2006 Pontiac Torrent Consumer Reviews

Not bad, not bad at all.

Written by: Uncle on 06/12/2009

Vehicle

2006 Pontiac Torrent 4dr SUV AWD (3.4L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I must have a good one. In 4 years I haven't had any major issues. The one thing I didn't like was the standard equipment tires wore out very quickly. I was lucky to get 15,000 miles out of them. Other than that, it's been a good vehicle.

Favorite Features

I like the sunroof, the steering wheel mounted sound controls, the stereo itself, the adjustable back seat, the split back seat, the cargo room and the looks.

Suggested Improvements

Design-wise, there are only a few minor issues: The inset windshield is hard to clear of snow. It gets packed in down around the wipers. The thick front pillars create a blind spot when you're turning left and looking to the right. The controls for the power drivers' seat are hard to reach.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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What's up with the wheel bearings?

Written by: Melissa on 03/18/2009

Vehicle

2006 Pontiac Torrent 4dr SUV AWD (3.4L 6cyl 5A)

Review

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 won't be.

Favorite Features

I like the body style, the nice amount of room for passengers in the back seat, and the stereo system

Suggested Improvements

Make certain that the car is mechanically sound before it leaves the factory, apparantly I got a car that definately has a defect

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Worst SUV, lots of REPAIRS

Written by: rocky on 02/07/2009

Vehicle

2006 Pontiac Torrent 4dr SUV AWD (3.4L 6cyl 5A)

Review

We purchased this vehicle because we wanted a SUV that had better gas mileage than our Envoy. But wish we had just purchased another Envoy!! Have had car in shop numerous times, check engine light repeatly comes on, had front wheel bearings replaced. Now the drivers' side heated seat BURNED UP, it even melted my husbands belt!!! I think they(Pontiac) should think about the issue!! Would not buy another TORRENT.

Favorite Features

Inside is very roomy.

Suggested Improvements

Work on the heated seat safety.

6 out 8 people found this review helpful

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It's OK

Written by: Jocelyn on 12/19/2008

Vehicle

2006 Pontiac Torrent 4dr SUV AWD (3.4L 6cyl 5A)

Review

So I had a Honda Civic and was forced to get rid of it for an SUV, not happy to begin with. Now I have 45K and my windshield has a 3+ crack that started from the right lower seal! Nothing hit my car. Now it's in my face. My rotors thump and my car won't crank over sometimes. I live in a snowy area and have driven it in the snow but never ever saw the AWD light kick on. It used to shift rough but now it's OK. I guess it was just because it was new. It's OK though, not happy with it but love the sunroof and definitely the stereo and sound system

Favorite Features

Stereo and sound system

Suggested Improvements

Just built to last longer than the warranty

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Awesome! For two weeks.

Written by: MAD on 09/11/2008

Vehicle

2006 Pontiac Torrent 4dr SUV AWD (3.4L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I was so excited when I bought this car, for the first month. Then things started happening: A bracket snapped that held something for the emissions system, another emissions problem, two warped rotors, radio on the fritz, heated seat cushion replaced, coolant sludged up, etc. Each of these was a separate trip to the shop, the Enterprise rent-a-car guy knew me by name. All within the first couple months of owning this thing (except for the rotors, that was at 17,000 miles, still ridiculous). The car is nice looking, functional for all my outdoor needs, lots of features, but overall I can't believe how many issues I've had with it. Worst reliability I've ever had in a vehicle.

Favorite Features

Auto dimming mirror is awesome, I'll never buy a car without heated seats again, and automatic headlights are awesome! My last car had them too (A Pontiac Vibe that I should've never sold). I haven't had to remember to turn my headlights on since 2004! Lesson learned, get a vibe (made by Toyota)

Suggested Improvements

06 was the first year for the Torrent and everyone "knows" not to buy the first year model because of all the kinks and bugs they need to work out...well, it's the same car as a Saturn Vue and Chevy Equinox, so I figured I should've been good to go, WRONG! Hope any of you with an 07+ had better luck

6 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Worst Car Ever!

Written by: trish526 on 08/06/2008

Vehicle

2006 Pontiac Torrent 4dr SUV AWD (3.4L 6cyl 5A)

Review

This has to be the biggest lemon I ever bought! It's now 2 years old and it's been in for service over 10 times starting 6 months after I bought it. It's been in for reasons ranging from a bad battery to the ignition column locking up. Each time I take it in service claims it's fixed and each time I have the same issue or a whole new one. I've called Pontiac and GMC and neither can help me. I'm now stuck in a car that's been deemed unsafe for another 2 years because it will cost me too much to get out. I cringe whenever I drive the car and brace myself to deal with service centers. If you want reliable, go with a Honda. If you want headaches, buy a GMC or Pontiac.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

Take it off the market, work the bugs out, then burn the blueprints and pretend it never existed! You can't fix this car.

2 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Damn Good Vehicle

Written by: Joe Cottone sr on 08/06/2008

Vehicle

2006 Pontiac Torrent 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)

Review

My lease on the 2006 is up next month & am looking to replace it with another Torrent, thats how much I like it. Gas mileage is 16 city 22 hwy, handles well, roomy enough for my 6'2" 350lb front or back seat. Don't need 3rd seat. I am looking for comfort & economy, the engine has plenty of get up & go when needed. Has plenty of added features that seem to work well when needed, good enough storage space. Great Looking Too!

Favorite Features

It's good pick up on Hwy, easy to change lanes, High enough to see road better, its stability makes for a more secure ride, good looking vehicle.More car like than truck handling.

Suggested Improvements

Left leg hits handle on door & left foot has no plate to rest on while driving. Ignition has sticking problems that still haunt the suv. Vision could be better in rear blind spot. Its now sounding a little tinny. Could use stronger suspension & better shocks. Better gas mileage would be helpful.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Problems with ignition and key assembly

Written by: Annette on 07/27/2008

Vehicle

2006 Pontiac Torrent 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Positive things: roomy inside, and gas mileage is great. Negative things: key ignition locks up. Have had it replaced (cylinder) and still in locks up again. Also had a defect in the wheel bearing and GM first did not want to include in my GM protection plan extended warranty which I purchased at a high price. After reaching GMPP themselves, it was paid. But I had to pay $100 deductible 3 times to get things straightened out.

Favorite Features

Good gas mileage (28 mpg) Body style and room to carry lots of stuff

Suggested Improvements

Console, cup holders, key lock

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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It's been nice

Written by: sadiesangel on 06/09/2008

Vehicle

2006 Pontiac Torrent 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I have had my Torrent for 3+ years now and for the most part have loved it. I have been told that they are discontinuing this model which is upsetting. I have had some problems with parts/repairs. Wished it had a 5 year/100,000 warranty. I don't think the 3 year/36,000 covers long enough.

Favorite Features

I love the color and the sportiness

Suggested Improvements

The AC takes for ever to cool and is very loud. The brakes, weatherstripping, & cup holders have been an issue since I purchased it. All have had to be replaced long before they should have. Turn radius is awful.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Can't Say I'm Thrilled

Written by: Susan on 03/26/2008

Vehicle

2006 Pontiac Torrent 4dr SUV AWD (3.4L 6cyl 5A)

Review

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. It's a beautiful car, but I just don't feel safe. And a year ago I was able to get up to 23 mpg - now lucky if I get 19. What's up?

Favorite Features

Red color, sunroof, heated seats, power locks (good range)

Suggested Improvements

This car needs some weight; better gas mileage, also not the quietest car I test drove.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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