Pontiac Torrent Parts & Accessories

The Pontiac Torrent crossover sport-utility is a rather obvious example of "badge engineering." This term refers to when a manufacturer takes an existing vehicle from a related carmaker and makes a few minor changes and then badges the vehicle under its own name. This is nothing new, of course, and not necessarily a bad thing either -- depending on the inherent goodness provided by the shared platform. In this case, the Torrent is a kissing cousin of Chevy's midsize crossover, the Equinox. Many folks will find the Pontiac Torrent, like its corporate twin, to be just the right size: larger than the truly compact utes, yet slightly smaller than thirstier and costlier traditional midsize SUVs. There's plenty of passenger and cargo space thanks to a long wheelbase, and a lengthy list of standard features sweeten the deal -- including a reclining/sliding second-row seat and a movable cargo shelf that both serve to maximize passenger and cargo space. The Torrent's "3400" V6 provides strong, though not especially refined, performance that belies its modest output ratings and returns respectable fuel economy, too -- many drivers average about 20 mpg, roughly 5 mpg better than most truck-based midsize sport-utilities get. A supple ride and quiet cabin are additional qualities that make the Torrent a good choice for those who like to take long road trips.