2005 Buick Terraza Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Buick gets its first minivan for 2005. Terraza shares its basic design with the 2005 Chevrolet Uplander, Pontiac Montana SV6, and Saturn Relay. All basically add an SUV-style nose to the 1997-2004 GM minivan design to create what GM dubs the "crossover sport van." Terraza is the costliest, most luxurious version, and is the only one to come standard with automatic load-leveling rear suspension. Terraza offers CX and uplevel CXL models. There's one body length and seats for seven via folding/removable 2nd-row bucket seats and a 50/50 fold-flat 3rd-row bench. A power sliding passenger-side door is standard on CX; CXL adds a power driver-side door, which is optional on CX. Terraza uses a 200-hp V6 and 4-speed automatic transmission, and either front- or all-wheel drive. Front-drive models get GM's Stabilitrak antiskid/traction control. All models come with 4-wheel antilock brakes, 17-inch wheels, and OnStar assistance. Front side airbags providing head and torso protection are optional on CX and standard on CXL, but curtain side airbags aren't offered. Also standard are a CD/MP3 player, rear DVD entertainment, and a roof-rail system with available snap-on storage modules. Rear air conditioning and a rear cargo organizer are optional on CX, standard on CXL. CXL also adds leather seating surfaces and rear obstacle detection. Among the options for both models are satellite radio and a remote starting system that operates from the keyfob.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Long the choice as the family hauler, Minivans are easily the smartest use of space for passengers and cargo. These vehicles offer a fantastic blend of comfort, convenience, and safety features for the modern family.

Our Best Buys include the Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan, and Honda Odyssey. Recommended picks are the Mazda MPV and Toyota Sienna.

News

All of GM's "crossover sport vans" amount to new wine in a now very old bottle, so it's anyone's guess how long they will hang around. Regardless, Terraza and its nameplate cousins aren't likely to change much over the next couple of years.

2005 Buick Terraza Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room	Fuel economy

Available all-wheel drive	Quietness

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

FWD CXL	AWD CXL	Class Average
3	3	4.2

GM quotes 10.5 sec 0-60 mph for front-drive models, 11.2 for AWD versions. However, they feel livelier than those numbers suggest though they do not match the best in class. The AWD's extra weight is felt more from a stop than during passing/merging, where power is adequate in most instances.

Fuel Economy

FWD CXL	AWD CXL	Class Average
4	4	4

Test FWD CXL averaged 18.2-19.1 mpg. Test AWD CXL averaged 19.4 in mostly highway driving.

Ride Quality

FWD CXL	AWD CXL	Class Average
5	5	5.5

Most bumps easily absorbed, highway ride comfortable. AWD has no noticeable effect on ride quality. Despite standard rear-load-leveling suspension, Terraza wallows over even minor bumps and crests.

Steering/Handling/Braking

FWD CXL	AWD CXL	Class Average
3	4	4.4

Steering vague at highway speeds. Marked body lean in turns. Braking controlled and progressive. AWD a boon in slippery conditions.

Quietness

FWD CXL	AWD CXL	Class Average
7	7	5.4

Side mirrors generate wind noise at highway speed. Engine well-muffled. Tire noise just a rumor up front, but prominent in back where kids might have a hard time hearing front passengers.

Controls

FWD CXL	AWD CXL	Class Average
7	7	6.1

Gauges unobstructed. All controls legible and easily accessible. Dashboard materials and controls have an upscale flair. Dashboard trays and drawers, as well as headphone compartments set into front seatbacks, made of budget-grade plastic. Standard rear DVD player a plus for families.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

FWD CXL	AWD CXL	Class Average
6	6	6.3

Low step-in makes climbing aboard a simple matter. Generous head and leg room. Fine outward visibility, helped by large mirrors.

Room/Comfort (rear)

FWD CXL	AWD CXL	Class Average
6	6	6.7

Good 2nd- and 3rd-row head and leg room. Narrow space between 2nd-row buckets makes access to 3rd row more difficult than in some competitors. Third-row seats set too close to floor for best adult comfort; fine for kids, though.

Cargo Room

FWD CXL	AWD CXL	Class Average
9	9	9.4

Second-row buckets don't fold into floor, but are light enough for easy removal. Third-row seat doesn't disappear into floor either, but folds level with a cargo-area convenience tray that stands about 4 inches above the floor. The available rear cargo organizer is handy for groceries and other items, but GM's minivans don't have as much storage space behind the 3rd-row seat as those rivals that have a well.

Value within Class

FWD CXL	AWD CXL	Class Average
5	5	5.8

Available AWD and standard rear DVD entertainment are Terraza's competitive advantages. The lack of curtain side airbags, however, is a big minus for safety-conscious buyers, and the rear seating rows and cargo area aren't as convenient or as roomy as the minivans from Chrysler, Honda, or Toyota. While Buick's first minivan is a competent entry, there is no compelling reason to chose it over our Recommended and Best Buy choices.

