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.
The interior looks decidedly upscale with such things as leather upholstery and wood trim, despite some hard plastics. Marginal plastic is used for various trays and drawers and headphone compartments in the front seatbacks, although those compartments are handy. It's very quiet up front, but noisier in the rear.
The stylish gauge numbers should be larger, but major controls are easily reached and nicely sized, except for small sound system controls. There are plenty of cupholders, and even the glove compartment is roomy.
The interior is quiet, with good outward visibility. Front seats seem too firm, at least on short trips, but are supportive.
The Terraza falls behind class leaders in some areas, but offers a lot. It makes the Roadmaster Estate Wagon almost seem like a classic.
2005 BUICK TERRAZA
PRICES
$28,110-$33,855
LIKES
Buick's first minivan. Supple ride. Decent handling. Available all-wheel drive.
DISLIKES
Average acceleration. Lacks some class-leading features. No side curtain air bags.