Autoweek reviews the CSV
 

http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=101251

Re: Autoweek reviews the CSV
 

I heartily applaud GM's using the 3.5L V6. A 3.9L would be nicer, but man, I probably would have flipped my lid if they had given the new Malibu the 3.5, and these minivans a cheap, China-sourced 3.4 (like the Torrenox). :D

Re: Autoweek reviews the CSV
 

It wasnt that critical of an article, which is suprising. I think the nice interiors and standard DVD players help very much. Although at least the Buick should have the 3.6.

Re: Autoweek reviews the CSV
 

Surprisingly I havne't read too many articles that bash these CSVs. I think the press sees the CSV nomenclature as a joke, and the articles are less offensive.

Re: Autoweek reviews the CSV
 

Ya know, a lot of people have complained about the CSV's (and other new GM vehicles) getting the 3.5L as the top end engine. I think you'll see the HV 3.9L V6 in there soon (1-2 years). Obviously, they haven't started production yet so I believe that the 3.5L will be replaced as the "high-end" engine in some of these vehicles in the future. Example: Malibu (possibly in an SS version), CSV's, G6...i think these vehicles will probably get (G6 has been confirmed) the 3.9L when they start building it, as a top end optional engine. I also think you'll see the 3.9L replace the 3.4L in the Equinox/Torrent. This, is at least what I am hoping for.

Re: Autoweek reviews the CSV
 

I have to say that these vans are indeed an improvement over there cheap interior predecessors. They have more standard equipment, nicer interiors, improved structures and that neat entertainment system. I have looked at all 4 versions and am most impressed with the Pontiac and Buick versions. But the piper must be paid and in this case greater weight and less fuel economy are negatives in this design! The 3500 is smoother and quieter but has to haul around 400-500 extra lbs of weight which all but negates the 15 hp gain. Kudos to Chevy for keeping the price in line with the Venture while offering more equipment and for Buick having a fully loaded Terraza for less than it's dead Olds equivalent. I just wish GM could have refrained from using the new fad low budget cloth seat material on the Chevys and Pontiacs.

Re: Autoweek reviews the CSV
 

The CSV's are a dissapointment in that this isn't a clean sheet redesign. While I applaud GM for improving the powertrain and interior quality, remember that the CSV's are narrower than the Caravan, Sienna, and Odyssey, as well as some other minivans. The interior space and cargo space is lacking. Also the fold flat seats do not fold into a well in the cargo area. While a 3.5 liter LX9 V6 with 200 hp is welcome, just remember that the Sienna has a 3.3 liter with 225 hp, an Odyssey has 255 from a 3.5 liter. While the Caravan's 3.3 liter has 180 hp and the 4.2 liter Freestar 201 hp, maybe GM could use the 3.6 liter HF engine for at least 230-240 horsepower on the Terraza. That would be more fitting to the upscale image of Buick.

Re: Autoweek reviews the CSV
 

Lets face it. This plartform has already paid for itself. GM is just making a killing here for a few more years.... like they milked the carvalier to the very last drop.. infact they are still rinising it for 2005 ........fund UAW retirement without sinking a Billion $$$$ into a minivan sink hole...

Re: Autoweek reviews the CSV
 

These vans are just hitting the streets and I think I'm already sick of hearing about them.
Probably because I'll never need one. Thank God!!!

Re: Autoweek reviews the CSV
 

Doesn't matter how you dress it up, crap is still crap.

Here is hoping it doesn't have any recalls, that is the last thing they need.

-Z

Re: Autoweek reviews the CSV
 

I plan on leasing a Buick Terraza. We currently have a 02 Montana. The fit and finish seem to be alot better. I really couldn't tel a difference power wise. I just hope it rattles less. Minivans aren't sexy, but they sure have a whole lot more room than a smaller SUV.

Re: Autoweek reviews the CSV
 

Yeah, I hate the lazy, stinking UAW. I've had no respect for them at all.

Re: Autoweek reviews the CSV
 

How's it going, Dindak?

I saw a terraza the other day.
The interior is actually pretty nice, espcially the contrasting stiching on the seats.
The front end is flat out ugly.
I think the sticker was 32 or 33K.
We should be seeing 4K rebates on it by january.

Re: Autoweek reviews the CSV
 

The piping on the seats is nice. They have it on the cloth seats as well. I will be getting a CX. Sticker is a tad over 30k. Buicks also have dual climate control. Now my wife can't melt me in the winter.

Re: Autoweek reviews the CSV
 

I actually like the fact that these vans are slightly narrower than the rest. With everybody these days driving large SUVs, pick-ups and vans, it's nice to able to park at the shopping mall and not worry about having my doors sracthed or dinged by the Expedition on one side and Suburban on the other. I have yet to completely fill my current SWB Venture (trust me, with two young children, we bring a lot of stuff on trips), so I can't see how space in a LWB can be lacking. So it can't haul a 4x8 sheet of plywood - big deal. If I need to by a vehicle to haul plywood, I'll buy a pick-up.
I, too, would have liked to have seen more power, but 200hp isn't all that bad. Hopefully when I'm looking for a new van in a couple of years, there'll be some larger engines as options.