Pontiac Torrent

big_prize

Speaking of roof rails, looking at an '07 Torrent recently, the paint on the roof rails is of significantly poorer quality than the paint on my '06 Torrent. It has a rougher, almost unfinished texture, whereas the '06 has a very smooth, glossy paint (it almost seems like the '06s are clear coated but the 07s are not). Also, the '07 roof rails have a more silver color, whereas the '06 had a metallic light gray color. Anyone else notice this?

Back to the XL7 vs. Torrent.....The XL7 currently has the GM engineered-Japan built 3.6L with a 5-sp auto, whereas the Torrent GXP will have the domestically built 3.6L (of the same design) with a 6-sp auto. I'm not sure if the '08 XL7 will upgrade to a 6-sp or not....also, I'm not sure if the current 5-sp in the XL7 is the same as the current Torrent 5-sp, which is built by Aisin in Japan. GM had no in-house 5-sp auto at the time the Equinox came out.

As for the Chinese built 3.4L, I've really had no qualms about it, and it seems to do a good job in the Torrent. I'd rather it not be built in China, but in all honesty, none of that preference is based on fears of poor quality.

airace

My Torrent (2006) came with the base single CD radio but I really wanted the radio with CD changer. However, as a bottom feeder I couldn't justify the price hit for the Sun and Sound package -- nor could I find a left-over 2006 with my preferred combination of equipment, plus Sun and Sound, at a reasonable price. All I wanted was the 6-disc changer and a sunroof, while very nice, wasn't essential.

In any event, I bought a new take-off Torrent radio with the 6-disc CD changer on eBay for a ridiculous $45. There have been a few at the sub-$100 price, and more at the $200+ level. Guess which ones are selling and which are standing? Patience will be a virtue if you are shopping.

Anyway, back to the chase. Removing the trim bezels and swapping out the radios was a 20-minute piece of cake. Better yet, the new radio plugged and played. This is the best $45 I've spent on a car in a long time. If you are looking for a similar upgrade, this is truly cheap and cheerful, and it works with no pain.

There are a few caveats, however. While the installation is easily within the skill range of a modestly talented home mechanic, some used radios will need to be coded to the car by your Pontiac dealer. The one I bought had had its code cleared and it was painless and brainless to install. Even if you need to have the unit coded, it is a quick and low-cost procedure for your dealer. It shouldn't cost more than 15-30 minutes labor time. Finally, this swap applies only to the 2006 Torrent. The 2007 models use an altogether different radio and a different coding procedure. In this case YMMV.

One last item. Although the radio with 6-disc changer is supplied OE in combination with a Pioneer sub-woofer, the radio head unit doesn't care if the sub-woofer is there or not. You could upgrade to additional speakers if you wanted (and if you knew the pin-outs), but my main desire was decent sound and multiple disc capability in an original equipment package. It worked for me.

Anyone wishing to discuss the actual remove and replace procedure is welcome to contact me directly. (And it you'd like to buy a very low miles single CD 2006 Torrent radio, just ask.)

AirAce

kmelvin3

Are they interchangeable? My wife just got a Torrent but she like the tail lights on the equinox so I was was wondering if anyone new before I went out and bought a set. They look the same in size and shape. Does anyone know for sure? Thanks for all the help.

jackseric

Looking at a pretty reliable parts warehouse online, it appears they would be interchangeable. I don't know for sure... but check out this comparison from the 2 sites.

Good luck!


If this CarSpace forum shrinks the picture too much to see clearly, the direct addy for this picture is:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/Jackseric/Online%20Postings/untitled1.jpg-

bhwjc

I found that in my 06 Torrent that the A/C will only turn on in the face and face/floor modes. The A/C turns on automatically when in the defrost modes, which includes partial floor or partial window. I don't remember if A/C will turn on when you have it in floor only mode.

crazyyakoo

I think it's a great deal on the car!
What rebates/discounts did you use to save the extra $5,000? Getting the car sub-20K is pretty amazing

mkh1021

I lucked out at the time I bought. I had GM money and at the time GM was doing a special promo where they gave me an additional $1500 in GM money. There was also a $1000 conquest bonus, $1000 presidents weekend bonus, $1000 car show bonus. It worked out great for me and I love my car.

dano4

Just traded my wife's 2006 Torrent for a 2007 Acura MDX. No complaints about quality of the Torrent except depreciation. The MSRP on car was well over $28,000 and we paid $25,800 for car. Kbb.com trade-in value was $15,280 after 15 months of ownership. Nearly 45% depreciation in the first year (from MSRP or 40% from price paid)) is extreme for any car and will keep me from buying another American brand.

