Drove a Torrent

[IAMCANADIAN]

My Alero was getting an oil change so I was looking around and I got to drive a Torrent. We're still trying to sell the stupid Sebring Convertible (Nobody wants them) so we might end up trading it in and selling the 9-5 which is something that we'd rather not do. Anyway overall, I like the Torrent and was really impressed with how well it drove.

Acceleration:
The 3.4L V6 has been around for a long time but is now made in China. It sounds similar to my Alero's 3.4 but seems more refined and quieter. Since this is a heavier vehicle, it doesn't have the same passing power as mine, but I floored it on the highway and was able to pass every car without a problem. In fact at one point I was going 150 km/h (94 MPH) on the highway and it was cruising along well. The 5-Speed Automatic shifts smoothly and is an excellent match to this engine.

Quietness:
Wind/Tire noise is muted and the only noise heard was the engine which has a pleasant throatiness to it which I've become accustomed to from GM's other OHV V6's.

Steering/Handling:
I was really impressed with the Torrent's steering and handling. The Torrent has the FE2 Firm Ride and Handling suspension like my Alero, but surprisingly seemed more agile. There was hardly any body lean and the 16 inch tires gripped surprisingly well. When I was driving through the curves, one of which is quite sharp and even at 45 MPH cornered like a sport sedan and better than many sedans I've driven. The Electric Power Steering feels different compared to hydraulic setups, but I liked the steering feel. It was light at low speeds and was firm and connected to the road at high speeds. They've really improved on it since we had it on our 2003 Vue.

Interior:
The interior is attractive looking and put together well. The materials are about average for the class but seemed quite durable. Still I'd prefer more soft touch materials. The seats are firm, but comfortable, but then again this is a Pontiac, not a Buick. There is lots of passenger and cargo space and the rear cargo system is deletable, which if we get one, we'll do so and it's a $0 charge. I like the rear sliding and reclining rear seats, it's great when hauling people in the back.

Overall:
I really liked this vehicle and I would recommend it to anyone who wants the performance of a Pontiac with the versatility of an SUV. It's priced fairly well and comes well equipped. It's certainly better than the Aztek and is a great player in its class.

Also I test drove a 2005 Grand Am SE Sedan. I love my car, but 2-doors is not practical anymore because I have to start driving my grandparents around and my grandma can't get into the backseat so I'm selling my car and buying either a Grand Am GT Sedan or Grand Prix GT/GTP Sedan. I drove the Grand Am SE and even though it has smaller tires, it handled better, didn't lean as much and the steering was firmer and felt more connected. In fact I was so impressed with the Grand Am's driving dynamics, I didn't want to go back to my car. I also liked the throatier exhaust note. The Grand Am might not be the best car out there, but I really liked the car and I almost regret not buying it instead of my Alero at the time. Sure the Alero looks better in some ways, but doesn't drive as nice as the Grand Am. I'd consider a Grand Prix as well as that's a nice car to. It all comes down to price.

[asim]

Nice and fair review man! Seems like you were impressed by the vehicle. Thats what GM cars seem to do, they usually quietly impress even the most biased consumer. The cars are just suprisingly good.

[IAMCANADIAN]

Originally Posted by asim

Nice and fair review man! Seems like you were impressed by the vehicle. Thats what GM cars seem to do, they usually quietly impress even the most biased consumer. The cars are just suprisingly good.

Thanks, I really like the new Torrent. It's definitely one of the nicer looking SUV's out there and seems to have the performance and dynamics to back it up. When I was going to drive it, I was expecting lots of body lean like our Vue had and that it was going to be somewhat sluggish, but I came away impressed. The Grand Am I knew right away when I sat in it was a nicer car. The Interior is different, but I don't mind it and most of the materials are decent, but that's not a big deal to me. So we'll see what happens, maybe we'll become a Pontiac family.

[sdotjoe]

Hmm...I drove a torrent today...
Copy and paste review of Equinox here.

I know a stopgap when I see one. This thing shoulda never existed.

