I've noticed a few posts on exotic pets, some of them on tortoises.
I've owned sulcatas, the third largest species of tortoise for about 12 years now. It's one of the most turned in species of tortoise and the least studied by potential owners. Many wind up in rescues, and they are the lucky ones. The others are dumped in the wild where they are not able to survive the winter in almost every area of the country, some not even the fall.
They require temps in the 90s during the day and no lower than 60s at night. If it's cloudy and windy it needs to be even warmer.
As hatchlings they need plenty of warmth, UVA and UVB light, and a very humid area for them to hide in. Their diet needs to be more like that of a rabbit than a turtle. Low fat, 90% or so of it coming from grasses, weeds, etc. Veggies and fruits are very bad for them, and given in excesses (more than once or twice a month) will cause their liver to shut down and they die.
Improper lighting will cause shell deformities, most commonly pyramiding. Over time this kills them very slowly, and very painfully.
They can exceed 2 feet and over 200 pounds. Single handedly they can destroy the foundation of a concrete block home. They can easily take down a 4x8 foot privacy fence. They can dig through concrete block and drywall. They show affection by ramming each other, so if your tort bonds with you, cover your ankles.
While I love them and think they're wonderful, you need to be prepared to bring them home. They can dig tunnels that exceed 15 feet in depth and 35 feet in length. A very large, securely enclosed area for them is a must and takes a good bit of prep work.
Living with them in the winter months is quite a challenge. If you're lucky enough to live in the south you can build them shelters underground with 'pig blankets' to keep them warm in the evenings. But if the temps drop so low that that hide can't stay at least in the 60s you have to bring them in.
That's when life gets interesting. They're incredibly intelligent and will quickly learn where the food is. Anyone going to our kitchen will quickly turn around to find 3 tortoises standing behind them, hoping they may get some endive or other very dark leafy green.
They move furniture, including bird cages, much to the birds displeasure. Seeing a dining room chair move slowly across the living room is nothing abnormal in our home.
They also grow incredibly fast. A hatchling is about the size of a quarter. At a year old it's over a pound and about 4 inches. 2 years and it's in the 6-8 inch range, getting close to 20 pounds. 3 years and it's exceeded basketball size and in the 30-40 pound range. You will have a hard time housing it indoors at this point. This is when most get dumped.
However, if you walk into this with the proper knowledge, they're amazing pets. Our female is very much like a dog, personality wise. She follows us around the house and yard, sticks her head out as far as she can hoping you'll rub her neck for her. She's rammed my lounge chair on more than one occasion, trying to get me out of it since she couldn't get in it.
They hang out with the dogs, and thought the chickens were wonderful buddies. I caught chickens going for 'tortoise rides' on more than one occasion.
I guess the point is, while exotic pets can be a tragedy when they're taken in by people that haven't done their homework, they can be truly wonderful for those that have. Please, before going out and buying any pet because you think it's 'cool' or because you want something to show off to your friends, please do your homework. Think long and hard about how this is going to effect your life. Can you truly provide this animal with what it needs for the rest of it's life. They aren't just 'stupid animals'. They are living breathing creatures with emotions. I see them every day.
As for the growth rate, here's a photo of our youngests growth. He was adopted at just under a year old a couple years ago.
Adoption day:
A year later:
This past summer:
Today. He's now about 3 years old. Approaching the 30 pound mark.
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I took a closer look at the little guy and realized his shell did have the letters IHOP (thus the name) on his shell. It wasn't painted on, just the way the darker color in each of his scutes had formed, looked like those letters. I'd just paid $140 for my own freaking tort!! 
