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2006
Pontiac Torrent

Starts at:
$21,400
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New 2006 Pontiac Torrent
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Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
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NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • FWD 4dr
    Starts at
    $21,400
    19 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • AWD 4dr
    Starts at
    $23,205
    18 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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2006 Pontiac Torrent 2006 Pontiac Torrent 2006 Pontiac Torrent 2006 Pontiac Torrent 2006 Pontiac Torrent 2006 Pontiac Torrent 2006 Pontiac Torrent 2006 Pontiac Torrent 2006 Pontiac Torrent 2006 Pontiac Torrent 2006 Pontiac Torrent 2006 Pontiac Torrent 2006 Pontiac Torrent 2006 Pontiac Torrent 2006 Pontiac Torrent

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Expert 2006 Pontiac Torrent review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Kristin Varela
Full article
our expert's take

When the 2006 Pontiac Torrent arrives for my extended real-life test drive (which will include carpooling, hauling Christmas gifts, and normal mundane mom errands), I’ll be curious to find out about this vehicle that I’ve never heard of.

Typically, new vehicles come out with a splash of print and television marketing designed to brainwash the consumer into cashing in their kids’ college fund to buy one. My stack of unread magazines are usually inundated with ads from the latest family-focused cars.

Why have I not heard of the Torrent? The Pontiac Torrent is a new entry into the ‘crossover’ segment for 2006, meaning that it blends the best attributes of an SUV with a less trucky, more car-like, ride. These vehicles are becoming superhot, since their car-like rides almost always result in higher gas mileage than SUVs (read: less time and money at the pump for busy families on a budget) and higher crash-test ratings (read: more peace of mind for moms toting precious cargo – i.e. children).

As usual, my fist impression of the Torrent has to do with installing child safety seats. The Latch connectors are easily visible and accessible, and the best part is that the rear seat is wide enough to accommodate three sets of Latch connectors. Hallelujah!

However, this feature would be greatly improved if General Motors would color code these Latch connectors. Two of the sets overlap, resulting in some confusion for the sucker who has to figure out which two connectors make a pair. Latch connectors are engineered to withstand the impact of a collision only when used in conjunction with the proper partner.

The sliding rear seats move forward and back 8 inches, allowing me to customize the fit of the Torrent to my needs. I can move the seats back to make more legroom for carpoolers to climb in, or move them forward when additional cargo space is needed to haul the kids’ Christmas loot from Grandma’s house.

The rear seats recline and also fold flat very easily, making enough room to fit four packages of holiday cookies, three pillows for a sleepover, two boxes of gifts, one double stroller, and a partridge in a pear tree. The cargo area also sports grocery bag hooks and large pop-down dry-cleaning hooks, my favorite!

Up front, there is an under-console storage spot perfect for keeping my purse out of the passenger seat, and it also has slots to store all of the kids’ CDs. Since the Torrent is equipped with XM Satellite radio, through, CDs seem outdated and unnecessary. Additional storage is found in the doors, and small netted compartments live near the driver and front passenger’s feet.

Operating the standard gadgetry on the Pontiac Torrent is pretty straightforward and simple. I appreciate the clearly labeled windshield wiper control. Not something one would normally consider in a new car but since I drive a new car every week, I’m always confused by the windshield wipers. Do I twist them, push them, pull them or shake them all about, then do the hokey pokey to get the wiper fluid out?

One feature that’s not so straightforward is the automatic window control. After several minutes of frustrations, I finally locate it not on the door or armrest, where it normally would be found, but below the gear shift.

Although the outside of this vehicle is modern and sporty looking, “sophisticated interior color palettes … also bolster the Torrent’s upscale aura,” states General Motors. Don’t be fooled. GM forgets to mention the vast inclusion of all things plastic in this car. The Torrent is not luxurious or upscale, but it definitely is versatile and functional for growing families.

*For more information on the Pontiac Torrent and its safety features visit Cars.com.

LET’S TALK NUMBERS

LATCH Connectors: 3

Seating Capacity (includes driver): 5

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT

Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample

Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample

SENSE AND STYLE

Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Great

Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove-On): Good Times

Senior Editor
Kristin Varela

Former Senior Family Editor Kristin Varela blends work and family life by driving her three tween-teen girls every which way in test cars.

