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Mid size sport utility vehicles have evolved and matured. Truck sourced sport utility vehicles with their truck like ride and thirsty engines are still available but a new philosophy driving mid sized SUV designs recognizes that most owners are not going to join an off-road club to go mudding on the weekends. While many buyers still want sport and utility, truck based four-wheel drive units cost more to operate, ride rougher, and are not necessary except in the most extreme weather conditions. The new breed of SUV is more refined, comfortable and dare we say - "car like." All wheel drive units are available but many opt for the fuel-efficient front wheel drive models. Upright command seating position and volumes of flexible storage are retained in these new models. One of my favorites comes from General Motors. Saturn first scored a success with this platform as the Vue and Chevrolet followed up with a unique but equally attractive package named the Equinox. Building on this same architecture, Pontiac introduces the 2006 Torrent with it's own interpretation. John Larson, Buick-Pontiac-GMC general manager billed the Torrent as "Pontiac's first SUV." Obviously he thought we would forget the horrendously ugly Aztec mercifully euthanized after the "05" model year. If one was to split hairs, the marketing geniuses at GM actually called the Aztec a "sport recreation vehicle (SRV) rather than a sport utility vehicle (SUV). Actually the Aztec had some pretty cool features and abilities but your neighbors made fun of you. More at home in the city and suburbs, the 2006 Pontiac Torrent, will be better suited for tearing up the parking lot at Nebraska Furniture Mart than tearing up off-road recreation parks. It may handle recreation activities, but it lives to compete in the fashion sensitive and stuff-intensive world of young families. Attractively styled, the Torrent breaks no new ground but is modern and stylish. Pontiac added its signature front bumper and grill treatment to distinguish the brand identity. Interior is well designed and properly executed with the textured dash providing a pleasing appearance. Putting the utility back into the sport utility vehicle, the Torrent rear seats can recline and slide eight inches for increased legroom or increased storage. Continuing the theme of configurable seats, the front passenger seat folds flat, leaving an uninterrupted loading space from the front dash to the rear tailgate for long ladders or poles. An optional Sun and Sound Package, available for $1,285, offers not only a functional sunroof but also a really cool premium stereo system. I highly recommend the $1,090 Security Package, which includes side impact and head curtain airbags. This package also comes with a one-year subscription to the acclaimed OnStar Safe and Sound system. In addition, my test vehicle was equipped with the $795 Premium Package offering very comfortable heated leather seats. Entry and exit from the 2006 Pontiac Torrent is very easy making this one of the best features of the vehicle. The 3400 V6 engine, producing 185 horsepower provides very adequate power in all circumstances tested. Complete with the five speed automatic transmission the 2006 Pontiac Torrent is rated to tow 3,500 pounds. Four channel ABS brakes are standard on all models and traction control is standard on the front wheel drive model. An All Wheel Drive model is available for extreme weather conditions. Power steering is electronic and effortless while very precise. In the country, on the highway, or on city streets, the 2006 Pontiac Torrent ride and handling is surprisingly civilized. If you are in the market for a mid size sport utility, you really should take the 2006 Pontiac Torrent for a test drive. You may be surprised at how well it drives. Recently I drove a high dollar sports car for a week. And while I enjoyed the exhilaration of the experience, I remembered telling someone how demanding the vehicle was to operate. I constantly had to pay attention to the operation of the car. The 2006 Pontiac is not that way. My attention was on driving, not fiddling with the vehicle. I felt at ease with the Torrent, almost as if we had been friends for a while. With all of the distractions of the day, sometimes it is nice to have a vehicle that works for you, rather than one demanding your attention. The 2006 Pontiac Torrent joins the Saturn Vue and Chevrolet Equinox as excellent choices for mid size sport utility vehicles.
2006 Pontiac Torrent FWD Mid Size Sport Utility Vehicle
3.4 Liter V6 Engine
MSRP as tested $28,335 Estimated MPG 19/24 Additional Web only Information and Resources For Additional Reviews: |
©2006 - Stan Risener