Twenty years after the first minivan was put on the market, Buick decided to make a bold move and finally offer one of its own, the 2005 Buick Terraza. Recognizing that minivans carry a suburban stain of family conformity, Buick is billing the Terraza as a sports van, even going so far as to give it an SUV-like front end and roof rails to appeal to parents look for minivan utility without the boxy looks. The 2005 Terraza seats seven in three rows of seats. It sits high, like an SUV, but has a low step-in height and lighter handling. It is offered in both CX and CXL trims, with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The second row captain's chairs are removable, and the third row bench seat folds or can be removed for much needed added space to the smallish cargo area. A power sliding passenger door is standard on the base CX, while the CXL gets dual power doors. Both trims come with a 3.5-liter, 200-hp V6 and 4-speed automatic transmission. Stabilitrak is standard with front-wheel drive models. Though only a base model, Buick has made sure not to skimp on safety and comfort in the CX. ABS brakes, OnStar, and a DVD player are all standard. The CXL adds front-side airbags (optional in CX), rear air conditioner, leather seats, a parking sensor, and more cargo versatility in the trunk. No side curtain airbags are offered, which is a detraction, as is the lack of a power liftgate. Noise-reduction by way of QuietTuning helps keep the ride quiet, and an optional PhatNoise hard drive that holds songs, games, and videos, can be hooked up.
Drivers of the 2005 Terraza wish it had more power to propel this heavy sport van. Legroom is cramped in all rows and access to the third row is difficult. The second row seats are hard to remove. Acceleration is sluggish and the transmission outdated. On the plus side, owners appreciate the car-like handling, and the smooth ride. The AWD is good in the snow. SUV styling helps mitigate the minivan stigma.