Review: Buick breaks the mold with first minivan

[Ming]

Buick breaks the mold with first minivan
April 4, 2005
BY DAN JEDLICKA Auto Reporter

The Terraza is Buick's very first minivan. It's also a worthy, more practical successor to the automaker's last station wagon -- the 1996 Roadmaster Estate Wagon.

The Terraza seats seven with its standard roomy third-row seat. The Estate Wagon had seating for eight, but its rear-facing third seat wasn't very comfortable.

The Roadmaster looks as if it's a refugee from the 1960s or 1970s, especially with its fake wood side material. The 116-inch-wheelbase Roadmaster was huge with a 216-inch overall length.

The Terraza is much shorter at 205 inches, although it's got a longer 121-inch wheelbase than the Estate Wagon -- and that helps allow comfortable space for the roomy third-seat area. That 50-50 split bench seat is rather hard to reach and some adults might complain that it's too close to the floor for comfort, although kids probably won't mind.

The Terraza is similar to the new Chevrolet Uplander, Pontiac Montana SV6 and Saturn Relay. But the Buick is the costliest, most luxurious version of the 2005 quartet and is the only member with a standard automatic load-leveling rear suspension. The independent control-arm rear suspension is unique to the Terraza, adapted from the Buick Rendezvous SUV. The other GM minivans get that suspension only when equipped with all-wheel drive.

The new minivans are derived from GM's last-generation, average-selling 1997-2004 minivans because the automaker didn't want to spend a lot for an all-new minivan in a saturated market. GM thus gave the last-generation models a more aggressive SUV-style look with a more horizontal hoodline, upright windshield and a more vertical grille for 2005.

Buick calls the Terraza a "crossover sport van" -- not a minivan -- and its squared-off front end and aggressive-looking grille do give it an SUV front appearance. The longer nose also makes the Terraza longer overall than the old minivans. And the extra space between the front end and radiator improves its NHTSA front-crash rating, which is important to some minivan buyers.

The new styling won't fool anyone into thinking the Terraza is an SUV because it looks like a minivan beyond the front windshield posts. It's for folks who don't want to be considered "domesticated" but also don't want to give up a minivan's supreme functionality.

The Terraza comes in CX and higher-line CXL trim levels. All are offered with front- or road-gripping all-wheel drive. List prices range from $28,110 for the front-drive CX to $33,855 for an all-wheel-drive CXL. Traction control is standard on the front-drive CX and standard on the front-drive CXL.

The CXL has enough extra features to justify its higher prices, such as a power front passenger seat and rear air conditioning. However, an anti-skid system is optional for both versions.

Even the CX is well-equipped with standard comfort and convenience items, including rear DVD entertainment and climate control systems. However, head-protecting side-curtain air bags aren't offered. Front side air bags are standard for the CXL, optional for the CX.

The CX has a power-sliding passenger-side rear door, while the CXL has a power driver-side rear door -- an option for the CX. A low floor makes it easy to get in and out, and occupants sit rather high.

Unlike DaimlerChrysler's Chrysler and Dodge minivans, there's only one body length, with folding/removable second-row bucket seats and fold-flat third-row bench seat.

Rear seats don't disappear into the floor as they do in DaimlerChrysler minivans, but the third-row bench has fairly large storage areas in its rear sections with flip-up covers; they can be handy when the seatbacks are flipped forward.

The cargo opening is extremely low and wide, and the hatch opens and closes easily, but cargo room is only decent with the third-row seat in its upright position.

The Terraza has a 3.5-liter, 200-horsepower V-6 also used in the Pontiac G6 sporty car and is an improvement over the old-style 3.4-liter, 185-horsepower V-6 in the previous GM minivans. However, class-leading minivans easily outpower the Terraza, which has good acceleration to 65 mph but average punch above that speed for passing.

Speed is no deal-breaker for most buyers in the minivan market, but it's too bad Buick didn't use the modern 3.6-liter, 242-horsepower V-6 from its Rendezvous SUV because the Terraza is heavy with all its equipment.

The Terraza has a four-speed automatic transmission, instead of a more modern five-speed unit used by class leaders, although the transmission upshifts smoothly and downshifts quickly.

Estimated fuel economy is 18 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway -- or 17 and 23 for the heavier all-wheel drive version. Only 87-octane fuel is required.

Steering is a little vague at highway speeds, but probably not enough to be noticed by average drivers. The all-independent suspension soaks up most bumps without occupant discomfort and the long-distance ride is good. So is handling, although it's not sporty. Brakes are exceptionally strong, with a linear pedal feel.

FULL Review Here: http://www.suntimes.com/output/auto/car-news-car04.html

In Ming Blue:

[gacSTclass]

I don't see a mold being broken.

From boring to boring. What's new there? Re-introducing the GNX - now THAT would be breaking the mold for the Buick of the last decade and a half.

[tama z71]

or GSX, THAT would be breaking a mold

[mgescuro]

I wish Buick would revive the "Roadmaster" nameplate. That's such an awesome name.

[rm25x]

god all of GM's new mini vans are butt ugly. What are they thinking?!

[jro4566]

Roomy 3rd-row? Surprising. So if the CSV's have a roomy 3rd-row, what does that make the Sienna's and Odyssey's? Limosine-like then?

[Rex Raider]

Buick's Minivan should have been called the LoadMaster.

