Thoughts on the Torrent

jhorton · 08-06-2008, 10:42 AM

I am considering purchasing a Pontiac Torrent or possibly the Chevy Equinox.
What are people thoughts on these. I prefer the look of the Torrent.
Are there any problems to be aware of? I am looking at getting a used 2006 model opposed to a brand new one as they are out of my price range.

All help or info appreciated.

FenwickHockey65 · 08-06-2008, 11:50 AM

They're pretty good cars...as long as you don't end up with nsap's Equinox.
I prefer the Equinox more myself, partly since it's the original. But to each his own.

montrealvue · 08-06-2008, 11:58 AM

You can get alot more "SUV" in other vehicles. Not to say the Torrent is bad. It's comfortable and spacious and is a decent daily driver. On the down side the drivetrain is dated and not as efficient as many others out there. Also, reliability is kinda spotty. A 2004 or later Saturn Vue with a V6 would be a much better alternative. The Honda drivetrain is bulletproof and prices are about the same as the Torrent or Nox.

Hitman1970 · 08-06-2008, 11:59 AM

I have a rental one today while my LaCrosse is the shop getting some warranty work. (Will post outcome and observations later.)

What I can say so far is that I like the Torrent. I found the 3400 engine to be more than adequate for merging onto the highway and cruising at 70 MPH. As this is a bit of a stripper model, I did not have a full DIC to tell me fuel-efficiency numbers or anything. I found the interior to be less cheap feeling than the Vibe I was in a few weeks ago. The visors are pretty flimsy in my opinion however. It had a cloth interior. I would go with leather if you can spring for it.

jhorton · 08-06-2008, 12:09 PM

I currently have an 04 Santa Fe. It doesn't have any safety features like abs or traction control. Needless to say winter driving is an adventure in itself.
I had a grand am before which was a great car. The Santa Fe has given me more trouble then I want to deal with and I wouldn't recommend it unless you don't mind continuously paying expensive repair costs.
I test drove a Torrent and was surprised at how much space it had in it.

GMC-70 · 08-06-2008, 12:28 PM

Even though the differences are slight, the Torrent carries the design to a higher level then the Nox. IMO go for the Torrent--its sportier (at least in looks) and a bonus is that you can find it in a parking lot

Uzzy · 08-06-2008, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

They're pretty good cars...as long as you don't end up with nsap's Equinox.
I prefer the Equinox more myself, partly since it's the original. But to each his own.

The VUE was the original, actually.

Don't count the VUE out of your search as others said. I think the Honda 3.5L V6 didn't come in until 2005 tho. The previous 3.0L Vauxhall engine wasn't great and neither is the 3.4L unit in the Equinox or Torrent. But I do agree the Torrent is the best looking of the bunch.

FenwickHockey65 · 08-06-2008, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uzzy

The VUE was the original, actually.

Don't count the VUE out of your search as others said. I think the Honda 3.5L V6 didn't come in until 2005 tho. The previous 3.0L Vauxhall engine wasn't great and neither is the 3.4L unit in the Equinox or Torrent. But I do agree the Torrent is the best looking of the bunch.

Well yeah, I meant of that body style though. Since the Torrent is basically just an Equinox with red darts all over it.

Hitman1970 · 08-06-2008, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

Well yeah, I meant of that body style though. Since the Torrent is basically just an Equinox with red darts all over it.

The Red Dart is a fine emblem and I would have no problem having one on the front of my next vehicle as long as the product is worthy.

I am sure you could pick up a slightly used Torrent pretty cheap right now too.

HoosierRon · 08-06-2008, 05:46 PM

If you can afford the GXP, you get a much nicer engine and transmission.

Firebird00 · 08-06-2008, 09:15 PM

The Torrent is a lot more thought out design than its Chevy counterpart. The Equinox looks down right flea market cheap to me. If I was considering these two, I'd pick the Torrent handsdown.

USA1Fan · 08-07-2008, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Firebird00

The Torrent is a lot more thought out design than its Chevy counterpart. The Equinox looks down right flea market cheap to me. If I was considering these two, I'd pick the Torrent handsdown.

Funniest thing I've read today!

jhorton · 08-07-2008, 09:10 AM

Are there any real differences between the years 2006 and now for the torrents besides colours?
Also I thought I read somewhere about 2006's having some issue with the antenna being loose or coming loose?

jhorton · 08-13-2008, 03:19 PM

Can someone also tell me what the gas mileage difference would be between an all wheel drive and front wheel drive?

montrealvue · 08-13-2008, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhorton

Can someone also tell me what the gas mileage difference would be between an all wheel drive and front wheel drive?

FWD:
City 17
Combined 19
Hwy 22

AWD:
City 16
Combined 18
Hwy 21

Pretty average for a 6 cyl. SUV....if you want less look for something with a 4 cyl.

08-06-2008, 10:42 AM	#1 (permalink)
jhorton Walking Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 6	Thoughts on the Torrent I am considering purchasing a Pontiac Torrent or possibly the Chevy Equinox. What are people thoughts on these. I prefer the look of the Torrent. Are there any problems to be aware of? I am looking at getting a used 2006 model opposed to a brand new one as they are out of my price range. All help or info appreciated.

