Pontiac Torrent

Having tried its hand at a crossover vehicle with the poorly received Aztek, Pontiac goes whole hog and introduces its first ever SUV, the Pontiac Torrent.  The Torrent is still a compact crossover SUV, however, retaining a sporty car-like feel and sports suspension at an affordable price, while still offering many of the versatile features of a full-blown SUV.
Sharing a platform and powertrain with the Chevrolet Equinox, Pontiac dresses up its front and rear ends with its own unique styling.  The Torrent features a 3.4-liter V6 and 5-speed automatic transmission.  It comes in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive and offers a lot of cargo carrying options with its split-fold front and rear seats.  The back seats also move forward and back to increase the cargo space or legroom accordingly.  Though it's  termed a compact, there is generous passenger room.  Its compact size makes it more lightweight than most SUVs and even most crossovers, and it boasts an 18/25 fuel economy.  That may not bowl you over, but for a car of its size, loaded with as many features as it has, it's fairly impressive.
Power locks and windows, ABS brakes, a luggage rack, cargo compartments, fog lights, and keyless entry are all standard on the Torrent, though there are plenty of option packages to make your drive as hassle-free and enjoyable as possible.  In 2007, the Torrent added more safety features, including an anti-rollover sensor and Stabilitrak.
For 2008, it looks like Pontiac is going to release a much anticipated Torrent GXP, a sleeker, sportier version powered by a 265-hp V6 engine.