GM, Ford, and Chrysler have got to learn not to build an excessive number of cars and then dump them into fleets and offer incentives at year end to clean up inventory. It is detrimental to the consumer and discourages brand loyalty. It's a shame as I would really like to support American car companies. I'm not willing to pay extra to do it.

If you buy a Torrent, or most any other American brand, plan to keep it a long time.

cnichols138

Well Hope you enjoyed paying 701 dollars a month for it. make sure you come back in 15 months and tell us what you loose on the MDX. I bet you will find that trading any car after 15 months will be somewhat of a shocker on the Trade Value vs Sticker or actual Paid. Your problem stems from this. My 2006 torrent was 26000 less rebates of around 6900. That alone says my car looses 7000 in equity off the start plus the normal deppreciation. You will have somewhat of the same I bet on an MDX...with out knowing what you paid for it..i bet in 15 months it wil be valued at around 26,000 and change. See you in 15 months!

stever

Edmunds True Cost to Own tool will estimate yearly depreciation on a new car out to five years.

Here's a list of the vehicles that received highest depreciation rating marks in their respective segments (a five-star rating).

robbieg

From your post it isn't clear, what was the actual amount you received on your trade? Or did you actually get the KBB trade amount? In my opinion, any car is going to take a huge hit the first year but it is agreed that domestic makes depreciate much quicker than Japanese.

jackseric

The KBB value is practically a joke in the Mid-Ohio Valley and Central Ohio area. NOBODY can use their info. If you want the closest value to what a dealer will give you, or what you can expect to get from an individual buyer... use the NADA guide. Every vehicle I've ever bought or sold I've compared to the NADA guide and it's the closest to that secret black book the dealerships use. I know many credit unions use the NADA book for loan values.

I just ran my 2006 Torrent and it also listed a trade value around 16-17K and sale value around 19K.

Take that for what it is... not the gospel, just my experience.

stever

Banks use NADA because their values are higher, therefore they can lend more money on a particular loan. :shades:

What is the "Kelley Blue Book" Price

ajg93

I've had my 07 Torrent for over 2 weeks and 1200kms. I love the truck. Anyone have any issues? I had the Air Bag light come on (first day - dealer TSB corrected). I now notice that there is a jingling sound from the engine when accelerating. Is this common? Also, does the Torrent suffer at all from warped rotors that are common on all GM cars?
Thanks

cnichols138

No issues with my 06 with 11k on it. jingling I hear and its seems like a normal issue. Funny you ask about Warped rotors because mine just started pulsating this past weekend. Time to take it back. 11k seems a bit early.

bhwjc

I have 16,000 on mine and at about 7,000 I started getting minor pulsating. This was right after coming down a mountain and not being able to shift into L3 gear on the transmission. I think this was a little short-sighted of Pontiac to have an SUV with L2 (much to low of a gear for coming down mountains) and only L4 gearing (much to high of a gear for coming down mountains).

Then I had the dealer rotate the tires and I think they didn't torque the lugnuts down because it's really started pulsating since then. My brother suggested getting some cross drilled vented rotors for the front brakes as they disapate heat better and don't warp as easily. I think this a cheap GM thing to do to put cheap break parts on a vehicle. I've had several Asian vehicles and none of them ever pulsated as easily as my Torrent.

My engine makes sort of a whistly sound (at least that's how it sounds to me) which I think might be a noisy pcv valve, but I'm not really sure.

I've never had any engine lights come on except for when an oil change was due, the engine/wrench light turned on, but that's normal.

Oh, I have leather seats and at about 10,000 miles the driver's seat looked REALLY worn compared to the rest. Seems like not the best quality for a $23,000+ vehicle.

ajg93

I've heard the jingling described as a rattlesnake hissing. Is this what you hear when accelerating? Its an odd noise to me to be considered normal. Wonder what it could be?

I don;t understand why warper rotors are common with GM cars. Is there a solution out there? Let me know what the dealer says.

huskia2

I live in VA and want to trade in my 04 Rendevous for a smaller crossover vehicle.
I went to Buick where I bought my Rendevous and they showed me the Torrent. I liked the car ok after I drove it and realized since I probably would not be able to afford the Honda CR-V I am shopping the torrent for prices now.
However, I have not seen ONE Torrent on the road yet and I travel a lot during the day. In fact, my husband has not seen one either and he works in Washington DC
So were they a dud?
It is now 2007 and they have been out what 2 years? shouldn't they be on the road now?