Total Score

FWD CXL	AWD CXL	Class Average
55	56	57.8

Scores for all Minivans

Low Score		45
Average Score		57
High Score		70

2005 Buick Terraza Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/06/2005

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

FWD CX 4-door van	$28,110	$25,440	$715

AWD CX 4-door van	$30,990	$28,046	$715

FWD CXL 4-door van	$31,170	$28,209	$715

AWD CXL 4-door van	$33,855	$30,639	$715

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Powertrain

3.5-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel brakes, antiskid system, daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/dual-zone manual climate controls and rear controls, OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, leather/cloth upholstery, 7-passenger seating, quad bucket seats, 6-way power driver seat, 3rd-row split folding seat, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sliding passenger-side door, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, rear radio controls, digital clock, tachometer, compass, outside-temperature indicator, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, universal garage-door opener, folding tray, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, rear defogger, rear wiper, automatic headlights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, roof rails, air-inflator kit, load-leveling rear suspension, 225/60R17 tires, wheel covers, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, alloy wheels. Deletes: traction control, antiskid system.

CXL adds to CX:

Safety

Front side airbags, rear-obstacle-detection system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Rear air conditioning, leather upholstery, 8-way power front seats, driver-seat memory, power sliding driver-side door, steering-wheel radio controls, cargo organizer.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive. Deletes: traction control, antiskid system.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Trailering Provisions Pkg.
CX, CXL	$165	$147
Heavy-duty alternator and engine cooling, wiring harness.

Safety
Front side airbags
CX	$350	$312


Comfort and Convenience Features
Rear air conditioning
CX	$475	$422


Remote starting
CX, CXL	$175	$156


Power sliding driver-side door
CX	$545	$485
Includes rear-obstacle-detection system.

6-way power passenger seat
CX	$275	$245


Heated front seats
CXL	$275	$245


Navigation system
CXL	$	$


AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
CX, CXL	$295	$263


Satellite radio
CX, CXL	$325	$289
Requires monthly fee after 3rd month.

Rear headphone jacks
CX	$75	$67
Std. CXL.

Wireless headphones
CX, CXL	$75	$67
CX requires rear headphone jacks.

Cargo organizer
CX	$285	$254


Cargo net
CX	$45	$40
NA w/cargo organizer.

Removable overhead consoles
CX	$100	$89
Two consoles, first-aid kit. Std. CXL.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Engine-block heater
CX, CXL	$35	$31


Rear bumper protector
CX, CXL	$45	$40


Alloy wheels
FWD CX	$325	$289


Chrome alloy wheels
CXL	$650	$579

2005 Buick Terraza Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Buick Terraza 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	121.1

Overall Length, in.	205.0

Overall Width, in.	72.0

Overall Height, in.	72.0

Curb Weight, lbs.	4470

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	136.5

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	25.0

Seating Capacity	7

Front Head Room, in.	39.8

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	39.9

Rear Head Room, in.	38.9

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	38.9

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	ohv V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.5 /213

Horsepower @ rpm.	200 @ 5200

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	220 @ 4400

Availability	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

4-speed automatic	18/24

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Buick Terraza 4-door wagon

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Side Impact, Driver	4

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	6/100,000	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive

Tester's Comments

(what's this?)

Vehicle Evaluated: 2005 Buick Terraza
Trim Level: CXL
Arrival Date: 04/08/2005
Engine: ohv V6
Bodystyle: 4-door wagon
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
4WD/AWD: No
Base Price: $31,170
Price as Tested: $33,330
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 735
Mileage at End of Test: 1253
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 29.004 gals.

Major Options: 17-inch Aluminum Chrome Tech Wheels, XM Satellite Radio, AM/FM Stereo Radow 6-CD Changer with MP3 Player, Remote Vehicle Starter System Includes Keyless Entry, 3.29 Axle Ratio, 4-Speed Automatic Transmission, Slatestone Metallic Exterior, Gray Interior

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 16.62 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Mark Bilek This fully loaded Terraza lists for just $32,000 which is considerably less than many competitors. The missing side-curtain airbags and hide-away rear seat are puzzling, however this van is pleasant and attractively priced otherwise.

Tom Appel Ouch. GM should never have built this van. There is nothing upscale about this van, and the changes made to the standard (Chevrolet Uplander, Pontiac Montana SV6, Saturn Relay) chassis only make things worse. At least the non-Buick vans handle decently and can likely be sold on price...but more than $33, 000 for the worst handling, weakest accelerating minivan available in North America? Pass.

< 2005 Buick Terraza Photos

Also in the 2005 Buick Terraza Review:

Buick Terraza

Buick Terraza Road Test

Buick Terraza Prices & Equipment

Buick Terraza Specs & Safety

Buick Terraza Photos

Buick Terraza Full Review

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