DecodedCars2008 Pontiac Torrent
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV FWD Base/GT, 4dr SUV FWD Gxp
- Engines
- 3.6L 6-cyl, 3.4L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 19 combined · 17 city / 24 hwy
- Length
- 189 in
- Curb weight
- 3,719–3,814 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 30 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Pontiac Torrent is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (3.6L 6-cyl and 3.4L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 189 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,719 lb (4dr SUV FWD Base/GT).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 19 MPG combined (17 city / 24 highway), 1% better than the 2008 SUV - average of 18.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 87 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2008
- Engine added: 3.6L 6-cyl
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Torrent →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV FWD Base/GT | 189 in | 71.3 in | 69.3 in | 112.6 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 3,719 lb | 57/43 |
| 4dr SUV FWD Gxp | 189 in | 71.3 in | 69.3 in | 112.6 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 3,814 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Torrent FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | +1% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Torrent FWD | 3.4L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 19 | +1% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Torrent AWD | 3.4L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 19 | +9% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Torrent AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | +9% | $3,550 | 468 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Pontiac Torrent under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Pontiac Torrent (this car) | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2008 Toyota RAV4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 13 |
| 2008 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2008 Toyota Highlander | 26 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 20 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe | 20 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Pontiac Torrent.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2008 Pontiac Torrent is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Pontiac Torrent buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Air Bags — 36 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 19 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Electrical System — 12 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 80,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Pontiac Torrent. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Torrent years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Torrent | 20 | 189 in | Not rated | 0 | 10 |
| 2007 Torrent | 20 | 189 in | Not rated | 1 | 86 |
| 2006 Torrent | 19 | 189 in | Not rated | 0 | 54 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Pontiac. How we calculate this →