why ads?

Popular at KBB.com

The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2008 Pontiac Torrent

Please enter a valid mileage

Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2009 Pontiac Torrent

Overview

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2008 Pontiac Torrent Review

By KBB.com Editors

As a division trying to re-establish its performance car credentials, Pontiac's decision to add the Torrent SUV to its line may, at first glance, seem a bit off the mark. But, given the public's appetite for smaller, more fuel-efficient SUVs and Pontiac's new-found knack for creating vibrant and youthful vehicles, the 2008 Pontiac Torrent's creation seems a logical approach to winning over younger buyers. Although the Torrent isn't really all-new (it shares its platform with the Chevrolet Equinox), it does offer a handsome and sporty exterior, a roomy interior with an adjustable rear seat, a standard V6 engine and the option of all-wheel drive.

You'll Like This Car If...

When it comes to solid construction, the 2008 Pontiac Torrent reaches above the domestic SUV norm while delivering ample passenger space in front and rear. Buyers who wish to customize their Torrents can obtain a fair number of accessories in addition to factory-installed options.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you're looking for an SUV that stands out from the pack, the Torrent's attractive shape barely pokes its head past the average mark. Some controls are not as logically laid-out as they might be, and the base vehicle isn't so different from its Equinox cousin in performance, handling or ride quality.

What's Significant About This Car?

A new trim, the GXP, adds a potent new V6 engine and a performance suspension. Base models receive a revised ride-and-handling package which includes stiffer shocks and hydraulic bushings.

Driving the Torrent

Driving Impressions Generally friendly and inviting, the quiet-running Torrent is easy to drive, stays on course easily and body lean through curves is less than for some of its competitors. All told,...

the Torrent feels a touch more tightly-crafted and capable than its GM mates. Handling trails import-brand level, but it's a cut above many domestic SUVs. The ride is a little better controlled than some, yielding a reasonably comfortable around-town experience. Acceleration for passing and merging is satisfactory, but on the mild side. Well-behaved most of the time, the automatic transmission is tarnished by an occasional abruptness while downshifting at low speed.

Favorite Features

Sliding Rear Seat
All you do is lift the long bar that runs along the front of the seat, and the seat slides forward to create more passenger legroom or rearward to provide more space for cargo.

Big Interior Space
This is classed as a "small" SUV, but the interior space puts many imports to shame.

2008 Pontiac Torrent Details

Interior

With room for five passengers, the 2008 Pontiac Torrent has a fold-flat front passenger seat that accommodates long items. The "multi-flex" 60/40-split rear bench seat adjusts fore and aft and also reclines. The Torrent is one of the easier SUVs to enter, and the rear seat provides ample leg space even in its farthest-forward position. The generously supportive and comfortable seats, however, are nearly devoid of side bolstering. Pontiac's Solstice sports car provides the steering wheel's design, and the distinctively-colored instruments have Pontiac's "signature" red backlighting, which makes them easier to read at night than in daylight.

Exterior

GM marketers promote the Torrent's "European-inspired" design, complemented by traditional Pontiac styling such as its familiar twin-port grilles. Pontiac claims the widest door openings in its segment to ease entry and exit, and the rear liftgate's defogger and wiper/washer aid with visibility. Sixteen-inch tires, a sport-tuned suspension, electrically-assisted power steering and wide (61.8-inch) track dimensions help with stability. Ground clearance approaches eight inches (seven on the GXP), with cleated skid plates and short front and rear overhangs to assure favorable approach and departure angles. Despite these heavy-duty features, the Torrent isn't intended for serious off-pavement treks.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2008 Pontiac Torrent features a 3.4-liter V6 engine, five-speed automatic transmission, manual air conditioning, power windows and locks with remote keyless entry, tilt steering, OnStar, daytime running lights, a rear spoiler, StabiliTrak stability control, a tire pressure monitoring system, driver information center with over 20 personalization and information features, roof rails, bodyside moldings and an AM/FM stereo with auxiliary input jack, MP3-compatible CD player and six speakers. Front-wheel-drive models come with standard four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS) and traction control. The GXP adds a 264-horsepower V6 engine, six-speed automatic transmission, 18-inch alloy wheels, performance tires, piano-black interior trim, leather steering wheel, heated seats and a 140-mile-per-hour speedometer.

Optional Equipment

Roof-rail side-curtain airbags are optional, and a multi-position adjustable rear package shelf may be installed. Additional options include leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats (with either cloth or leather upholstery), a power driver's seat, 17-inch aluminum wheels, a moonroof, steering wheel-mounted radio controls, DVD navigation, remote starter, a Pioneer premium sound system with seven speakers and subwoofer and XM Satellite Radio. Additionally, GM's Accessories Division can supply 19 extra items to suit owners who crave a custom look.

