Overview & Reviews

For 2006, Pontiac unveils the Torrent, a crossover SUV based on the Chevrolet Equinox platform.

• Long wheelbase affords plenty of interior room, fore/aft-adjustable rear seats, high crash test scores, available side curtain airbags.

• Limited choice in drivetrains, confusing stereo control layout, slow steering response.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 157.00

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  PIECE OF CRAP!!! - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By NRBO - December 6 - 2:00 am

  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 wont 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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  2006 Not Worth It - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By archie74 - July 22 - 11:51 pm

  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. Im 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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  Lots of room, poor fuel economy/engine - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By DandT - February 20 - 1:40 am

  This is my first GM product and my first SUV. Great inside - nice and roomy. Cant use front cupholder and e brake at same time. Only 21-22 mpg.Drives wonderfully - very smooth. Very quiet ride. A pleasure to drive until three weeks ago. Carbon buildup in cylinders at only 21,000 miles and Im not putting trashy gas in it. Something isnt burning right and GM wants to put a band-aid on it instead of finding the cause of the carbon build-up. Ive been without my vehicle for three weeks. Way too new to be having problems.

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  Please dont buy this truck! - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Naomi Milligan - January 18 - 12:54 pm

  I purchased my 2006 Pontiac Torrent used but GM certified the day after I drove it off the lot I had to take it back for an oil pan seal (luckily the dealer covered that since I had the car less than 24 hours) that was just the beginning and I should have RAN!! I have had this truck 3 years and thus far I have replaced the following: tires, 16 wheel bearings (all by different mechanics to rule out mechanics error), rear end, carrier bearing, CV axles (front and rear), brakes and rotors, 4 alignments (to try and fix the wheel bearing issue), ball joints, control arms, EGR tube, ABS sensor, factory radio (switched for an actermarket as Ive heard of sooooo many issues with the factory ones), cruise control, steering column, windshield washer motor, windshield (x3 dont let a pebble hit the glass, ever!), and after JUST putting over a grand in to it not even a month later (which seems to be about the timeline I get in between repairs) the check engine light is on, the alternator is going out, and there is an all too familiar grinding starting back up. I have actually decided to get a second vehicle as this one is in the shop SO MUCH and every time I go to sell it, something else BREAKS and I have to get it repaired. I am not one to beat my vehicles up (I hate paying for repairs!) and this thing STILL is nothing but problems! The interior is also cheaply made as there is paint coming off the door handles and the radio surround. Oh! And the bumper brackets broke about a month after I bought it (and continued to break) so I got innovative and started using cable ties, probably the most reliable part on this entire vehicle!!! STAY AWAY FROM THIS VEHICLE AT ALL COST!!!! Ive estimated about 8 grand (so far) in repairs and as soon as the check engine light came on it started idling hard (non-permissible content removed)!

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  Glad to see it gone! - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Inwisconsin - September 20 - 9:50 pm

  I have to say I am glad I got rid of my Torrent. The gas mileage was truly the clincher of me getting rid of the vehicle. The window sticker is not even close to what the true gas mileage is. Had the vehicle for one year, NEVER got over 17 on the HWY, and about 13 in the city! Had many minor problems but annoying after awhile to take in for this and that, and a day without the vehicle, thank god they have courtesy transportation. Right before it was traded in, I had put in 89 octane gas and my engine light came on, I was told by the dealership NOTHING BUT cheap gas as it was a small combustion engine? Very odd issues, but glad its gone!

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  Cant Say Im Thrilled - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Susan - August 27 - 4:00 am

  As my first SUV, I loved it at first. Then hit the winter and I felt like I had no car around me. Slid everywhere and even did one 360 - fortunately, no injuries and no damage. Put weight in back, but wheel bearings could take it. Its a beautiful car, but I just dont feel safe. And a year ago I was able to get up to 23 mpg - now lucky if I get 19. Whats up?

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  Get to know your mechanic! - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By callaann27 - January 9 - 12:30 am

  I bought my Torrent used with 70,000. Around 80K I replaced a wheel bearing and it stopped heating. By 90K I had blown head gaskets twice and made the decision to put a new motor in it with 44K. This motor is running much smoother but my engine light stays on at all times. Going on 95K on the body and my struts need to be replaced and another set of tires. I need to get this car paid off and move on from GM.

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  Cheap = Expensive - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Dave - July 29 - 11:53 am

  Last winter the heater blend door and actuator broke. $1300- the entire dash has to be removed to fix a $60 part. Leather seat has split. Front right wheel bearing needs replacing.

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  Whats up with the wheel bearings? - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Melissa - January 22 - 5:06 am

  From 20000 miles until today I have replaced a total of 5 wheel bearings each and then again the rear passenger side. I cannot for the life of me figure out what is causing this! The first two were under warranty the last 3 have cost a whopping $ 400 each incl. labor. Fortunately today my mechanic gave me a break on the parts and discounted my bill I hope that this is the last that needs replaced but I fear it wont be.

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  In the shop a lot! - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Joanna - December 19 - 10:33 pm

  I have taken my 2006 Torrent in to get fixed more than id like to say. The one thats 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?