Overview & Reviews

When Buick decided to offer its first minivan, it attempted to minimize the associated stigma by labeling the Terraza, a badge-engineered General Motors minivan, a "luxury crossover sport van." In other words, the Terraza was a minivan featuring a taller stance, an elongated nose and available all-wheel drive. While it shared a platform with several corporate siblings such as the Chevrolet Uplander, the Buick Terraza offered a few distinguishing characteristics and styling tricks that lent an upscale feel in comparison. Nicely finished leather and wood trim in the uplevel versions provided an elegant ambience not seen in the Buick's more lowbrow relatives, and it came with more standard features as well.

But as minivans go, the Buick Terraza lagged behind the segment leaders (as well as newer true crossovers) in terms of driving refinement and safety features. Shoppers are advised to check out models such as the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna or even Buick's own Enclave before settling on this "luxury crossover sport van."

Most recent Buick Terraza
Buick introduced the Terraza in 2005 and discontinued it after the 2007 model year. At first, it had an underwhelming 3.5-liter V6 providing 200 horsepower matched to a four-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was optional. The Buick Terraza minivan came in three trim levels -- CX, CX Plus and CXL. The well-equipped CX offered the expected popular amenities, while the CX Plus added a sport-tuned suspension, dual-zone climate control and auto-leveling rear suspension. The top-of-the-line CXL provided alloy wheels, rear air-conditioning, rear parking assist and eight-way power front seats.

The Buick Terraza comfortably accommodated up to seven people and offered room for lots of stuff -- its second- and third-row seats folded down to provide up to 137 cubic feet of space. However, unlike most other minivans, the Terraza's third row did not fold completely into the floor, though it could be removed. The rest of the cabin was luxurious thanks to convincing faux wood and double-stitched leather seats with contrasting piping. A modular roof rail system allowed passengers to adjust the DVD player and storage compartment components, and folding center trays were located between the first- and second-row seats. There was also an available remote vehicle start system that enabled one to heat up or cool down the cabin before getting in.

Used-model shoppers might want to focus on 2006-and-later models, as these vans became available with first- and second-row side airbags inside and the more powerful 3.9-liter V6 under the hood of front-wheel-drive models. Rear DVD entertainment was made standard, and those wanting more choices could opt for the PhatNoise digital media system. All-wheel drive and the 3.5-liter V6 were dropped for 2007.

In reviews, we found the Buick Terraza's large V6 capable of delivering respectable acceleration around town and ample power for merging and passing at highway speeds despite its hefty mass. The suspension struck an acceptable balance between ride comfort and responsive handling, but other minivans offered sharper reflexes and a tighter turning radius. The Terraza's braking distances were also a little on the long side. And despite Buick's advertised "QuietTuning" technology, cabin noise levels were above average and not as whisper-quiet as we expected.

User Reviews:

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  06 Buick Terraza Highly Recommended - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By Dave A - November 22 - 3:19 pm

  Weve only had this van for about a month now but so far everything has been excellent. Fit and finish and general interior quality is excellent. Radio/CD and DVD Player are excellent easy to operate and sound great, right power door is outstanding, left standard door is very hard to close. Seats are very comfortable and can be adjusted 8 ways. Dual heating controls at front and addnl heating at back are fantastic. We opted for the new 3.9L V6 engine, exc pickup and still better mileage than our previous 03 Rendezvous, will be great for towing if I get that boat next year.

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  Terazza is the best by far - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By tracy - November 9 - 12:17 am

  I test drove several mini vans over a period of three months. Terazza, Montana, Senoma, Freestyle, also a van by Saturn. I kept going back to the Terazza it offers everthing that I wanted in a mini van. storage, comfort, style,dvd for the kids.( i have 2)it has a more sporty look to it then mini van. It handles the road great. I recently took it on a road trip to Salem, Mass and it performed wonderful. It was also great on fuel. I think that Buick hit the mark with this minivan.

