Overview of the vehicle
Just what we've all been waiting for: a Buick minivan. Playing on the extreme popularity of SUVs, Buick is marketing the new Terraza as a luxury sport crossover instead of just calling it a minivan. The Terraza has a taller stance and a longer, more angular nose than the typical minivan with soccer moms. Nevertheless, a spade is a spade.
The Buick Terraza is built on the same platform as GM's other minivans, but the addition of Buick's QuietTuning measures should ensure a quieter environment in the cabin. Designers have adorned the Terraza's interior with lots of leather and wood-patterned details. The instrumentation is framed in dark wood, and each gauge is finished with a subtle chrome ring.
The double-stitched leather is softer than the leather on a Pontiac or Chevrolet, so the dividing line between them is less sharp and more obvious. Inside, a useful roof rack system offers a variety of storage and entertainment solutions with parts that can be easily moved or added depending on the owner's needs. For 2006, the Buick Terraza is available with a PhatNoise mobile digital multimedia system that allows owners to store thousands of MP3 files and/or dozens of movies on a 40-gig hard drive.
Performance and consumption
Buick Terraza comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 201 horsepower (196 on all-wheel-drive models). A 3.9-liter V6 with 240 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque is optional, but oddly only on front-wheel-drive models. A four-speed automatic transmission is standard. Buyers living in cold climates should consider the optional all-wheel-drive system.
Safety
All models come standard with four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, and traction and stability control is standard on the 2WD version. Side-impact airbags for first- and second-row passengers are standard on the CXL and optional on the CX. In NHTSA testing, the 2006 Buick Terraza scored five out of five stars for driver and front passenger protection in frontal collisions. Side impact testing (on a Terraza without side airbags) resulted in a four-star score for front passenger protection and five stars for rear passenger protection.
Drive
The standard 3.5-liter V6 is underpowered for this class, so we recommend the optional 3.9-liter V6. The Terraza's suspension balances ride comfort and handling reasonably well, but competitors like the Odyssey and Sienna have sharper reflexes and a smaller turning radius. Braking is average for a minivan, as is cabin noise, despite Buick's QuietTuning initiative.
Interior
The Buick Terraza seats seven, and the fold-down third-row seat has a 50/50 split. A tasteful color scheme with compelling wood accents gives the van a more luxurious feel than its GM siblings. The double-stitched leather seats with contrasting piping are particularly elegant. Folding centre trays (with cup holders) between the first and second row seats provide convenient storage space and allow parents easy access to children in the rear. An overhead rail system provides access to air conditioning and rear seat entertainment functions and can be fitted with various storage units. A rear-seat DVD entertainment system is standard on all Terrazas, but purchasing the PhatNoise digital multimedia system eliminates the need to handle DVDs while travelling.
Buick Terraza models
The Buick Terraza minivan is available in one size and two trim levels, CX and CXL. Standard equipment on the CX includes power windows, air conditioning, eight-speaker audio system with CD/MP3 player, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, OnStar communications system, cruise control, keyless entry, power seat, self-leveling rear suspension, driver's computer and leather seats. The CXL adds rear climate control, 115-volt power outlet, rear park assist system, dual eight-way power seats with driver memory, upgraded glove box and alloy wheels. An optional 40-gigabyte PhatNoise mobile digital multimedia system allows owners to store thousands of digital music files or a few dozen movies.
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