[TahoeMikeZ71]

I know a stopgap when I see one. This thing shoulda never existed.

I disagree because Pontiac made an SUV that I see a lot and that appeals to people that dislike the Equinox.

[Black04GTO]

Originally Posted by IAMCANADIAN

Overall: I really liked this vehicle and I would recommend it to anyone who wants the performance of a Pontiac with the versatility of an SUV. It's priced fairly well and comes well equipped. It's certainly better than the Aztek and is a great player in its class.

I would have to agree! Nice write-up!

0% Financing - Bought a Torrent

[sdotjoe]

So, you don't think it looks exactly like an equinox.
If it means anything I actually prefer the equinox.

[TahoeMikeZ71]

Originally Posted by sdotjoe

So, you don't think it looks exactly like an equinox.

I don't think it looks EXACTLY the same as the Equinox inside or out.

[sdotjoe]

You know what I'm trying to say

[F14CRAZY]

I think people do need to get over GM cars being made by GM (not so good image) and just try them. Yes, it could be thought of as a rehashed Equinox, but from what's been said, the Pontiac's a pretty good vehicle.

[nsap]

Originally Posted by F14CRAZY

I think people do need to get over GM cars being made by GM (not so good image) and just try them. Yes, it could be thought of as a rehashed Equinox, but from what's been said, the Pontiac's a pretty good vehicle.

Especially when it's concerning the 3400. Yes it's old; OHV, and made in China, but that engine moves the Eqiunox/Torrent rather well.

[orangehole]

I was impressed when I sat in a Torrent while looking at the GXP. It was comfortable and had a decent layout. If it drives like a Equinox which I test drove in the past, it would be a worthy vehicle. The only thing I would say is wait till the 07 models hit with optional Navigation and remote start. Two options that are on a must have option list. I must say I walked away impressed with the Torrent and I am usually not a fan of Pontiac SUV/Cross overs.

[IAMCANADIAN]

Originally Posted by nsap

Especially when it's concerning the 3400. Yes it's old; OHV, and made in China, but that engine moves the Eqiunox/Torrent rather well.

It really does. I was surprised with the amount of power around town. On the highway it struggles more than my Alero or the Grand Am, but that's not surprising at all. Still I was able to cruise along at 95 MPH on the highway and pass cars and trucks without a problem. The 5-Speed Automatic is excellent though, I think GM should've offered it or a similar Hydra-matic one in other GM models.

Originally Posted by orangehole

If it drives like a Equinox which I test drove in the past, it would be a worthy vehicle.

The Torrent drives even better than the Equinox. I was amazed by how well it handled the curves. I've never seen an SUV corner the way the Torrent does. I'm not even exaggerating, in the curves, it felt like a sporty sedan which gives me a lot of confidence as I have a thing about SUV's and handling in emergency situations. When you sit in the passenger seat, the Torrent feels like a big American car, but when you drive it, it feels like a midsize sedan. My only beef with the firmer FE2 suspsension is that it's really noisy over bumps. It reminded me of my cousins 2001 Sunfire which was firm, somewhat jolting and loud over bumps. However it's worth it with the great handling.

[Black04GTO]

I drove a Torrent...

for over 800 miles over the holiday weekend (Holland, MI and Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, OH). I've had this Torrent (Black) for a week now and I love it. The highway ride is smooth and my wife even commented on how the Torrent is quieter on the road than her Honda Odyssey.

My sons, 12 and 14 yrs old, were very comfortable with "tons of legroom" in the back seat. The upgraded stereo (6-disc/XM/Pioneer Speakers) ROCKS.

My only "complaint" is that the turn signal and wiper control levers feel "flimsy", almost like they will snap off in your hand. Other than that, the build quality is excellent and the paint finish is far superior than the black paint I had on my '04 GTO.

Funny thing is that the Torrent turns more heads than my GTO ever did...go figure...

[Quickening]

I really like the Torrent and the interior has some nice color schemes. What I don't like, is that the Equinox got the clear taillights that look "sporty", those should be on the Torrent, instead of just red blobs.