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  Many, Many Problems - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Cat - October 20 - 10:14 am

  Yes, it does look nice and have many nice features, but the problems (11) I have had for the past seven months far outweigh the good. Neither Buick nor the dealer will do anything to compensate me for my loss of security in this vehicle. it The last and biggest problem was while driving on a major highway on a crowded Saturday afternoon, the steering completely locked up, the traction control light and service stability system lights came on, I had no ability to steer, use the gas or brake, the van kept swerving from side to side. Cause is faulty steering wheel sensor, but because of the other problems that were supposedly fixed but werent, I will never feel safe in this vehicle again.

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  Dont buy one - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Lin Young - October 14 - 1:55 am

  Unquestionably this is the worst GM product in recent history. Seats are like setting on a wood box, engine destroyed itself at 11,000 miles, ABS/Traction Control did not work for over 8 weeks. The horn button requires over 50 pounds to activate. It wont pull itself on level road in 4th gear. The seats will not adjust to anyone large or small. Middle seats are close to front even for a short person. The rear seat is not adjustable. We have owned over 25 GM vehicles over the last 30 years, this one is deplorable. The 1999 Oldsmobile we formerly owned was far superior to the Terraza.

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  DO NOT GET THIS VAN! - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Tony - October 13 - 1:30 pm

  This van has been in the shop a total of 6 weeks! Problems that I have encountered include: Transmission...terrible gas mileage-13- 14MPG...wind noise to sliding doors and rattling...radio went out...problem with chasis and tie rod on wheel (2 weeks in shop)

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  Very Good - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By CRR - October 6 - 10:45 am

  I really liked this mini van. I was surprised at all of the smart features, like the information panel that lets you know exactly how many miles you have before running out of gas and oil, extra cup holders that can be hid away and a censored passenger seat to keep airbag off when a child is under weight. There were so many common sense things that most vehicles do not have, which makes traveling a lot more comfortable. The car told you specifically which door was not close. The down side was you have to shut the side doors real hard to get it to register close. It took me a while to get used to the truck look on the front end, then I recalled how some men prefer a more masculine look.

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Dave - September 29 - 12:43 pm

  I love everything about this vehicle except that it is slightly underpowered. We just completed a 500 mile all interstate trip at 70 mph and got 26 mpg, 2 more than posted for this vehicle. It drives, handles and rides very well - feels more like a car than a minivan. Excellent storage and seating comfort. Vehicle now has 4000 miles and no problems thus far. The grandkids love it, especially the DVD setup.

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  Like the look - but not the quality... - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By heatherinraleighnc - September 27 - 3:09 pm

  Traded my Honda Oddessey in for this one because I really wanted a built in DVD and something a more luxurious than what I had and for the price thought it was a good deal. At 5,000 miles the engine stalled out on the highway. Buick ended up having to put a brand new engine in because the previous one wasnt put together properly. After a month I got it back. It drives fine, but every time I start it up it says "low oil pressure" on the dash.They cant figure out why - I have taken it in 2 times and they want me to bring it in again to run more tests. Buick did give me a new one to drive while mine was being fixed & gave me 1 month of payments on it for my hassle. Never had any issues w/my Honda.

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  Quality Vehicle - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By William - September 9 - 3:11 pm

  This is a high quality vehicle. The styling is great. The van goes down the road well. It is driver friendly. The controls are well within reach. We had the van out on a 90+ degree day and had to turn the A/C down because we were cold. That seems impressive for a van. I would buy another Buick without reservation.

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  My first car at age 65 - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By DON JOHNSTON - September 8 - 2:46 pm

  This is the best car I have ever had. My wife always pick the vehicle. I only have one problem and that is getting the little things fixed. We have a cottage in the north. I have run out of gas three times because of a faulty gas gauge. One long trips I tend to get a very severe ache in my right shoulder and we think this is from the A/C unit which has little control other than on /off.