Under the Hood

While the 3.4-liter V6 powering the Torrent is far from a cutting-edge design, it has more than enough horsepower and torque to provide a nice balance between good acceleration and reasonable fuel economy. The all-wheel-drive system doesn't seem to change the performance much. Pontiac's adaptive five-speed automatic transmission delivers near-seamless shifts and its fifth gear helps maximize fuel consumption at highway speeds. Those seeking more performance should look to the 3.6-liter engine, which features variable valve timing for better fuel economy and produces a healthy 264 horsepower.

3.4-liter V6
185 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
210 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/24 (FWD), 17/24 (AWD)

3.6-liter V6
264 horsepower @ 6500 rpm
250 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/24 (FWD), 16/24 (AWD)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Pontiac Torrent vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2008 Pontiac Torrent Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

7.9

Out of 10

Based on 243 Ratings for the 2006 - 2009 models.

Review this car

Value

8.2/10

Quality

8.1/10
Reliability

8.5/10

Performance

8.3/10
Comfort

8.4/10

Styling

8.6/10

Great SUV for the money

By Bngther on Thursday, March 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 112,500

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Good value for money"

Cons: "Cheap interior with frequent bolt "disengagement""

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"Bought used with 42,000 miles. I've never had mechanical problems. Drives very well. When I first bought it in 2009 bolts would fall out in the interior frequently. Poor quality from that standpoint but can't complain overall. I'm glad I bought it."

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Great riding SUV!!

By Smiley0654 (NJ) on Wednesday, February 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 54,350

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Nice ride, easy access to controls, gas mile good"

Cons: "Gas tank could be bigger."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Current car was totaled in an accident. I got this SUV used. Was looking at a Saturn View. Was too small for me. This was another car on the lot. It has everything in it I wanted. Smooth riding for an SUV. Comfortable for 5 adults. Only wish the gas tank was bigger."

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

I LOVE my Torrent.

By long commute (SC) on Friday, August 31, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 96,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "MPG, great car for the price."

Cons: "turning radius"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought my car new in Jan 2008. Loved it from the first day. Have not had any issues with it. Keep it serviced oil change 3K, and maintenance service at 60K. Great fuel mileage average 22 mpg. But have gotten 26 on long trips/highway. Very roomy for a small SUV."

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

I love my Torrent!

By Susan (PA) on Tuesday, August 21, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 155,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "great pickup, nice mpg"

Cons: "cloth seats stain easily"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"My Torrent is over 6 years old, with 155K miles. I drive a lot and this is a very reliable car. It's only be in the shop twice for minor repairs. I keep the oil changed every 3000-5000 miles, keep the tires inflated and keep the gas tank full. Lately it's been getting 21-22 mpg. I'm very impressed with this vehicle. I wish they were still making them because I'd definitely buy another, with a few more options."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Decent before high miles

By Peaches85 (CO) on Wednesday, August 01, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 84,000

10 3.0

overall rating 3 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 3/10
Value: 3/10
Reliability: 5/10
Quality: 3/10
Performance: 4/10
Styling: 2/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "long drives"

Cons: "AC horrible, doesnt hold value, bad on rotars,"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I bought this car in 2007, a year after the original owners with 35000 miles on it. From day one I have had issues with the car starting (turning over), the tires squeak so bad that even after getting new roaters and tires they still had squeaking problems. Now 84000 miles in the car makes horrible sounds like it is being dragged in the opposite direction from which you are driving, take it to the dealership, they say nothing is wrong. It over heats really fast even with coolant and the maintenance lights come on at random times which causes a manual reset. Maintenance is not expensive however all the issues that pile up I would not suggest anyone purchase the vehicle nor a pontiac vehicle at all. It does ride well on long trips but gas mileage in town is HORRIBLE. The car has an option for AUX port but it is not in the car therefore you can not plug up any IPOD's, MP3's, etc. I cant wait to trade this in...I have $3400 in hail damage and Im hoping that after another hail storm my insurance company will just total this lemon!"

2 people out of 6 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

great SUV

By cagm08 (CA) on Wednesday, July 18, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 56,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "size and mpg cannot be beat for this price"

Cons: "not 4wd, no rear hitch"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The first thing I notice about this car is how quiet it is, I've even had friends ask me if it was electric because all you can hear is the tires on the road. Driving around town, my average mpg is between 19 and 20 mpg. On the freeway i get about 26mpg. Both better than advertised! For the price, you can't get a car that big with that good of mpg anywhere else. Love how the car handles, only problem I've had with the car is that the warning light went on but after I had it checked out nothing seemed to be wrong with the car. Also the power steering went out (blew the fuse) when I tried to jump start my friends truck. (Yes the cables were hooked up correctly.)"

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

See all 243 reviews