2006 Buick Terraza Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Buick's minivan gets additional side airbag protection for 2006. Terraza shares its basic design with the Chevrolet Uplander, Pontiac SV6, and Saturn Relay. It's the costliest, most luxurious of the group. Terraza comes in CX and uplevel CXL models, both with seats for seven. Terraza comes with front- or all-wheel drive. The lone engine is a 201-hp V6 (196 hp with AWD) that teams with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Promised but not delivered during the model year was an optional 235-hp V6. Front-drive models have GM's Stabilitrak traction/antiskid control system. ABS and OnStar assistance are standard. Terraza has 2nd-row bucket seats that fold and remove and a 50/50 3rd-row bench that folds flat atop the cargo floor. For 2006, the available front side airbags are joined by side airbags for the 2nd-row seats. Both provide head and torso protection and are standard on CXL, optional for CX. Standard equipment includes load-leveling suspension and DVD entertainment. Other options include rear obstacle detection, navigation system, and remote engine start. Terraza's performance and accommodations mirror those of similarly equipped Uplanders.

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 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan, and Honda Odyssey. Our Recommended pick is Toyota Sienna.

Kia Sedona is new or significantly redesigned.

News

Look for Buick's minivan to be redesigned for 2009 or '10. The basis should be the GM Lambda platform used for the new Saturn Outlook crossover and Buick's own 2008 Enclave wagon, due in early 2007. GM is busy setting up a Buick-Pontiac-GMC sales channel, and Pontiac will drop its SV6 in a year or two, leaving Terraza to carry the minivan banner for B-P-G dealers.

2006 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 and compare well with most rivals. The AWD's extra weight is felt more from a stop than during passing/merging.

Fuel Economy

FWD CXL	AWD CXL	Class Average
4	4	4.2

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

Ride Quality

FWD CXL	AWD CXL	Class Average
5	5	5.8

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

Steering/Handling/Braking

FWD CXL	AWD CXL	Class Average
3	4	4.7

Terraza is more softly sprung than its GM stablemates, feels less agile. Marked body lean in turns, though no tippiness. Steering somewhat vague at highway speeds. Braking controlled and progressive. Available AWD a boon in slippery conditions.

Quietness

FWD CXL	AWD CXL	Class Average
7	7	5.7

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 difficult time hearing front passengers.

Controls

FWD CXL	AWD CXL	Class Average
7	7	6

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	6.7

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	6.8

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
10	10	9.9

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	6.3

A comfortable ride, available all-wheel drive, and standard DVD entertainment are Terraza's prime assets. But the rear seating rows and cargo area lack the design advances found in minivans from Chrysler, Honda, Toyota, and now even Hyundai and Kia. Buick's minivan is competent, but there is no compelling reason to choose it over our Best Buy and Recommended minivan choices.

Total Score

FWD CXL	AWD CXL	Class Average
56	57	60.3

Scores for all Minivans

Low Score		56
Average Score		60
High Score		71

2006 Buick Terraza Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 06/01/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

FWD CX 4-door van	$27,250	$25,478	$740

AWD CX 4-door van	$30,250	$28,284	$740

FWD CXL 4-door van	$29,750	$27,816	$740

AWD CXL 4-door van	$33,250	$31,089	$740

Price note: FWD denotes front-wheel drive. AWD denotes all-wheel drive.

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 disc 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, center console, cupholders, 3rd-row split folding seat, heated power mirrors, power front windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, rear radio controls, digital clock, tachometer, compass, outside-temperature indicator, DVD entertainment system, folding tray, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper, automatic headlights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

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

CXL adds to CX:

Safety

Front and 2nd-row side airbags.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Rear air conditioning, leather upholstery, 8-way power front seats, driver-seat memory, power rear-quarter windows, power sliding passenger-side door, steering wheel radio controls, universal garage door opener, 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
Comfort and Convenience Pkg.
CX	$1,370	$1,137
Rear air conditioning, power rear-quarter windows, power sliding passenger-side door, universal garage door opener, cargo organizer.

Driver's Confidence Pkg.
CX, CXL	$605	$502
Rear-obstacle-detection system, power sliding driver-side door, alarm. CX requires Comfort and Convenience Pkg.

Trailering Provisions Pkg.
CX, CXL	$175	$145
Heavy-duty alternator and engine cooling, wiring harness.

Safety
Front- and 2nd-row side airbags
CX	$700	$581


Comfort and Convenience Features
Remote engine start
CX, CXL	$190	$158


6-way power passenger seat
CX	$275	$228


Heated front seats
CXL	$275	$228


Navigation system
CXL	$1,995	$1,656


PhatNoise
CX	$795	$660
CXL	$695	$577
Mobile digital-media player. NA w/removable overhead console. Deletes standard removable overhead console on CXL.

AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
CX, CXL	$295	$245


Satellite radio
CX, CXL	$325	$270
Requires monthly fee after 3rd month.

Wireless headphones
CX, CXL	$75	$62


Cargo net
CX	$45	$37


Removable overhead consoles
CX	$100	$83
Two consoles, first aid kit. Std. CXL.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Engine-block heater
CX, CXL	$50	$42


Rear bumper protector
CX, CXL	$45	$37


Alloy wheels
FWD CX	$325	$270


Chrome alloy wheels
CXL	$650	$540

2006 Buick Terraza Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Buick Terraza 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.	4426

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.	201 @ 5600

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	216 @ 4400

Availability	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

4-speed automatic	18/25

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 van

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Rollover Resistance	3

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	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	6/100,000	--

Free roadside assistance	4/50,000	--

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

< 2006 Buick Terraza Photos

Also in the 2006 Buick Terraza Review:

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Buick Terraza Road Test

Buick Terraza Prices & Equipment

Buick Terraza Specs & Safety

Buick Terraza Photos

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