2006 Pontiac Torrent review: Our expert's take
By Kristin Varela

When the 2006 Pontiac Torrent arrives for my extended real-life test drive (which will include carpooling, hauling Christmas gifts, and normal mundane mom errands), I’ll be curious to find out about this vehicle that I’ve never heard of.

Typically, new vehicles come out with a splash of print and television marketing designed to brainwash the consumer into cashing in their kids’ college fund to buy one. My stack of unread magazines are usually inundated with ads from the latest family-focused cars.

Why have I not heard of the Torrent? The Pontiac Torrent is a new entry into the ‘crossover’ segment for 2006, meaning that it blends the best attributes of an SUV with a less trucky, more car-like, ride. These vehicles are becoming superhot, since their car-like rides almost always result in higher gas mileage than SUVs (read: less time and money at the pump for busy families on a budget) and higher crash-test ratings (read: more peace of mind for moms toting precious cargo – i.e. children).

As usual, my fist impression of the Torrent has to do with installing child safety seats. The Latch connectors are easily visible and accessible, and the best part is that the rear seat is wide enough to accommodate three sets of Latch connectors. Hallelujah!

However, this feature would be greatly improved if General Motors would color code these Latch connectors. Two of the sets overlap, resulting in some confusion for the sucker who has to figure out which two connectors make a pair. Latch connectors are engineered to withstand the impact of a collision only when used in conjunction with the proper partner.

The sliding rear seats move forward and back 8 inches, allowing me to customize the fit of the Torrent to my needs. I can move the seats back to make more legroom for carpoolers to climb in, or move them forward when additional cargo space is needed to haul the kids’ Christmas loot from Grandma’s house.

The rear seats recline and also fold flat very easily, making enough room to fit four packages of holiday cookies, three pillows for a sleepover, two boxes of gifts, one double stroller, and a partridge in a pear tree. The cargo area also sports grocery bag hooks and large pop-down dry-cleaning hooks, my favorite!

Up front, there is an under-console storage spot perfect for keeping my purse out of the passenger seat, and it also has slots to store all of the kids’ CDs. Since the Torrent is equipped with XM Satellite radio, through, CDs seem outdated and unnecessary. Additional storage is found in the doors, and small netted compartments live near the driver and front passenger’s feet.

Operating the standard gadgetry on the Pontiac Torrent is pretty straightforward and simple. I appreciate the clearly labeled windshield wiper control. Not something one would normally consider in a new car but since I drive a new car every week, I’m always confused by the windshield wipers. Do I twist them, push them, pull them or shake them all about, then do the hokey pokey to get the wiper fluid out?

One feature that’s not so straightforward is the automatic window control. After several minutes of frustrations, I finally locate it not on the door or armrest, where it normally would be found, but below the gear shift.

Although the outside of this vehicle is modern and sporty looking, “sophisticated interior color palettes … also bolster the Torrent’s upscale aura,” states General Motors. Don’t be fooled. GM forgets to mention the vast inclusion of all things plastic in this car. The Torrent is not luxurious or upscale, but it definitely is versatile and functional for growing families.

*For more information on the Pontiac Torrent and its safety features visit Cars.com.

LET’S TALK NUMBERS

LATCH Connectors: 3

Seating Capacity (includes driver): 5

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT

Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample

Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample

SENSE AND STYLE

Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Great

Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove-On): Good Times

Available cars near you

Safety review

Based on the 2006 Pontiac Torrent base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
5/5
Frontal passenger
5/5
Nhtsa rollover rating
3/5
Side driver
5/5
Side rear passenger
5/5

Factory warranties

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
6 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Consumer reviews

4.2 / 5
Based on 49 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.2
Interior 3.8
Performance 4.0
Value 4.0
Exterior 4.4
Reliability 4.0

Most recent

  • Bought it @ 118,00 miles Now has 132,00 So far I have

    Bought it @ 118,00 miles Now has 132,00 So far I have replaced actuator doors in dash (so I would have heat!) Starter and some suspemsion parts. Drivetrain has been solid. Overall I would say that it is typucal GM quality. Quality is slightly below average in my opinion. Low cost parts were used in the dash/interior. In the end, frequency of repairs were below average. Hopefully the drivetrain will hold up.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 3.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • 2006 Pontiac Torrent SUV FWD

