Still, Terraza looks like a sport utility and it has a stubby nose like an SUV. But from the windshield back, it's all minivan, complete with powered sliding side doors and a lift-up (non-powered) tailgate. In GM's lineup, it replaces the Oldsmobile's Silhouette mini to create Buick's first minivan, so it's significant from that standpoint alone. It also drives like a minivan, despite its lofty aspersions.

Terraza is the most expensive of the four new GM "crossover sport vans." Our tester carried a ,035 bottom line that included options such as chrome wheels (0), XM Satellite Radio (5) and a remote vehicle starter system (5). Our tester was the top-of-the-line CXL version.

Terraza is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 200 horsepower. As I've said before with this engine, 200 horsepower is low for this size V6. Other manufacturers deliver 225 to 250 hp with 3.5-liter V6 powerplant.  That said, in the Terraza, the 3500 V6 as Buick calls it, feels powerful and moves the vehicle along at a brisk clip. Power reaches the front wheels through a 4-speed automatic transmission with a column-mounted shifter. All-wheel drive versions are also available.

The Terraza comes equipped as a seven-seater, with bucket seats in the first two rows and a bench in the third. The bucket seats were comfortable, and all had fold-down armrests. The rear seat is a bench and folds flat to provide maximum storage capability. A neat feature was that the rear headrests bend back when the seats are folded, eliminating the need to remove them and find storage for them. A flat floor is created when the third row seat is folded. The tailgate doesn't have a remote release on the key fob, although the fob did have remote starting. 

To activate the remote start, you would press the Lock button, then quickly press and hold the start button.  After about 2 seconds, the engine starts and comes to life.  The fan also goes on high to quickly cool or warm the interior.  When you unlock the door and enter the vehicle, you first must insert the key into the ignition ant turn it to run before you can shift out of park.  Once that is done, the fan goes to the speed you have set and the radio and other accessories will come on.  The nice part of this system is that you no longer have to suffer in an overly hot or overly cold cabin while you wait for the climate control to come to life and do its job.

Other convenient storage areas included fold-down trays between the two rows of bucket seats, four cupholders for front passengers and two more for the second row passengers, a nice cubby in the lower center portion of the dash, a good glove box, and four storage compartments below the rear floor. There's also an overhead console system that has snap-on modules to configure it any way you choose.

Our tester came equipped with a DVD entertainment system which included two RF headphones. These were stored in pockets behind the rear seats, cutting down significantly on third-row seat legroom. In all probability, though, that's not critical, since rear seats in minivans tend to be occupied by smaller children, who would also be the ones to benefit most from the DVD system.

One advantage of the "SUV" hood is that it provides better engine access than the standard minivan. All the dip sticks and fillers are accessible. There was no gas strut to keep the hood up, though, just a prop rod.

The instrument panel was well-designed and clear. Audio controls were located on the steering wheel and didn't get in the way when making turns, so that I didn't clumsily change stations or media when I turned.  The rear window wiper control is on the turn signal stalk, which forced moving the cruise control switches to a "Toyota-style" position on the right side of the steering column.

Overall, the Terraza is a nice minivan. I don't think it's in the same league as some of the more established vans, especially those from Japanese manufacturers like Toyota and Honda, or Chrysler's minis, which are still the benchmark. Still, it's a good first try, and a big step up from the Silhouette.

© 2005 The Auto Page Syndicate

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Specifications 

2005 Buick Terraza Front Wheel Drive Minivan

Standard Equipment
(partial List)

• 3.5 L V6 engine
• 4-speed automatic transmission
• Self leveling suspension
• 4-wheel ABS
• Traction control
• Stability control
• Power passenger side and manual driver's side sliding side doors
• 7 person seating capacity
• Leather/cloth upholstery
• 6-way power driver seat
• Heated mirrors
• Overhead console with storage
• Dual zone air conditioning
• Privacy glass
• Roof rack
• Power opening rear quarter windows
• AM/FM in-dash single CD player with MP3 stereo with 8 speakers
• OnStar telecommunications service

CXL Also Includes...

• Alloy rims
• Dual power sliding side doors
• Head protection side-mounted airbags
• Leather upholstery
• 8-way power driver and front passenger seat
• Audio controls on steering wheel
• Rear Seat DVD Entertainment System
• Memory seats for 2 drivers
• Rear RF headsets

Major Available Options

• All-wheel drive
• Power Sliding Driver-Side Door
• Rear Air Conditioning
• Side Impact Airbags for Driver and Front Passenger
• Aluminum Wheels
• Chrome Aluminum Wheels
• XM Satellite Radio
• 6-Disc In-Dash CD/MP3 Changer
• 6-Way Power Front Passenger Seat
• Remote Vehicle Starter System
• 3,500 lb. Trailering Provision Package
• Rear Seat DVD Entertainment System
• Two Additional Wireless Headphones
• Heated Front Seats

For more information on the Terraza, visit buick.com

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