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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  Very surprised - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Rob - January 3 - 8:27 pm

  I never heard of a Terraza until I found a used one on the the lot of my local Chevy dealer. The vehicle had 13,000 miles on it and was showroom new. It had everything i was looking for and I was hooked after the test drive. It rides smooth and has plenty of power. The 3.5L engine is not going to blow anyones doors off, but it cruises effortlessly at 80 mph. The interior and exterior styling are very sharp and it has plenty of standard options like dual climate control power sliding doors, power seats and a dvd player. I have not noticed any of the problems indicated in other reviews such as lack of room, power, or road noise that interferes with conversations. It rides like a Caddy!

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  06 Terrazza with 3.9L V6 - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By Dave - January 2 - 6:34 pm

  Weve had this Terrazza for just about a year now. Other than needing a new transmission in the first 5000km (!) it has been just fine. It is a well built and very comfortable van. We have driven it to Florida and back (22 hours) and it is just great, quiet on the road and the 3.9L V6 is outstanding, great mileage and excellent pick-up. Rear DVD player and wireless headphones are fantastic.

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  Great Van!! - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By Chuck McCarter - December 29 - 5:43 pm

  My wife and I have 4 young children and this is our first mini van. We looked at the other vans but kept coming back to the Buick and are very pleased with it. We have the CXL with all the options the kids love it. The engine is the 3.9 and my wife and I love the performance, its more than we expected from a mini van. The van is quiet and the longer warranty is proof to me that GM products are as good as any.

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  Good performance, interior lacking - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By rripberger - December 28 - 2:57 pm

  The 3.9 cyl V6 performs great and the vehicle handles nicely. It is a pleasure to drive. Air pump and electric outlet are nice. For the price you would think the interior could be better. There are no fewer than 3 rattles going at any time, road noise over 50mph is too loud. Second row leg room could be better and the second row seats are not designed to be removed (although they can be with a little ingenuity). The Phatnoise multi-media and DVD system are wonderful, however, you cannot control it from the front seat (while you are stopped of course), so for your 3-year-old you have to recline and twist your neck to reach the controls or get out and go to the back.

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  Interesting Van - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Brian - November 28 - 8:38 am

  We had a few problems when we purchased the vehicle, but GM fixed them all and gave a replacement vehicle to drive. After all the issues were resolved, there still are a few annoying squeaks coming from the CD/radio panel. It needs a little more attention to the interior sound detail. A little disappointing to the Buick line. Overall, its been fun to drive. Though the cruise control does not work very well either. GM is still working on this issue. It carries the family well to get togethers and the DVD player works very good. It certainly is an upgrade from the Pontiac Montana we drove around.

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  Dissapointed - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By G.F. Dicob - November 21 - 9:19 am

  Very poor interior design. Accelerator pedal is very uncomfortable and places a strain on foot. Seat adjustment for six foot driver is insufficient. Storage space in between front seats is non-existent. With cup holder up unable to get into storage space. Only one power outlet in front area. Unable to use phone charger and GPS at same time. Need hand grip on passenger side to hold onto when entering or exiting. Many other deficiencies but at this time unable to list due to time restraints. Way too much wind and road noise. Extreme amount of rattles. Dealer unable to locate and fix them. Return visits to dealer too frequent to attempt a fix. The CD player had to be removed and sent back.

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  A great minivan for the price - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By Tim - October 28 - 4:32 pm

  I know Honda, Toyota, and Nissan are all the rage, with Chrysler products leading the American pack, but I have found this Buick Terraza to be a great ride, with all the luxuries of the top guns, and half the price. I guess because of low consumer ratings, there are great deals for the GMs. Not sure why ratings are low, but I like these vans. It is put together well and has a good look, almost SUV-like. The DVD system with the wireless headphones is great for the kids, and I have found no signs of performance trouble. Its a mini-van for goodness sakes, so Im not looking for the performance of the cars of my youth. Want a good van at a good price? Buy this American made ride.

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  Decide for yourself - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By firstbuick - October 23 - 12:05 am

  I just bought a Buick Terazza CX. Why? Lets start with the design. Nice exterior, elegant interior. Then look at the build quality. It is great! GM has come a long way since the 1997 Pontiac Transport we had. Some hard plastic surfaces to be found, but so what? I dont see molding seams, everything fits well. The dash is solidly put together. Turn signal stalk is silky in operation. Knobs work with quality feel. Other vans may be benchmarks. Approach these with an open mind..

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  A Kicked-up Uplander - 2007 Buick Terraza
  By mbenge - September 15 - 10:39 pm

  We used this van for six days while visiting the San Diego and Palm Spring areas in California. We actually had rented a Toyota Sienna that we loved, but at 20,0000 miles it began having brake trouble on the second day. The rental company didnt have anymore Siennas so we went for the Terraza. The controls and display are very well appointed. The DVD player was a huge plus. The van handled well for it is. However, the back passenger seats were uncomfoartable and quite narrow. The road noise was incredidble. Where as in the Sienna four of us could easily carry on a conversation in the Terraza it was a struggle unless we were traveling at 30mph. The dash was already vibrating at 1500 miles!

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  Disappointed with roominess - 2007 Buick Terraza
  By NOTIMPRESSED - September 12 - 1:02 pm

  I have only had this vehicle a few days, I previously drove a 2001 Olds Silhouette for the last 5 years. I want it back! The Interior of the new vehicle leaves much to be desired. Why mess with something you had almost perfect? The vehicles exterior dimensions did not change. However there is less leg room in the front, very little leg room between 2nd row. The 2nd row seats dont fold back. The sides of the car in the way (shoulder room lost 11 inches in 3rd seat. Why??) The trunk area lost at least 5 inches in depth as well as height. The worst problem of all is that you cant see out the back window using the rear view mirror. All the headrests are so high there is a very small viewing area. Very dangerous.