New Buick Terraza a Standout

[Ming]

New Buick Terraza a standout minivan
By Don Hammonds, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette



Buick's new Terraza minivan, one of several new minivans introduced this model year by General Motors, has features and qualities that make it a standout, both for GM and for the minivan field.

With its new entry, Buick avoids the "me too-ness" of other minivans such as the Chevy Uplander, Saturn Relay and Pontiac Montana SV6.

It's the only one of the GM minivans to feature "Quiet Tuning," Buick's exclusive package of sound-deadening materials such as acoustic engine cover, forged crankshaft and sound absorbing and dampening. It has a much nicer interior with different leathers and contrasting stitching than other GM minivans. It has a standard sport suspension, providing a better, more controlled ride.

And in an industry where first impressions are important, the Terraza looks quite different from the other GM products. It has the ovoid, heavily chromed grille and shiny chrome wheels and tasteful chrome exterior pieces.

Inside, you'll find lots of dark wood grains on the dash and steering wheel, chrome rings around gauges and little cues that let you know you're driving a Buick.

It all makes Terraza one of the most luxurious minivans on the market. Only Honda Odyssey's Touring edition minivan and Toyota's Sienna XLE Limited can match the Terraza on this score.

Driving the Terraza was like piloting a living room. It was quiet except for the sounds that came from the rear seat DVD entertainment system watched by my children, and there are plenty of storage trays and nooks.

Controls are for the most part easy to find, and for once GM used sturdy, chunky chrome trimmed dials -- not cheap-looking, flimsy designs. It was a pleasure to drive, particularly because it's so well-behaved and controlled over the road.



I disliked the way the third-row seat operated. It has easy-to-use latches on the seat backs, but it was a long stretch to reach those latches if you were standing in the rear of the car. It's also awkward to place luggage or parcels in the back when the third-row seats are folded flat.

Another problem is that windows in the back doors don't lower. In hot weather, you roast in the second row waiting for the air conditioning to crank up. My kids hated it, and car savvy as they are, they can tell you which vans do have windows that lower.

Overall, the Terraza is a capable minivan. It doesn't have some of the features found on the other minivans, and that's to its detriment when people shop comparatively.

Full Review: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05209/544735.stm

[AdmiralViscen]

Most of that is total bull. I can't imagine anyone writing that review sober.

"With its new entry, Buick avoids the "me too-ness" of other minivans such as the Chevy Uplander, Saturn Relay and Pontiac Montana SV6."

"And in an industry where first impressions are important, the Terraza looks quite different from the other GM products."

[Ming]

Yes, but positive reviews of the GM minivans are so hard to find I thought it worth sharing.

[gotz_otto]

This Article is a good read for seniors who want a nice ride that can carry all of there friends to the nearest casino.

[GMFreak8]

Oh comeon people, these vans are not that bad, and I've seen many on the road.

[1BadPig]

Originally Posted by GMFreak8

Oh comeon people, these vans are not that bad, and I've seen many on the road.

Yeah, they are all rentals for vacationers!

[AdmiralViscen]

They're not that bad, but they're not 'standout' or 'unique', especially not from the other GM vans.


I'm glad I got to this topic before one of the anti-GM fools came in here predicting that all GMIers would applaud this review and give props to an uncompetitive product simply because it was made by GM. AdmiralViscen: Defying expectations at every opportunity.

[ATPeele]

They seem to be quite a hit, I see the GM minivans everywhere here recently, yet I have one question. Why does Pontiac have a minivan? It was my understanding they were now the sporty exciting division of GM, and by its very nature, a minivan doesn't fit that mold.

Otherwise, if the interior of the Terraza is a sign of things to come for GM, I, for one, am impressed.

[saturnsteve]

I do like the fact that the Chevy and Buick offer monochromatic paint. I wish that the Relay did not have all the body cladding!

[asim]

This platform is too outdated.

[princecharmless]

"With its new entry, Buick avoids the "me too-ness" of other minivans such as the Chevy Uplander, Saturn Relay and Pontiac Montana SV6."

aww the irony.anyway i thought it was a fair review

[gotz_otto]

I just think it is to bad that the General really did not allow the vans to get the attention that they needed in the development stage. More funds could have helped these vans become a lot more.

[atomicshark]

Originally Posted by 1BadPig

Yeah, they are all rentals for vacationers!

In a previous post I wrote about my Uncle renting a Terraza in Orlando only to give it up for a Caravan which had enough space for his family and things.
That alone is an inditement for the inadequacy of the latest GM Minivans. Those fold flat seats take up too much space by raising the floor much higher than other minivans.

PS: My Uncle ended up buying an Odyssey since his Town & Country was getting old.

Reasons to buy the Odyssey: Best Minivan looks, space, interior design and engine with a decent price tag.

[Blackhawk]

Sounded to me like an honest review by someone who would actually buy a minivan instead of just a rant by an auto critic, seems like the critics always have to find something to rant about.

[gmhashope]

Originally Posted by AdmiralViscen

They're not that bad, but they're not 'standout' or 'unique', especially not from the other GM vans.

I think that quote sums it up the best. I can't wait for the next gen. Lambda minivans, that's why they didn't invest a lot of money into these.

Originally Posted by ATPeele

They seem to be quite a hit, I see the GM minivans everywhere here recently, yet I have one question. Why does Pontiac have a minivan? It was my understanding they were now the sporty exciting division of GM, and by its very nature, a minivan doesn't fit that mold.

Because when Pontiac buyers (ex. my family) out grow their Grand Prixs and need something to hold 5 people and their luggage they need something.
BTW, the interior is a lot better on these CSVs then the previous gen.