2
0
Minivan; Built in USA
  • 4-door van
  • transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $6,000 – $12,000*


2005 Buick Terraza


2005 Buick Terraza

Pros:
  • Passenger and cargo room
  • Quietness
Cons:
  • Fuel economy
  • Quietness

Terraza has significant competitive disadvantages, namely the lack of curtain side airbags and 3rd-row seats that don’t fold flat into the cargo floor. On the plus side, it’s quiet and has standard DVD entertainment. In the long run, however, a better designed minivan like the Dodge Caravan or Honda Odyssey makes more sense.

Overview

Buick received its first minivan for 2005. Terraza shared its basic design with the 2005 Chevrolet Uplander, Pontiac Montana SV6, and Saturn Relay. All basically added an SUV-style nose to the 1997-2004 GM minivan design to create what GM dubbed the “crossover sport van.” Terraza was the costliest, most luxurious version, and was the only one to come standard with load-leveling suspension.

Terraza offered CX and uplevel CXL models. There was one body length and seats for seven via folding/removable 2nd-row bucket seats and a 50/50 fold-flat 3rd-row bench. A power sliding passenger-side door was standard on CX; CXL added a power driver-side door, which was optional on CX. Terraza used a 200-hp V6, 4-speed automatic transmission, and either front- or all-wheel drive. Front-drive models had GM’s Stabilitrak traction/antiskid control. All models came with 4-wheel antilock brakes, 17-inch wheels, and OnStar assistance.

Front side airbags providing head and torso protection were optional on CX and standard on CXL, but curtain side airbags weren’t offered. Also standard were a CD/MP3 player, DVD entertainment, and a roof-rail system with available snap-on storage modules. Rear air conditioning and a rear cargo organizer were optional on CX, standard on CXL. CXL also added leather seating surfaces and rear obstacle detection. Among the options for both models were satellite radio and a remote starting system that operated from the keyfob.

Yearly Updates

2006 Terraza
Available side airbags for 2nd-row passengers marked 2006 for Buick’s minivan. Terraza also was slated to receive a 235-hp 3.9-liter V6 as an option during the model year. Buick has said, however, this engine would debut in 2007 models.
2007 Terraza
Terraza loses its all-wheel-drive model but gains more power for 2007. Terraza is front-wheel drive and comes in CX, new-for-2007 CX Plus, and top-line CXL models. All have a 240-hp 3.9-liter V6 engine that replaces a 201-hp 3.5 V6.

Engines

transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive

Only one powertrain was available in Terrazas: a 3.5-liter V6 engine, mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. This engine produced 200 horsepower and 216 lb-ft of torque in front-wheel drive models, with all-wheel drive versions having 196 horsepower and 213 lb-ft of torque. For 2007, Terraza gets a 240-hp 3.9-liter V6 engine that replaces a 201-hp 3.5 V6.

ohv V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.5/213
Engine HP 196-200
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 213-216
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic

18/24

18

ohv V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.9/237
Engine HP 240
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 240
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic 18/24

Road Test

Front-wheel drive models feel livelier than GM’s quoted 0-60 mph time of 10.5 sec. All-wheel drive models are heavier, and therefore lazier, on takeoff. But all have adequate highway passing power. Fuel economy is mediocre at best, averaging 18.2-19.4 mpg depending on driving conditions. While no minivan is sporty, Terraza is average for the class in handling response. Body lean is prevalent, but the availability of AWD is a plus for wet or snowy conditions. Despite being the only GM van with an independent rear suspension, Terraza allows more float and wallow than its corporate cousins. Terrazas are among the most quiet of all minivans.

The interior is a mixed bag. Gauges are clear, and switchgear has an upscale feel that’s vastly improved over previous GM minivans. Standard DVD entertainment is a big plus for families. Trays and drawers, though, are lined with budget-grade plastic. Aside from a lack of curtain side airbags, perhaps the biggest deficit these vans face is the setup and configuration of the cargo area. The 2nd- and 3rd-row seats do fold, but only flat atop the cargo floor. The only way to create a level loading deck is to remove the seats entirely.

With the seats in place, passengers can travel in adult-size comfort in the 2nd row. The 3rd row is best left to kids. Visibility is good all the way around, aided by large exterior mirrors.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2005 Buick Terraza CXL FWD

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 3
30%
Fuel Economy - 4
40%
Ride Quality - 5
50%
Steering/Handling - 3
30%
Quietness - 7
70%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Front - 6
60%
Room/Comfort Rear - 6
60%
Cargo Room - 10
100%

Other

Value - 5
50%

Total: 56

Specifications

4-door van
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
121.1 205.0 72.0 72.0
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
136.5 25.0 7
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
39.8 38.9 39.9 38.9
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2006 Terraza 4-door van

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Front Passenger Injury - 5
100%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Rear Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Engine noise
Description: A whistling noise from the 3.5L engine during acceleration is corrected by replacing the PCV tube. (2005)
Engine stalling
Description: The engine may not start, may start then quit, and/or assorted warning lights may glow because the wiring connector under the driver seat may get wet and the contacts corrode. (2005-06)
Fuel gauge
Description: The engine may not start or may stall because the tank is empty yet the gauge shows fuel remaining, or the fuel gauge will not show full after refilling due to sulfur corrosion of the fuel level sender and if after treating with Fuel System Cleaner PLUS the problem remains, the sender may need to be replaced. (2005-06)
Horn
Description: The horn may require extra pressure on some spots of the steering wheel pad. Softer springs are available to retrofit. (2005-06)
Headlights
Description: The headlights and interior lights may flicker requiring replacement of the alternator. (2005)
Electrical problem
Description: The PCM was being replaced for a defective chip under a voluntary emissions recall because it affected the fuel pump and EGR system. (2005)
Electrical problem
Description: If the OnStar system quits or won’t come on (no power), but comes back to life if the fuse is removed for five minutes, the vehicle communications interface module must be replaced or else the problem will recur. (2005-06)
Check-engine light
Description: The check engine light may come on due to failure of the EGR valve. The Delphi valve is to be replaced with a Seimens valve kit and have the PCM flashed. (2005-06)

Recall History

2005 Terraza
Description: The emergency brake may not fully disengage when released, causing unintended braking while accelerating, decelerating, or coasting. Dealer will inspect the parking brake lever and replace the rear brake calipers as necessary.
2005 Terraza
Description: When parking brake is released, driver may notice unintended braking while accelerating, decelerating or coasting, accompanied by noise from rear of car.
2006 Terraza
Description: Some vehicles may have a misprinted tire and loading label that lists inaccurate capacity weights. Dealer will replace the label.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on June 6, 2014.
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