08-06-2008, 11:50 AM	#2 (permalink)
FenwickHockey65 7.0 Liter LS7 V8 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: West Chester, OH Drives: Chevrolet Malibu LS, GMC Envoy SLE, GMC Sonoma SLS Posts: 5,493	Re: Thoughts on the Torrent They're pretty good cars...as long as you don't end up with nsap's Equinox. I prefer the Equinox more myself, partly since it's the original. But to each his own. __________________ Proud to drive American. Proud to drive GM. Current Cars: 2007 Chevrolet Malibu LS: 2.2L ECOTEC I-4 2003 GMC Envoy SLE: 4.2L Vortec 4200 I-6 1998 GMC Sonoma SLS Ext. Cab: 4.3L Vortec 4300 V6 Former Cars: 1993 Saturn SW2 (1993-2006, 243,000 miles) 1989 GMC Safari SLT (1989-2003, 293,000 miles) Future Car: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro 2LT RS: 3.6L DI VVT V6

08-06-2008, 11:58 AM	#3 (permalink)
montrealvue 6.0 Liter Vortec V8 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Montreal,PQ - 2006 Saturn Vue V6 ! Posts: 1,908	Re: Thoughts on the Torrent You can get alot more "SUV" in other vehicles. Not to say the Torrent is bad. It's comfortable and spacious and is a decent daily driver. On the down side the drivetrain is dated and not as efficient as many others out there. Also, reliability is kinda spotty. A 2004 or later Saturn Vue with a V6 would be a much better alternative. The Honda drivetrain is bulletproof and prices are about the same as the Torrent or Nox. __________________ '87 Merc Tracer '88 Toyota Tercel '89 VW Golf '94 Saturn SL '97 Pontiac Grand Am '00 Olds Silhouette '02 Dodge Intrepid '04 Chev Malibu '06 Saturn Vue Last edited by montrealvue : 08-06-2008 at 12:01 PM.

08-06-2008, 11:59 AM	#4 (permalink)
Hitman1970 6.0 Liter Vortec V8 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Huntsville, AL Drives: 2006 Buick LaCrosse CXS; Black with Grey Interior Posts: 1,978	Re: Thoughts on the Torrent I have a rental one today while my LaCrosse is the shop getting some warranty work. (Will post outcome and observations later.) What I can say so far is that I like the Torrent. I found the 3400 engine to be more than adequate for merging onto the highway and cruising at 70 MPH. As this is a bit of a stripper model, I did not have a full DIC to tell me fuel-efficiency numbers or anything. I found the interior to be less cheap feeling than the Vibe I was in a few weeks ago. The visors are pretty flimsy in my opinion however. It had a cloth interior. I would go with leather if you can spring for it. __________________ Current Ride: 2006 Buick LaCrosse CXS (Black w/ Grey Leather Interior) Wife's Ride: 2005 Ford Freestyle SEL (Charcoal Grey/Silver w/Grey Leather Interior)

08-06-2008, 12:09 PM	#5 (permalink)
jhorton Walking Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 6	Re: Thoughts on the Torrent I currently have an 04 Santa Fe. It doesn't have any safety features like abs or traction control. Needless to say winter driving is an adventure in itself. I had a grand am before which was a great car. The Santa Fe has given me more trouble then I want to deal with and I wouldn't recommend it unless you don't mind continuously paying expensive repair costs. I test drove a Torrent and was surprised at how much space it had in it.

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08-06-2008, 12:28 PM	#6 (permalink)
GMC-70 3.8 Liter Supercharged V6 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: USA Drives: 07 HHR and a 96 Formula Convert Posts: 672	Re: Thoughts on the Torrent Even though the differences are slight, the Torrent carries the design to a higher level then the Nox. IMO go for the Torrent--its sportier (at least in looks) and a bonus is that you can find it in a parking lot

08-06-2008, 05:46 PM	#10 (permalink)
HoosierRon Banned Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 6,666	Re: Thoughts on the Torrent If you can afford the GXP, you get a much nicer engine and transmission.

08-06-2008, 09:15 PM	#11 (permalink)
Firebird00 4.4 Liter Supercharged Northstar Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Houston, TX Drives: Red 2001 Corvette Posts: 2,195	Re: Thoughts on the Torrent The Torrent is a lot more thought out design than its Chevy counterpart. The Equinox looks down right flea market cheap to me. If I was considering these two, I'd pick the Torrent handsdown. __________________

08-07-2008, 09:10 AM	#13 (permalink)
jhorton Walking Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 6	Re: Thoughts on the Torrent Are there any real differences between the years 2006 and now for the torrents besides colours? Also I thought I read somewhere about 2006's having some issue with the antenna being loose or coming loose? Last edited by jhorton : 08-08-2008 at 02:05 PM.

08-13-2008, 03:19 PM	#14 (permalink)
jhorton Walking Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 6	Re: Thoughts on the Torrent Can someone also tell me what the gas mileage difference would be between an all wheel drive and front wheel drive?

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