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by
Bob
Plunkett
On
a parking lot overlooking tranquil Little
Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan, we find a prototype
edition of Terraza. That's
the name picked for Buick's first minivan,
which comes out as a 2005 model under the
description of a crossover sport van (CSV).
The
Terraza looks like a sport-utility vehicle
of substantial size. It has a protruding prow
with headlamps planted high up on the front
corners like a SUV and prominent pillars on
each flank leading rearward to the squared-off
tail with a rear liftgate. Yet the extended
wheelbase of Terraza supports a spacious cabin
configured with three tiers of seats for as
many as seven passengers plus cargo. Big slab
doors on each side of the cabin slide back
to function like the doors on a minivan. Actually,
the platform for Terraza is a revised issue
a minivan chassis but it is nine inches longer
than other GM minivans.
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The
result is a vehicle that resembles a low-slung
SUV but works on the inside like a comfortable
van with room for all in the family. Then it's
outfitted with refined materials plus sound-deadening
measures for quietness in terms of reducing
noise, vibration and harshness.
Buick
builds Terraza in two trim editions (CL and
deluxe CXL), each with choices for front-wheel-drive
(FWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD) traction mode.
The on-demand AWD system -- called Versatrak
-- is designed to help this crossover maintain
traction on wet or slippery pavement. Automatic
Versatrak detects tire rotational differences
between front and rear wheels during dicey traction
conditions, then sends the engine's power to
drive either or both rear wheels momentarily
before actual tire slippage occurs at the front
wheels. This keeps Terraza moving forward steadily
and safely during those low-traction incidents.
The
engine propelling Terraza is GM's new 3500-series
V6.
Power ratings indicate the V6 produces 200 hp
at 5200 rpm and as much as 220 lb-ft of torque
at 4200 rpm. This
plant ties to a four-speed automatic transaxle
with electronic controls, the smooth-to-shift
Hydra-Matic 4T65-E from GM. Add an optional
towing package and Terraza can tow a trailer
rig weighing up to 3500 pounds.
Huge
disc brakes mount on each wheel and tie to an
anti-lock brake system (ABS) with traction control
system (TCS) and optional StabiliTrak, GM's
seamless vehicle stability control system.
Exterior styling for Terraza appears strong
yet elegant in Buick's traditional dressy manner
with a shapely face coated in monochromatic
paint and flashes of bright chrome on the grille,
flank moldings and door handles.
The
Terraza's aggressive face contains a broad Buick
grille rimmed with chrome and big multi-lens
headlamp clusters plus a thick air dam pegged
with corner foglamps. Side panels show round
flared wheel wells with large multi-spoke chrome-coated
aluminum wheels, and the rear features stacked
taillamps flanking the integrated liftgate with
window and a contoured step bumper at the bottom.
Terraza provides exceptional standard equipment for both trim levels. Essential difference between the grades concerns upholstery of the captain's chairs on the first two rows.
Seats for Terraza CX show leather side bolsters with cloth inserts while Terraza CXL stocks seats fully covered in soft leather hides with double-stitched French seams and edge piping in a contrasting color. Inside, space is organized in a clean and uncluttered design decorated with streaks of dark burled wood trim and highlights of chrome on dash, instrument panel and the center stack of controls.
The cabin layout consists of three rows of seats plus cargo space at the rear. Two big captain's chairs stand on first and second tiers, with a bench for three on the back row. Seats on the second row fold on the seatback and tip forward, or they unlock easily for removal when extra cargo space is needed. The seatback on the rear bench, divided into equal halves, folds down in separate sections to form a flat cargo floor, or the entire bench unit may be removed. Several innovative storage systems show up inside the Terraza, such as flip-down trays between front and second-row seats, hinged-lid storage bins mounted on backs of the front seats instead of seatback pockets, and a multi-section cargo organizer in the floor at the tail with lids that line up level with the folded-down back bench.
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The ceiling above the front seats holds a console and overhead rails designed to carry optional snap-in modules for storage and accessories -- including controls for rear audio and climate systems or a backseat DVD video entertainment kit with flip-down screen. Terraza provides exceptional standard equipment for both trim grades.
Terraza CX has standard air conditioning, power controls for windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, a tilting steering wheel, overhead console and rails, and a premium audio kit with AM/FM/CD/MP3 and eight speakers. Terraza CXL upgrades with elegant appointments like the full leather seats plus power controls for front seats and both sliding doors, rear climate controls, ultrasonic rear park assist, the cargo organizer at the tail and overhead modular storage system, plus 115-volt power socket in the cargo bay.
| 2005 Buick Terraza CSV |
| Description: |
Mid-size crossover sport van |
| Model options: |
Terraza CX
Terraza CXL |
| Wheelbase: |
121.1 inches |
| Overall length: |
205.0 inches |
| Engine size: |
OHV 3.5-L V6 |
| Transmission: |
Auto/4 Hydra-Matic 4T65-E |
| Drive: |
Rear/front drive FWD
AWD/Versatrak |
| Braking: |
Power 4-disc |
| Air bags: |
2 (front)
+ opt. 2 (side) |
| Fuel mileage city/hwy: |
FWD: 18/25 mpg
AWD: 17/23 mpg |
| Base MSRP: |
CX AWD: $ 30,990
CXL FWD: $ 31,170
CXL AWD: $ 33,855 |
For More Information Click: Buick Terraza
For the Buick 2005 Model Guide : Click Here
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