We got along fine without minivans and sport-utes.
In order to critique the Torrent I had to imagine myself as a modern parent whose activities are different than mine were in those halcyon years. Would I still choose a station wagon because I like to drive and any good wagon is more fun than a sport-ute? Or would I be impressed with the Torrent's versatility, power, and handsome looks? Setting aside those old preferences, I might say "yes" to this Pontiac. There was much to like.
I appreciated the ebony coloring of an elegant dashboard. Gave full marks to the large knobs and controls. Liked the smallish steering wheel and short, leather-covered shifter, even though it was sometimes necessary to glance at the PRNDL indicator to know exactly where I was at. It's placed horizontally on the console: good idea or gimmick? Little things like the easily-reached door-pulls appealed. Heck, I also enjoyed the sound of that ancient V-6. Concern over crash safety would influence my wife, for the Torrent got five stars from the NHTSA.
Yes, I'd buy a Torrent with front-wheel-drive but I'd never call it an SUV. Sport-wagon sounds good to me.