    Best Vehicle that I ever Owned mileage 264,000 KMS in Canada. Always keep it maintained will last longer when doing oil changes I always add in 1 liter of Lucas engine oil stabilizer, also Transmission oil do the same add 1 liter of Lucas keeps the it from overheating I did an Upgrade Custom LED Lighting Builds I removed All of those nasty dull looking Stock Bulbs, everything is now all LED Lighted all-around with RED Under-glow lighting on my SUV as my paint is Fever Red stock colour, Just finished building a 41 inch Led Light Bar Build 300,000 Lumens in output brightness for the Country Side Roads, where there isn't any street lights. wish I could add some photo's of it all finished, You all would be amazed.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • 2006 Pontiac Torrent sport utility SUV

    This SUV has plenty of leg room 3 Power Outlets, all leather interior, Sunroof,5 speed automatic transmission, Power tilt steering, Cruse control, electric power steering, theft tracking system,side curtain airbags, 2 front airbags, stereo controls on the wheel, 235/60/17 inch wheels, Power windows, pwr brakes ABS, power heated seats, 3.4 Liter engine OHV, Trailer Tow Package, with built-in harness for trailer, no need for transmission oil filter as it is built in to it, you only have to just change the transmission oil, the gears for the transmission are Electronic, Everything is all OEM all Original. Millage is 239,125. In Good Condition.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    10 people out of 12 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • big repair bill

    Lemon, top of engine work need, now have a thousand dollar bill, and hopefully the car lasts until the bill and the car is paid off, which the 1800.00 warranty did not cover!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 1.0
    6 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Nice driving SUV I’ve never wanted on until I drov

    This vehicle is very roomy and great driving. I own just the base edition but it Nice I always enjoyed Pontiac and this SUV is my dream care now
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • very dependable ride

    just passed 251,000 mies and still running strong. had to replace cat,and o2 sensors, front shocks/struts. other then that will drive this anywhere at anytime, i run full synthetic oil to keep engine going good. would recommend to anyone, in fact thinking of buying a 2nd 1
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    6 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Reliable and spacious

    I love all the leg room, not just in the front, but in the rear seating ,too. It’s been years since I drove with air conditioning and that is one of the best features I can enjoy now. I’m now able to travel to places I normally wouldn’t be able to because I have a reliable car now.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Correction on a previous comment.

    I mistakenly wrote that the Pontiac Grand Am was a 2009 model year. The Grand Am was from 1999, not 2009. The Pontiac Torrent I own has just reached the 106,000 miles mark and is still performing great.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • It's had lots of problems

    Issue after issue Thing after thing to repair It's been so crazy Do far it's n cost me 5g to buy it then had to pay 2g to the dealership to fix it!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    1 person out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great, dependable car

    I bought this car in 2019 when it was 13 years old and it has performed way over my standards. I drive it an hour to and from school everyday and for anything I do on weekends and it performs exceptionally well and it is very dependable. My only complaint is the gas mileage which I guess was pretty good for its time.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Sad creation of this vehicle

    This thing is horrible and should be taken off the road (oh wait can’t even get it on the roads because it will never stay running) these vehicles have major issues and should be included in all the millions of recalls by gm, but sadly this specific one even with the same problem that’s killed people is not included in any recalls! Do not buy this vehicle! Run the other way don’t risk your life or any one else on the road
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 1.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 1.0
    Reliability 1.0
    3 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Reliable good fuel economy

    This car is very dependable. I would buy the Chevrolet equivalent. Equinox next time. Since GM closed it's Pontiac division, Chevrolet is, for the most part, the same.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2006 Pontiac Torrent?

The 2006 Pontiac Torrent is available in 1 trim level:

  • (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2006 Pontiac Torrent?

The 2006 Pontiac Torrent offers up to 19 MPG in city driving and 24 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 2006 Pontiac Torrent reliable?

The 2006 Pontiac Torrent has an average reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2006 Pontiac Torrent owners.

Is the 2006 Pontiac Torrent a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2006 Pontiac Torrent. 81.6% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.2 / 5
Based on 49 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.2
  • Interior: 3.8
  • Performance: 4.0
  • Value: 4.0
  • Exterior: 4.4
  • Reliability: 4.0
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