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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  Weighted second seat - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Ronald DeMarco - July 5 - 11:30 pm

  I have driven many SUVs and this is the first one to turn peoples heads.The only problem is the middle seat is heavy and hard to remove. Chrysler has the right idea for the second seat.

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  From an SUV to a "Minivan" - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Tom - June 16 - 4:34 pm

  I have have my 2005 Buick Terraza CLX FWD for about a month. The only drawback is that it is underpowered for a vehicle that is intended to be loaded up with people and gear. The styling inside and out is well liked by me and everyone who sees it for the first time. I have had strangers stop me and tell me that they really like the appearance of the Terraza! The sliding doors are invaluable! Get the remote start up feature, I absolutely love it. The seats are much more comfortable than my Chevy Trailblazer. If only I could have that engine in this vehicle! The interior is the best and classiest of all of the new crossover sport vans as these are being called (Chevy, Pontiac, Saturn).

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  Terraza CXL - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By A. Moore - June 14 - 3:43 pm

  We looked at the Chevy version of this van also and by the time you put all of the options on it that the CXL had, the price was at least as much. A Buick Century was our first new car and we loved it for 8 years but needed the extra room. Our Buick dealer has a wonderful service department and thats what eventually sold us on it.

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  Well Done Buick - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Larry H - May 26 - 2:03 am

  I traded in my Chevy Venture Warner Bros. Edition for this fully loaded CXL. I love the styling and the ride is very quiet. Improvements over the Warner Bros. include the XM radio, seats are 100% leather (no cloth inserts) Heated front seats, factory remote starter, steering wheel controls. Mechanically the cars drives a little stiffer but is more responsive. Gas mileage is down from the 3.4 engine. Chevy Venture with 3.4 averaged close to 29 mpg on highway according to trip computer, Terraza is between 25 and 26. Performance difference is hardly noticable, but I dont think my wife plans on racing it. Very nice vehicle, not just a repackaged Olds silouette.

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  Our Mojo Box - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Fred Perrett - April 12 - 4:22 pm

  The Terraza is a wonderful ride. We did however, blow a computer K module. Buick repaired the problem and provided us with a Chevy Tahoe while the repairs were completed. On our family trip to Florida from Michigan and back, we really enjoyed the comfort and ride.

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Ray Zenoni - April 11 - 11:15 pm

  Over the past several years I have rented quite a few mini-vans for group trips. None compare with the Terraza that I recently purchased. I was looking primarily for a very comfortable and quite vehicle to transport people on fun day trips (rather than a vehicle to transport the kids to after school activities). The Terraza is quiet, handles well, is very comfortable and basically a perfect fit for my requirments. I have had it for several months now and I have driven it 2,000 miles in all types of weather. I am so glad I got this vehicle. This is my first Buick and I was impressed by the dealership, as well as this vehicle.

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  Back to Elegance - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By OldGoat - April 7 - 5:01 pm

  Finally, Buick is back. The leather seats are great. Styling is the best anywhere in the world. Gas mileage is great. There is plenty of room in the cabin. A real showboat.

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  Great Van - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By ED Buck - April 6 - 2:32 pm

  This is the first Buick I ever own and I am amazed at the ride and how quiet it is. Its just great driving. I had a Chevy Asto before.

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  I LOVE MY TERRAZA!!!! - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Lisa - April 6 - 8:45 am

  I love my Buick Terraza. I like the fact that it has the exterior look of an SUV but the interior room and comfort of a mini-van! It is definitely a vehicle my family and I needed. We use the storage compartments often, the 12 cupholders actually come in handy with the children. The third row seating lays flat for lots of room and storage in the rear when moving or transporting groceries and large items. I would purchase this vehcile again! There are some quirks they need to work out with it mechanically but overall the service I have received from the dealer has been great, too! The quirks are very minor and do not affect the handling of the vehicle in anyway.

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  My 1st minivan - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Ken C - March 25 - 6:22 pm

  I was ready to buy a Mercury Premier, but tried this...what a great buy! Its so quiet inside, and comfortable! I got heated seats...my wife insisted! The middle and back seats are as comfortable as the front, with plenty of leg room. The engine has plenty of get up and go, and I get 29 mpg on the road at 65 to 70. I"m very happy. Try one out.