've heard the same about other engines and know people that have heard that about engines that I know are good, or fine if you know what to look for. I want to hear from owners and mechanics (though mechanics tend to be overly critical and harsh sometimes).

Simple really. Every customer I have has needed intake manifold gaskets on the 3.4 V6. Probably half of those also ended up doing head gaskets as well.

Not to mention if this Torrent is AWD, it will need the driveshaft carrier bearing replaced and that part has been on backorder for a long time. Took us 3 weeks to get the last one for a Vue last week.

[deleete]

My lady has an 06 Torrent with just under 45k miles on it and so far she's only had a battery warrantied. No leaks of any kind that I can tell. I've done all the oil changes. I have done a resurface on the front rotors due to them warping at 25k miles. We have been noticing the AC compressor doesn't want to kick on sometimes so we'll probably bring it in to have it checked sooner or later. Just put some Kuhmo Solus KR21's(235/60/17) on it and it rides/handles/steers WAY better than the BS Duelers factory installed!! I couldn't believe the difference!

[Uzzy]

Originally Posted by deleete

My lady has an 06 Torrent with just under 45k miles on it and so far she's only had a battery warrantied. No leaks of any kind that I can tell. I've done all the oil changes. I have done a resurface on the front rotors due to them warping at 25k miles. We have been noticing the AC compressor doesn't want to kick on sometimes so we'll probably bring it in to have it checked sooner or later. Just put some Kuhmo Solus KR21's(235/60/17) on it and it rides/handles/steers WAY better than the BS Duelers factory installed!! I couldn't believe the difference!

My friend decided against getting somthing new (luckily, I guess). She's too far upside down in her ION and to get the Torrent, her payments would be like $50 more, but for another 6 years from now or w/e. so she said forget it.

My mom has a VUE with the junkola Duellers on it. When it comes time for new tires, I'm going to look for some Aluminum wheels from higher levels od the VUE and have her get some good tires. She's got the 16" steelies with wheel covers right now.