2006 Pontiac Torrent

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I hope you're happy. All of the carping and ridicule heaped upon Pontiac's Aztek since its introduction has made the company bashful, and the introduction of a much more capable do-all has been made so quietly as to practically go unnoticed.

Maybe it's just the hype surrounding the Solstice and G6 retractable hardtop, but it seems like the all-new Pontiac Torrent hasn't gotten nearly as much attention as one would expect.It's a sort-of SUV that fills the gap in the lineup left by the Aztek's departure.It's not the same size as the Aztek, but its multi-purposeful body and available all-wheel drive mean that it will appeal to similar buyers.It's based (perhaps a bit too closely) on the Chevrolet Equinox, and Pontiac calls it an SUV but it's more of a do-all than an off-roader.

With gas prices going up each week, versatile crossover SUVs like the Torrent are catching the eyes of many buyers, and they're finding homes even as the backlash against gas-hogging truck-based sport-utes gains momentum.The Torrent is a smart move for Pontiac--but will anyone notice?

Pontiac also seems to be recoiling from the oddball styling that got the Aztek laughed at, because the Torrent's look is decidedly uninspired.The Torrent closely resembles the Equinox, with only token attempts made add some Pontiac family distinction.The familiar split grille up front and big round foglights are about the only hints that this is a Pontiac.From the side and rear it's got the smooth jellybean look that's becoming common to GM's SUVs.Splashes of satin silver trim look good on dark-colored Torrents and we're glad there's no plastic cladding, but this trucklet doesn't stand out in a crowd, either.

It acquits itself with ability.The Torrent is a good do-all, if perhaps a bit larger on the outside than it needs to be.This is a better people hauler than a cargo vehicle; the cargo area is tall but narrow, and the Torrent won't carry much more than a conventional station wagon, in spite of flat-folding front seats.For rear-seat passengers it's a fantastic ride, though.The rear seat is adjustable fore and aft, with lots of legroom and a flat floor for easy ingress.The Torrent's seats are chair-height and comfortable all around.Four passengers will find the Torrent as comfortable as most minivans.The interior styling follows Pontiac's aesthetic, which involves a lot of dark plastic and satin-silver trim.Manly-men who don't want to be seen in minivans but need the utility might find themselves more comfortable in a Torrent.

The Torrent isn't about off-roading, it's about on-pavement erranding, and to that end it's outfitted like a rolling purse.From the driver's seat it seems like everywhere you put your hand, you'll find another storage bin or cubbyhole.Oversized cargo may not fit so well in the rear, but everything else--purses, backpacks, cell phones, laptops, briefcases, umbrellas, any suburban equipment you can think of--has a spot.There's a good-sized armrest storage compartment, a small rubber-lined shelf around the shifter for change, a large cubby on the floor, and plenty of cupholders.The large door bins are good for CD cases and maps.The Torrent was one of the few vehicles in which we didn't have to contend with extra keys and cell phones tumbling around as we drove.We had only one quibble with the interior layout, and that was the window switches, which are arrayed in an unintuitive pattern on the center console.This arrangement is common to the Equinox and Saturn VUE with which the Torrent shares its guts.Amenities on our test truck included XM satellite radio, cruise control, a leather interior, side curtain airbags, and a big sliding sunroof.

The drivetrain is basic but uninspired.The 3.4 liter V6 under the hood offers decent power for a do-all.At 185 horsepower, it's just enough for the Torrent's 3660-pound weight, and only just.Acceleration is by no means neck-snapping, but the Torrent doesn't feel underpowered, either.GM's transmissions these days are reasonably good, and the Torrent's five-speed automatic doesn't disappoint.It's capable around town and on the freeway, but don't go looking for technological wizardry as the Torrent sticks with what's tried and true. All-wheel drive is offered for a measure of poor-weather stability, but our front-wheel drive Torrent handled a sudden rainstorm without complaint thanks to standard anti-lock brakes and traction control.The Torrent can tow up to 3500 pounds.

A stiff structure lies beneath the sheetmetal.The Torrent's unibody is backed up by full-length frame rails, and the result is a sturdy, secure-feeling vehicle.The four-link rear suspension and MacPherson struts up front are "sport-tuned," which means that it's a bit stiffer than its platform-mates.The Torrent handles a bit bigger than it is, although parking lot nimbleness enhanced by electronic power steering.Does it drive like a car?Yes--a large, somewhat clumsy car.This means that it's par for the course as far as mid-sized SUVs go.The Torrent enjoys being in town more than it does the open road.
Now that the Aztek is gone, the Torrent is it as far as Pontiac-badged SUVs go.Most folks are going to consider this a good thing, of course.The Torrent doesn't stand out from the crowd, but it's a competent enough do-all.Pricing starts at $22,400.Our tester was equipped with XM satellite radio, a subwoofer-pumped sound system and leather interior, among other optionals, and stickered for $28,335.

Specifications list:_
All specs are for the 2006 Pontiac Torrent, which we tested._Length: 188.8 in._Width: 71.4 in._Height: 67.0 in._Wheelbase: 112.5 in._Curb weight: 3660 lb._Cargo space: 32.2 cubic feet (all seats up); 68.6 cu.ft. (seats folded)_Towing capacity: 3500 lb._Base price: $22,400_Price as tested: $28,335_Engine: 3.4 liter V6_Drivetrain: five-speed automatic, front-wheel drive_Horsepower: 185 @ 5200_Torque: 210 @ 3800_Fuel capacity: 16.6 gal._Est. mileage: 19/24