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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  Great Van - 2007 Buick Terraza
  By Pat - July 11 - 7:22 pm

  Ive only had it a week and I love it. I needed to find a replacement for my Venture Warner Bros Edition that was hit almost head on by a college kid at 40mph and no one was hurt - as they dont make the Venture anymore this was its replacement. Great engine, nice smooth ride, good pick up.

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  Love my Terraza - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By lovemyterraza - July 8 - 12:58 am

  I fell in love with this Terraza, but then again I love Buicks. Very comfortable, rides like a dream! Beautiful cherrywood grain interior trim, leather seats, and so much exterior chrome! I love shining things! Not as roomy as my fullsize conversion vans I owned back in the 80s, but thats when gas was dirt cheap.

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  Inside design - 2007 Buick Terraza
  By brenda white - June 14 - 7:13 pm

  Drives good. Cant see to back up because of the head rests. No room. Middle seats dont slide easy. No easy way to get to back seats. Very disapointed in inside design. Had a 2003 Chevy Venture. Inside design was so much better. Im very unhappy with inside design. Noise everywhere around sliding doors. Stuck with it, I guess.

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  Mediocrity - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Deano - May 24 - 11:02 pm

  We had the Terraza in the shop for the electric doors the second day we owned it. The build quality is less than satisfactory. However, the seats are very comfortable and the ride is smooth. The leather quality is superior on the seats. Overall, on a scale of 1 to 10, Id give the Terraza a 6.

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  Im happy - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Mark Lamb - May 24 - 3:14 am

  For a minivan, its super quiet. Sometimes the only sound is kids laughing in back, enjoying a DVD with the wireless headphones. Performance is adequate, downshifts nicely. Handling is very good for a vehicle of this type. Drives more like a sedan than a van.

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  Dont buy a Terraza - 2007 Buick Terraza
  By Carwile - May 20 - 7:43 am

  We have come to hate this vehicle and after only 8 months are getting rid of it. The seats are uncomfortable If I adjust the AC on the drivers side to be a little warmer and then want it colder again it blows warm air. Twice the middle on one side has opened without anyone touching it. I had error msgs regarding the brakes and traction control when I turned it on so I called the dealership and they told me what to do to clear the msgs. When I took it in and they kept it for 3 days they could not find anything wrong for numerous problems and told me there was no error msgs in the computer. The OnStar hands free phone is terrible and difficult to use. This purchase was a waste.

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  Dont buy a Terraza - give me my Chrysler - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By taylor72 - April 25 - 6:24 pm

  I was impressed by the name Buick and the incentives but after driving it for a few months and comparing it to my previous Dodge Grand Caravan, it isnt as roomy, its more difficult to get in and out of the back seat, it just isnt as nice inside and theres not as much room behind the 3rd seat. I just want my Chrysler minivan back.

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  Poor A/C Performance - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By dbrown - March 19 - 5:02 pm

  The overall experience has been pretty good. However the A/C has gone out several times. It will eventually correct itself but does no good on long trips. Even the dealers couldnt figure out what to do. I would not suggest this vehicle to anyone until Buick gets the A/C figured out. Very disappointed in this vehicle.

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  2005 Terreza - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By darin - March 16 - 5:24 pm

  Have had bad front brakes at 18,000. Dealer told me that the pads had heat glazed and wanted $290 for new pads. Put new pads on myself. Car still shaking when braking at 25,000 miles. Headlights and dashlights flicker when accelerating. Replaced radio and DVD player once at 10,000 miles. Not happy with it overall

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  Vibration or shake - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By Eugene J Seifert - February 7 - 10:41 am

  This van has had vibration or shake from the first mile. Buick has tried to repair. Replaced tires 3.5 times. This helps but the problem is still there. Buick says this is acceptable and that all the Terraza have it. The van has been in the shop 6 times about 5 weeks total. It has less then 5000 miles on it