2005-2007 Buick Terraza Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Buick Terraza. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Buick Terraza.

2005-2007 Buick Terraza Review

Buick received its first minivan for 2005. Terraza shared its basic design with the 2005 Chevrolet Uplander, Pontiac Montana SV6, and Saturn Relay. All basically added an SUV-style nose to the 1997-2004 GM minivan design to create what GM dubbed the "crossover sport van." Terraza was the costliest, most luxurious version, and was the only one to come standard with load-leveling suspension. Terraza offered CX and uplevel CXL models. There was 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 was standard on CX; CXL added a power driver-side door, which was optional on CX. Terraza used a 200-hp V6, 4-speed automatic transmission, and either front- or all-wheel drive. Front-drive models had GM's Stabilitrak traction/antiskid control. All models came with 4-wheel antilock brakes, 17-inch wheels, and OnStar assistance. Front side airbags providing head and torso protection were optional on CX and standard on CXL, but curtain side airbags weren't offered. Also standard were a CD/MP3 player, DVD entertainment, and a roof-rail system with available snap-on storage modules. Rear air conditioning and a rear cargo organizer were optional on CX, standard on CXL. CXL also added leather seating surfaces and rear obstacle detection. Among the options for both models were satellite radio and a remote starting system that operated from the keyfob.

Year to Year Changes

2006 Buick Terraza: Available side airbags for 2nd-row passengers marked 2006 for Buick's minivan. Terraza also was slated to receive a 235-hp 3.9-liter V6 as an option during the model year. Buick has said, however, this engine would debut in 2007 models.

2007 Buick Terraza: Terraza loses its all-wheel-drive model but gains more power for 2007. Terraza is front-wheel drive and comes in CX, new-for-2007 CX Plus, and top-line CXL models. All have a 240-hp 3.9-liter V6 engine that replaces a 201-hp 3.5 V6.

2005-2007 Buick Terraza Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room	Fuel economy

Quietness	Quietness

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Front-wheel drive models feel livelier than GM's quoted 0-60 mph time of 10.5 sec. All-wheel drive models are heavier, and therefore lazier, on takeoff. But all have adequate highway passing power. Fuel economy is mediocre at best, averaging 18.2-19.4 mpg depending on driving conditions. While no minivan is sporty, Terraza is average for the class in handling response. Body lean is prevalent, but the availability of AWD is a plus for wet or snowy conditions. Despite being the only GM van with an independent rear suspension, Terraza allows more float and wallow than its corporate cousins. Terrazas are among the most quiet of all minivans. The interior is a mixed bag. Gauges are clear, and switchgear has an upscale feel that's vastly improved over previous GM minivans. Standard DVD entertainment is a big plus for families. Trays and drawers, though, are lined with budget-grade plastic. Aside from a lack of curtain side airbags, perhaps the biggest deficit these vans face is the setup and configuration of the cargo area. The 2nd- and 3rd-row seats do fold, but only flat atop the cargo floor. The only way to create a level loading deck is to remove the seats entirely. With the seats in place, passengers can travel in adult-size comfort in the 2nd row. The 3rd row is best left to kids. Visibility is good all the way around, aided by large exterior mirrors.

Value for the Money
Terraza has significant competitive disadvantages, namely the lack of curtain side airbags and 3rd-row seats that don't fold flat into the cargo floor. On the plus side, it's quiet and has standard DVD entertainment. In the long run, however, a better designed minivan like the Dodge Caravan or Honda Odyssey makes more sense.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Buick Terraza CXL FWD	Rating

Performance	3

Fuel Economy	4

Ride Quality	5

Steering/Handling/Braking	3

Quietness	7

Controls/Materials	7

Interior Room	6

Room/Comfort (rear)	6

Cargo Capacity	10

Value within Class	5

Total:	56

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

2005-2007 Buick Terraza Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Check-engine light: The check engine light may come on due to failure of the EGR valve. The Delphi valve is to be replaced with a Seimens valve kit and have the PCM flashed. (2005-06)

Electrical problem: The PCM was being replaced for a defective chip under a voluntary emissions recall because it affected the fuel pump and EGR system. (2005)

Electrical problem: If the OnStar system quits or won't come on (no power), but comes back to life if the fuse is removed for five minutes, the vehicle communications interface module must be replaced or else the problem will recur. (2005-06)

Engine noise: A whistling noise from the 3.5L engine during acceleration is corrected by replacing the PCV tube. (2005)

Engine stalling: The engine may not start, may start then quit, and/or assorted warning lights may glow because the wiring connector under the driver seat may get wet and the contacts corrode. (2005-06)

Fuel gauge: The engine may not start or may stall because the tank is empty yet the gauge shows fuel remaining, or the fuel gauge will not show full after refilling due to sulfur corrosion of the fuel level sender and if after treating with Fuel System Cleaner PLUS the problem remains, the sender may need to be replaced. (2005-06)

Headlights: The headlights and interior lights may flicker requiring replacement of the alternator. (2005)

Horn: The horn may require extra pressure on some spots of the steering wheel pad. Softer springs are available to retrofit. (2005-06)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$855

Alternator	$610

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$3,240

Brakes	$540

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing

Constant Velocity Joints	$1,520

Exhaust System	$540

Radiator	$650

Shocks and/or Struts	$930

Timing Chain or Belt	$760

NHTSA Recall History

2005 Terraza: The emergency brake may not fully disengage when released, causing unintended braking while accelerating, decelerating, or coasting. Dealer will inspect the parking brake lever and replace the rear brake calipers as necessary.

2005 Terraza: When parking brake is released, driver may notice unintended braking while accelerating, decelerating or coasting, accompanied by noise from rear of car.

2006 Terraza: Some vehicles may have a misprinted tire and loading label that lists inaccurate capacity weights. Dealer will replace the label.

2005-2007 Buick Terraza Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

2005
Terraza CX	$13,500-15,000	$12,300-13,700	$8,000-8,900
Terraza CXL	$15,000-16,300	$13,700-14,800	$9,500-10,300

2006
Terraza CX	$15,500-17,200	$14,100-15,700	$9,900-11,000
Terraza CXL	$17,200-19,000	$15,800-17,500	$11,000-12,200

2007
Terraza CX/Plus	$18,500-20,300	$17,000-18,700	$11,800-13,000
Terraza CXL	$21,000-23,000	$19,300-21,200	$13,700-15,000

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

2005-2007 Buick Terraza Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	4-door van

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.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Only one powertrain was available in Terrazas: a 3.5-liter V6 engine, mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. This engine produced 200 horsepower and 216 lb-ft of torque in front-wheel drive models, with all-wheel drive versions having 196 horsepower and 213 lb-ft of torque. For 2007, Terraza gets a 240-hp 3.9-liter V6 engine that replaces a 201-hp 3.5 V6.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

ohv V6	3.5 / 213	196-200	213-216	4-speed automatic: 18/24	4-speed automatic: 18

ohv V6	3.9 / 237	240	240	4-speed automatic: 18/24	4-speed automatic: --

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

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	2006 Terraza

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, 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%.

Built In: USA

Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive

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Also in the 2005-2007 Buick Terraza Review:

Buick Terraza

Buick Terraza Road Test

Buick Terraza Reliability

Buick Terraza Prices

Buick Terraza Specs & Safety

Buick Terraza Photos

Buick Terraza Full Review