AS far as my search:
I cannot seem to find a black with black leather interior anywhere here on the east coast. Nor can I find white with black. Silver seems so boring. Anyone like the graphite gray? They tell me if I wait til the new ones come out my trade in will have lost value.
Is it possible to get one with leather, sound and sun and preferred packaging for $24, or is that totally unreasonable now? Should I wait til Memorial Day weekend? Won't rebates be better then?

I read from the beginning of this forum when people bought their torrents in 2005. Anyone still out there that can comment on theirs now. Is anyone frustrated with the cheap drink holders and the cheap shades that don't stay clasped.
Any other problems?
Trying to decide if it is the car for me. Your help is appreciated.
Eileen
PS my rendevous routers are warped as well. A GM thing? hmmm

ldoneyneel

My car "surges" a bit when I first start it -- you can see the tachometer pulsate up and down when it does this. My dealer said that this "surging" is normal. The dealer mechanic did feel it and he called GM tech support and was told that it is normal until the engine warms up. There have been other cases of it phoned in as well so GM is aware of it but for now, it is normal.

As for this noise that oters are hearing -- a jingling, a hissing, etc. etc. -- mine sounds like a tiny tiny tiny lightweight ball being shaken around in a tin can. The dealer said that this pinging noise I hear is normal noise, and it's the injectors working in the engine.

ajg93

That is the noise I am hearing. So it is a common issue. I haven't heard of this in other cars. I am glad it seems normal but still find it odd. What year do you have? I haven't felt any surging at all on start up.

I think the Torrent are great..very nice to drive and I happen to think the fuel economy is decent if not good. The only thing the concerns me is the known quality issues prevelant in all GM cars. I don't want to be back at the dealerhip all the time with warranty issues. I would think by 07 things should be worked out.

palmer03

we have a 07 Torrent with about 3,000 miles on it. Sometimes when I first get in the car and I drive around for a few mins...at least by the second or third stop at a stop sign...I get this loud knocking noise.

I thought it was something IN the vehicle knocking against something- but after cleaning out the car, to my horror realized my new car has a horrible noise.

It sounds just like someone running up to the window and knocking on it 3 or 4 times.

I don't hear it the rest of the day. Is it brakes warming up? Is it something I should be concerned about?

Also my steering sometimes makes a grinding noise, anyone else experience this? :confuse:

I like my Torrent- It's a nice quiet and smooth ride, I love the radio...but not the XM radio I think the channels stink =oP.

We have the crystal lake with black leather and sun and sound package.

bhwjc

My 06 torrent makes that same knocking sound, but it's only once in awhile and just does it about three or four times. Mine will surge a small amount when the A/C is on (A/C is also turned on in defrost modes) when the A/C pump activates, unless I push the brake pedal down a little harder.

ajg93

From the Equinox Forums, I found this below. It says it applies to the 2006 Torrent - not sure if the issue is still with the 2007 but it seems to be normal. Have you made an appointment with the dealer to take your Torrent in to be looked at?

The "back firing" noise thing is normal. Service Information Regarding a Pop/Clunk Noise From the Rear of the Vehicle on Initial Cold start and/or During the Warm-Up Drive Cycle -
Inform Customer of Normal EVAP Vent Solenoid Operation #04-06-05-009B -
(May 26, 2005)
This applies to the 2005-2006 Equinox, 2006 Pontiac Torrent and 2002 to 2006 the Saturn VUE

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide service information regarding a normal characteristic of the evaporative emissions (EVAP) control system On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) testing. Some customers may comment that they hear a pop/clunk noise similar to a backfire type noise from the rear of the vehicle during initial cold start and/or during engine warm-up.
The noise may be generated from the EVAP vent solenoid opening and closing during the OBD test. The engine control module (ECM) or powertrain control module (PCM) performs the EVAP OBD test each ignition cycle the test parameters are met. For test parameters, refer to "EVAP System Diagnostics"
or "Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System Set Procedure" in the appropriate Service Manual or SI.

