2008 Pontiac Torrent Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.37/5 Average
40 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

A new GXP trim level debuts this year; this performance model comes with a 264-horsepower 3.6-liter V6, six-speed automatic transmission and sport-tuned steering and suspension components. Other changes this year include minor equipment adjustments and a retuned suspension for regular Torrents that Pontiac says provides better ride and handling characteristics than before.

Pros:
  • Flexible interior design, high crash test scores, powerful V6 engine in GXP trim.
Cons:

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 40.00
  • Loved Until Recently - 2008 Pontiac Torrent
    By -

    Bought my ’08 Torrent GXP in 2011 and, up until recently, I have loved it. However, I’ve now had the power steering hose break three times and I’m 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 I’m now looking at a new car as I’m 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.

  • Knew What I Was Getting - 2008 Pontiac Torrent
    By -

    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 hasnt 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 didnt get a scratch, or even feel sore the next day. I cant rave enough. Ive looked at trading it in for something with better MPG, but I cant find anything Id give up for Torrent for.

  • Comfortable Cross Over - 2008 Pontiac Torrent
    By -

    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.

  • Highly recommend GXP - 2008 Pontiac Torrent
    By -

    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.

  • Never buy a GM vehicle again! - 2008 Pontiac Torrent
    By -

    Has same issue with the blend door actuator as the 06 model for which there is a recall. GM wont 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!!

  • Bills Torrent - 2008 Pontiac Torrent
    By -

    I previously owned a 1998 Olds 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.

  • Dont buy - 2008 Pontiac Torrent
    By -

    Absolutely horrible and because you now must deal with GM they dont 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 didnt 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 doesnt 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.

  • Love my Torrent GXP - 2008 Pontiac Torrent
    By -

    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 GXPs 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.

  • july08 - 2008 Pontiac Torrent
    By -

    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, dont 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.

  • Dont miss out on a great bargain - 2008 Pontiac Torrent
    By -

    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.

Pontiac Torrent Reviews By Year:
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