[LoneWolf]

I don't have a problem with the CSVs' appearance, indeed, I find them rather striking (with the possible exception of the Saturn Relay). I agree, however, that the Terraza isn't exactly breaking a mold for Buick. And for what it's worth, I'd argue that the Rendezvous pretty much qualifies as the first Buick minivan (in style and function, anyway).

[nailhead425]

Originally Posted by Ming

The Terraza is Buick's very first minivan. It's also a worthy, more practical successor to the automaker's last station wagon -- the 1996 Roadmaster Estate Wagon.

Except that the Terraza couldn't pull a wet stick out of a dog's a$$.
3500# max tow rating. With a FWD minivan? HA HA HA!
Something the '96 could do with ease. 5,000lbs. , with only 2.93:1 gears.
**Same engine in a Cadillac, with 3.23 gears, was rated at 6,500lbs***

Originally Posted by Ming

The Roadmaster looks as if it's a refugee from the 1960s or 1970s, especially with its fake wood side material.

Those 70s GM wagons had forward facing 3rd seats...

As someone who has had several '70s GM wagons, if the mini-vans were better than them, I would own a minivan. I don't agree with the statement that it is a more practical successor:

The '96 Wagon has more Front Legroom, Shoulder room, hip room, and more Rear head and shoulder room.

The '96 wagon had 260hp and 330 lbs.ft of torque. The nearly identical weight minivan has 200hp and 220lbs.ft of torque.

CW: 4,572lbs Wagon.
CW: 4,470lbs FWD minivan, 4,646 AWD minivan.

Also, a 4x8 sheet of plywood will fit inside a wagon, but not in the minivan.

Originally Posted by Ming

Estimated fuel economy is 18 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway -- or 17 and 23 for the heavier all-wheel drive version. Only 87-octane fuel is required.

The 1996 Estate Wagon was rated at 17mpg city/26mpg highway, on 87 octane. www.fueleconomy.gov

So, it's better, because the 3rd seat faces forward?

So, Mr. DAN JEDLICKA, don't whizz in my coffee and tell me it's sugar.

[zonty]

Originally Posted by nailhead425

Except that the Terraza couldn't pull a wet stick out of a dog's a$$.
3500# max tow rating. With a FWD minivan? HA HA HA!
Something the '96 could do with ease. 5,000lbs. , with only 2.93:1 gears.
**Same engine in a Cadillac, with 3.23 gears, was rated at 6,500lbs***



Those 70s GM wagons had forward facing 3rd seats...

As someone who has had several '70s GM wagons, if the mini-vans were better than them, I would own a minivan. I don't agree with the statement that it is a more practical successor:

The '96 Wagon has more Front Legroom, Shoulder room, hip room, and more Rear head and shoulder room.

The '96 wagon had 260hp and 330 lbs.ft of torque. The nearly identical weight minivan has 200hp and 220lbs.ft of torque.

CW: 4,572lbs Wagon.
CW: 4,470lbs FWD minivan, 4,646 AWD minivan.

Also, a 4x8 sheet of plywood will fit inside a wagon, but not in the minivan.



The 1996 Estate Wagon was rated at 17mpg city/26mpg highway, on 87 octane. www.fueleconomy.gov

So, it's better, because the 3rd seat faces forward?

So, Mr. DAN JEDLICKA, don't whizz in my coffee and tell me it's sugar.

You inspired me!! Would you buy this? (If we deleted the fake wood option?)

ROADMASTER MINIVAN, V-8 POWER BABY!!

[Kowalski]

First Buick MPV?

Chinese had their own Buick MPV, first than Americans:

Buick GL8


It is a Buick badged Chevy Venture.

Yes, it may be an outdated design, specially now with the new Saturn Relay and Pontiac Montana SV6.

The Buick GL8 however, was launched in China in 2000, the Buick Terraza was introduced in America in 2004.

The GL8 was released more precisely in December of 1999: http://www.buick.com.cn/en/buick_history_china.aspx

There is a 4 year difference between the two MPVs; So this is the first Buick MPV to be offered to the American market, but that doesn't meant, the Terraza is actually Buick's first MPV.

Even though it is just a Rebadge, the GL8 still is Buick's first MPV.

By the way, isn't the Terraza supposed to be a Buick rebadged Chevrolet Uplander?

So that still makes the GL8 as Buick's first MPV.

[otonabee]

The chinese version of the Buick van is much nicer looking..especially the front. I agree....the GM vans are butt ugly...the entire front end just bugs the heck out of me. Plus...you think that is enough horsepower GM is putting in their cars..considering the competition ...like the Odessey, Sienna and Quest?

[nailhead425]

Originally Posted by zonty

You inspired me!! Would you buy this? (If we deleted the fake wood option?)

no. Sorry. I'd have to kick my own a$$.

[drew770]

I don't know if the Terraza will sell well but when does the Rendezvous get a much needed redo??????????
Now if the next generation Rendezvous is more powerful, 5 speed auto, better interior, and a more likeable exterior design it might just might give the Lexus RX a run for it's money.

[jcasaccio]

Does anyone know if the 3.5 engine (it's just an oversized 3.4) is any good? Does it suffer from the same problems the 3.4 had? I really want to try and buy American, but I just don't know if any quality is left. I believe in getting at least 150k out of a car, and I just don't see it happening with the Terazza/Uplander/Relay van.

Any thoughts? Any Venture/Montana owners with troublefree 150k?

Thanks!