Important: To help confirm that the EVAP vent solenoid is the noise the customer is hearing, the service technician should have the customer sit in the vehicle and listen to the EVAP vent solenoid being cycled using the TECH 2. This operation can be found in the Powertrain/Special Function
section of the TECH 2 menu.
If the noise from the customer comment was from the EVAP vent solenoid, no service is required. Replacing the vent solenoid will not change the normal sound of the required EVAP vent solenoid test.
If the noise from the customer comment was not from the EVAP vent solenoid, the technician should continue diagnosing the customer's concern.

ajg93

I live in Toronto, ON Canada and Torrents are pretty popular up here. I factory ordered mine in the Sonoma Red Metallic - a very nice and rich colour. I have no issues with the cup holders or shades. I actually thought the interior would be a disappointment but now I that I am in it, I think the interior is really very nice (the cloth, the guages, the layout all great). Everything seems to be a very tight fit which is surprising for GM. I ordered the Sport model (not sure what that is in the US) with the 17" Rims and Side Curtain air bags. My wife loved the rear seat that moves forward and back (it is very convenient and offers great leg room when needed). The only thing that I am concerned about is the traditional GM quality issues that sees their cars back for warranty service far too frequently (ie. warper rotors). I've had mine for 3 weeks and about 1500kms so it is still brand new.

big_prize

Yes, this is a "normal" noise (a little bit odd, but normal nonetheless). I had the same question about a year ago and found the same information, with some relief. The "popping" noise is more prevalent in our Torrent in colder months, but I also hear it randomly in warmer weather.

big_prize

We've had out '06 since March 2006. It only has 6000 miles (not our daily driver), but so far it's been problem-free.

I see some on the road, but there are definitely not a lot of them. I think they sell around 3-4K of them a month...about a quarter of the number of Equinoxes (Equini?).

My main complaints are (1) the cupholders and the parking brake clash physically and (2) the shifter only offers a limited number of gear selections (5th,4th, and 2nd if I'm not mistaken). The seats also offer little lateral support, but that's not a big deal to me. The rear seat gets a lot of compliments from passengers. Personally, I think that the interior quality is good...not spectacular, but it's certainly attractive and has a decent feel. It takes a bit of time to get used to the window controls on the center console, but actually its kinda handy because the passenger can access the controls to all of the windows.

We haven't had any warped rotors or any other issue.

Also, unlike some, we've actually had better than predicted gas mileage. We've had some trips in which we've gotten 26-27 MPG on the highway (this is with FWD, but the 06s were rated 24 MPG hwy, unlike the 07s which are 26), and we've never gotten under 20 MPG. Reading from many people, this isn't a universal observation, however. I think that if you tend to be a little heavy-footed, you might pay at the pump.

If I had to do all over again, I'd still buy the Torrent. I also like the Suzuki XL7, which is basically the same vehicle (GM Theta chassis, built in same factory). The main advantage of the XL7 is the 3.6L DOHC engine vs. the Torrent's Chinese-built 3.4L OHV engine. The 3.4L does fine, I think, but I'd just rather have the 3.6L, if I could. Also, you can get a third row in the XL7, if that's your thing. The Torrent is definitely better styled, in my opinion, than the XL7 or the Equinox.

ldoneyneel

Hi ajg93,

My Torrent is a 2007 -- I just bought it President's Day weekend. Palmer03 posted that info from the Equinox forums about the noise -- but my noise comes from the front dashboard, right in front of the driver's seat, and not from the rear of the car.

Also concerning other posts, I'll just answer with my comments all here:
1. Palmer03, you commented that your steering wheel grinds when you turn it. Mine does not grind, but I do hear it make some slight and quiet noise. I think when you say the word "grind", I'm thinking of a really harsh noise. My wheel sound just sounds computer-like to me - I don't know how to describe it, but I can say I'm not worried about it all.

Others posted about crappy shades that don't stay clasped -- I do not have that problem. Regarding the cupholders -- that was the main reason why my father did not buy the Equinox -- those cupholders would always bother him, being in the way of the emergency brake. I am not used to those type of cupholders, and I was wary when first using them, but it's all good now!

I also had to get used to the fact that the cigarette lighter is in the console on the floor. I do not smoke, but instead plug in my Ipod base down there, and with the cupholders out in the morning to hold my coffee while driving to work, and the Ipod down there, it was originally cumbersome, but I've figured out a way to make it work nicely.

