By Jim Flammang
Cars.com National May 10, 2005Vehicle Overview
The new Pontiac Torrent is closely related to the Chevrolet Equinox and Saturn Vue sport utility vehicles. Pontiac says the five-passenger Torrent combines carlike agility with SUV capability and versatility. Power comes from a 3.4-liter V-6, and the car can be equipped with either front- or all-wheel drive.
An adjustable rear seat yields greater legroom for backseat passengers when it's moved rearward and expands the cargo area when it's slid forward. The backseat also reclines. Sales begin in the second half of 2005.
Exterior
The Torrent's twin-port grille is a Pontiac norm. Headlights that wrap into the front fenders flank the grille, and a wide air intake sits below it. The front and rear overhangs are short, and the fenders are flared. Fog lamps and front and rear skid plates are standard.
MacPherson struts are used for the front suspension, and a four-link independent suspension is installed in the rear. Built on a 112.5-inch wheelbase, the Torrent is 188.8 inches long overall, 71.4 inches wide and 67 inches tall. Ground clearance is nearly 8 inches for both front- and all-wheel-drive models. Standard aluminum wheels hold 16-inch tires, and 17-inch tires are optional.
Interior
The backseat is split 60/40, and the front passenger seat folds down. Cargo volume totals 37.5 cubic feet with the backseat raised and expands to 72.5 cubic feet when that seat is folded. The rear seat can expand cargo space by 5 cubic feet when making full use of its 8 inches of travel. Instruments have red backlighting.
All Torrents have power door locks with remote keyless entry, air conditioning, power windows and a six-speaker CD stereo. The rear liftgate contains a defogger and wiper/washer. Options include leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, a power driver's seat, a CD/MP3 stereo with a six-CD changer and subwoofer, and steering wheel radio controls. An optional Cargo Storage System includes bins in the floor and wheel wells, as well as a polycarbonate shelf that can be repositioned and configured as a table. Three 12-volt power outlets are installed.
Under the Hood
The Torrent's 3.4-liter V-6 develops 185 horsepower and 210 pounds-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic is the sole transmission.
Safety
Antilock brakes are standard and side curtain-type airbags are optional.
Additional Reviews
Cars.com Expert Reviews
| Jim Flammang | Cars.com National | May 10, 2005 |
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| Kristin Varela | Mother Proof | December 27, 2005 |
| G. Chambers Williams III | Star-Telegram.com | November 16, 2005 |
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| Anita And Paul Lienert | The Detroit Newspapers | November 9, 2005 |
| Warren Brown | washingtonpost.com | August 28, 2005 |
| Jim Mateja | chicagotribune.com | August 7, 2005 |
| Steven Cole Smith | Orlando Sentinel | July 28, 2005 |
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