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2006 Pontiac Torrent FWD Test Drive & Review

From Jason Fogelson

4 of 5

On the Road in the Pontiac Torrent

2006 Pontiac Torrent FWD

Jason Fogelson
With 185 hp and 210 lb-ft of torque, the 3.4 Liter V6 under the Torrent's hood performs adequately. Whenever I stomped on the gas to merge onto the freeway, I was amused by the sound and fury emanating from the Torrent. It sure sounds like it's working hard, even if it doesn't exactly move that way. The five speed automatic transmission was eager to kick down into a lower gear to access the powerband, but hunted a bit much, shifting gears too frequently for my taste and comfort.

Handling wasn't too bad – four wheel independent suspension is a welcome choice on the road, and the Torrent's center of gravity is low enough to tame body roll. Torrent's turning radius is wide for the class, and it's not the most maneuverable vehicle in a parking lot. Variable ratio power rack-and-pinion steering was not a great match with my driving style – I had to constantly correct my trajectory on the freeway.

The Torrent is fitted with an anti-lock braking system standard, operating front discs and rear drum brakes. They worked fine, but I question the wisdom of putting drum brakes on a car in this price range, when most of the other mid-size SUVs on the road are running 4-wheel discs, which offer better stopping power and lower maintenance.

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