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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  A great vehicle for the dollar - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Chucks Limo - March 18 - 8:51 am

  This is my second mini van, and it is by far the best I drove before buying it. The comfort, looks, and standard equipment is outstanding. The ride is excellent, and very controlled. I like the Traction Control, and Stabilitrak which are standard on the Terazza. I think the engine is just right for the vehicle. I have no trouble merging into traffic, or passing. Lets face it. Most passing today is done on an interstate highway while you are on cruise contol. You dont need all that power to get around another vehicle. On my first highway trip, I averaged 27.6 MPG. That with only 1200 miles on the clock. Not to shabby.

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  Terraza review - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By sandbox - February 24 - 1:32 pm

  The ride, the looks are all classic Buick lines. The non-traditional look of this mini van is what seperates it from the rest. It no longer looks like the mom mobile.

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  A moms view - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Moms car - February 19 - 1:44 pm

  We have only owned this car for a few days, but so far its ability to keep my children comfortable and occupied, while Im busy driving, has been great. The onboard entertainment packages cant be beat. I also find it to ride and drive very smooth and quiet. There is not alot of cargo room though, for things such as groceries. I guess something had to give, to seat 7 passengers comfortably. Overall, I give it a thumbs up. Plenty of power and great gas mileage for your average "soccer mom". Also has lots of overhead and behind the seat storage compartments to keep things safely stowed away.

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  Very Happy - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Mary - February 18 - 1:48 pm

  Love the quiet ride and feel. Handles great. Nicely designed dash and controls. Love the front end. It has all the features I have loved in my minivan, but he feel and look of an SUV... Ive always thought the minvan was a more versatile, family friendly vehicle than most SUVs. ..and with power slidng doors, no fingers get caught and no doors get banged up with kids in and out. The Terraza nicely combines comfort and practicality

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  Terraza Great - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Tim Sawl - January 29 - 12:03 am

  I traded my Caravan in for this new Buick. The seats are very comfortable. The vehicle handles great. My wife used the traction control to get up our hill after a snow storm and she loved it. If you want comfort for your family this is your vehicle. Go look at the stow-go seats and then check out the Terraza. There is no comparison to the quality. A fun vehicle to drive and a great looking one too.

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  Buick Terraza, very nice - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By david - January 28 - 5:02 pm

  A realy great ride, solid and luxurious and safe. It does have side air curtains. A confident, quiet ride.

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  richards buick - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By richard - January 18 - 1:39 pm

  After driving this auto (Terraza) 1,400 miles from mich. to florida, I find the auto to be a great choice. The ride is very good, the XMSR is a great addition, and the gas mileage was 24.7 MPG for the entire trip.