I wonder where all the Torrents are as well. I like in Alaska, and make a 48 mile commute to Anchorage for work from my house, and I see a SLEW of Equinoxes on the road -- and I mean a ton -- and NO Torrents. Since I bought mine, I've seen only one Torrent, and it was white.....that's it. I view it like this -- I have a unique car When I was shopping around, one of the vehicles I looked at was the Ford Escape, and one reason I did not get it was because it is so dang popular, and everyone and their mother have them up here, and I just did not want to be like everyone else. The fact that I didn't care for part of the interior gave me a truly valid excuse not buy it though, either I wanted a vehicle that I'd just love for the next 10 years, one that when I walk to it each morning, I think "God I love my car!" And so the Torrent it was.

Of the 4 cars I've had in my life, 3 have been GM, and I've never had rotor or factory problems like I've read about others. Good to know, though, in case I do!.

ANYWAY, overall I absolutely love my car, no regrets in buying it. I have the silver one -- wanted the black but got silver since it does not show dirt and marks as much as a black vehicle does. And it'll look classier longer. I love it!!

That was a long post -- Thanks for reading!

envoysle

tim1021

Hey All,
Interesting notes about the warped rotors, my 2006 is right around 6000 miles, and if they warp to the point of replacement before 10k, i'll be PO'd. Thats way too early for a brand new rotor...but it wouldnt surprise me.

Can anyone point me to a site that sells drilled/slotted rotors? I had a set on my old 2003 Grand Am and absolutely loved them, they were very sturdy, noticeably heavier, and when paired with new brake pads, really performed well. It even cut down on brake dust, and gave the wheel an even sharper look.

I've looked at generic brade pads/rotors part sites, but nobody seems to carry ones for a Torrent. Should i search under an Equinox since they're basically twins? The set for the Grand Am was bought off Ebay, but no luck there either.

rlt2

Hi. I had "grinding" noise from my steering wheel. First time dealer looked at it they oiled steering column which did nothing. I have radio controls on my steering wheel. The lights on the wheel went out one day and I brought it back to dealer for both the lights and grinding noise. Turned out the wires for the lights were causing the grinding noise. Something was rubbing against the wire which caused it to fray and made the lights go out.

ajg93

Anyone notice any issues with the Keyless remote transmitter? Lately the response has been either delayed or non functional on my Torrent. Now, I only have had the car for a month but for the last week it hasn't been responding well. I tested both key fobs and got the same response. Now, once it picks up the signal it responds well the if I attempt to lock/unlock immediately thereafter.

Any thoughts??

stuckinohio

We're picking up our 07 fwd Saturday. We can't wait. Of course, the Blue streak is more her color then I'd prefer, but it won't stop me from fighting her for the keys.

dannyd3

HI Pondscum,

This is not about the odometer but rather your 2006 torrent, I to have an 06. HAve you had any issues with it My rear spoiler expands in the heat and hits the trunk lid when opening, and my temp. gauge flucuates from quarter to half point dealer said this is normal??? I have 19000kms otherwise I am liking it. your comments would be great

Thanks

dannyd3

Congrats on the truck. I have an 06 liking it but noticing a few things that bug me, I do like some of the changes made for 07 4 disc brakes, on board computer, the 06 has a better sound system. My inlaws bought an 07 their only complaint brakes squeeking and we are talking under 5000kms dealer says new brakes make that noise ??? other than that it is a very good truck

dannyd3

I have an 06 FWD sport no knocking noises, as far as the grinding sound someelse wrote that theirs was grinding and later found out that there is a wire that powers the steering wheel lights and it was the fraying of that wire and eventually burnt out the lights they fixed the wire and no more grinding, my steering makes kind of a smooth vibrate sound dont think it an issue thought it was just the electric steering??

dannyd3

I have an 06 I like it, I have had a few issues my daytime running lights module went at 10000kms and my rear spoiler expands in the heat and actually hits the trunk lid, the dealer wants it to break so he can replace it, they should just replace it now. and now I ve noticed that my temp gauge flucuates dealer says normal, yes I do alot of driving but this begins to happen after 1/2 hour of driving, as far as warped rotors my is just staring to pulse alittle 19000kms it common even with imports around 20k to machine them, my inlaws just bought an 07 and the only thing they =noticed brakes squeeking in reverse???

dannyd3

I also live in the Toronto area and Torrents and Equinox's are everywhere. I have a question for seeing how both our vehicles were purchased in the T.O area. Please watch your rear spoiler on very warm days see if it expands anhd hits when U open your trunk, and also please watch your temp gauge when driving for periods of 1 hour or so or if in traffic see if it fluctuates mine does dealer says normal??

Thanks

royal_with_a_t

what is the "i" thing in the shifter- i havnt used it yet. but i have an '07 torrent awd- love it- i drive 100 miles a day and my torrent has already been through an oil change since i got it over a month ago- but i was just wondering...

dannyd3

I dont have an i gear P R N D L2 L4 thats all

stuckinohio

Picked up the Blue streak metallic 07 Saturday the 26th of May.

So far... loving it. Only thing we're looking to change is the 16 inch rims. Decided they don't look so good, and we're chasing down a set of factory 17's. And she wants me to paint the calipers red for her.

Just over 1,000 miles now, and everything is quiet and tight. Love the driver computer, stabilitrak, and improved interior of the 07. So far, she's extremely pleased with it, even more so after I claybarred it and coated it over with some NXT. Looks great.

Oh, and on a 94 degree day here in Ohio recently, the roof spoiler did not expand and cause problems with the back hatch.

dannyd3

congrats on the truck, I wish they had stabilitrak on the 06. My inlaws have an 07 with 16" rims I have the 17" it looks alot better it just seems to complete the look.

I guess i'm the only one with a spoiler problem???

royal_with_a_t

yea i have an AWD if that makes a difference- i wonder if it's like for towing or something

ocmike3

It basically locks out the automatic overdrive so the trnny doesn't hunt when doing a lot of hills or towing etc...
the Pontiac version of "i" drive... just kidding, Saturn VUE has used the PRNDIL scheme for a couple of years.

stuckinohio

2050 miles on the new Torrent. Still loving it. I've always been more of a sporty car person, but I drove it last night out to dinner, and then told her we had to think of somewhere else to go just so I could drive it some more. I could easily drive this thing everyday with a few tweaks. But I always have to tweak my rides.

Speaking of, we traded in our 16 inch factory rims 10 days after getting the vehicle, and got a brand new set of the 17 inch factory chromes. The lack of that extra sidewall really makes the car feel better in our opinions. It's a touch more nimble, smidge more sporty through the corners, and it didn't effect over the road ride any. Love the 17's. And they look GREAT.

stevek364

Hi StuckinOhio,

I have a question for you. Can you drop me a quick note at:
skrause@gpworldwide.com?

Thanks,
Steve

tim1021

Anyone else notice a rumble/vibrate noise at low speeds (less than 25 mph)?

It's noticeable to me when i'm accelerating, or if i've just let off the accelerator, and more noticeable to me when going up a slight incline.

Almost sounds like something in the suspension, but i dont hear it any other time, so i dont know if it's a vibration or something i should be concerned with. i dont hear any other weird sounds when i'm turning corners or anything out of the ordinary, so i'm not too worried about it, just curious if anyone else hear a similar noise.

My ear is tuned to little noises a little better than others, my wife couldnt hear the noise, so part of it might be me fretting over little noises.

dannyd3

I hear and fell every little thing in my vehicles that others dont hear so I know what your going through. I haven't heard any rumbles or vibrations but now you know I'm going to be listening for it. thanks. hehehe

dragonflymb

I am new to this forum and I am thinking about purchasing a brand new 2007 fully loaded torrent. While I was at the dealer, I notices that the trany was from Japan, but the engine was from China. I have some difficutly paying for a Pontiac when the engine was being built in China - not even Japan or Korea. Any commnets out there????

airace

If it doesn't bother you to buy an ostensibly "American" brand that's actually built in Canada by a Japanese company (Suzuki), then a Chinese engine and Japanese transmission shouldn't be too much incremental difficulty. I really like my Torrent, but realize that the charade of what's a "domestic" car and what's an import is academic.

By the way, I've yet to hear of any core engine problems that could be attributed to its Chinese origin. Its old-school pushrod design is courtesy of GM.

As far as paying for a Pontiac and getting something else (and maybe something better), just consider the folks who pay Pontiac prices for a Vibe and get Toyota reliability and build quality.

big_prize

Not totally true, I don't think. The Torrent is assembled at CAMI, which is a joint venture between GM and Suzuki (similar to NUMMI, the GM/Toyota plant that builts the Vibe et al). CAMI

Also, the overall engineering for the vehicle, as well as the hardware, is more or less all GM, not Suzuki (as opposed to the Vibe, which is more or less all Toyota). Suzuki even builds their own version of GM's 3.6L DOHC engine for their XL7, which is built at CAMI on GM's Theta chassis.

As for the engine, I haven't experienced any problems, and I don't expect any extraordinary issues due to its Chinese origine. The 3.4L OHV design has been around at GM for quite a while, so they should have it down pretty well.