2006 Buick Terraza

Vehicle Overview
Buick joined the minivan market for 2005 with the Terraza, which features sliding side doors and a low step-in height. For 2006, the Terraza can be equipped with a new 3.9-liter V-6.

Two versions are offered: the base CX and uplevel CXL. Both models are available with either front- or all-wheel drive. A 3.5-liter V-6 is standard, but the new 3.9-liter V-6 can be installed in front-wheel-drive Terrazas. The Terraza’s warranty has been lengthened for the 2006 model year.

Exterior
Sport utility vehicle-like styling features of the Terraza include its closer-to-vertical squared-off front fascia and its tall hood. Prominent C-pillars and 17-inch wheels are also supposed to bring SUVs to mind. Gently sculpted forms, on the other hand, are strictly Buick in nature. The Terraza’s familiar grille is a variant on the traditional Buick design. Vertical bars and a chrome surround are meant to reflect Buick’s Centieme concept vehicle.

The Terraza’s exterior is highlighted by bright chrome accents on the door handles, among other places, and “Buick” is embossed into the bright-finished rear license plate brow. Built on a 121.1-inch wheelbase, the Terraza is 204.7 inches long overall and 69.4 inches tall.

Interior
Seven occupants fit inside the Terraza. The seats have contrasting-colored piping. The CX’s seats have cloth inserts with leather bolsters in the first two rows, and the CXL gets leather seats. The third row features a 50/50-split, folding bench seat. Both the second- and third-row seats can be removed.

The three-spoke steering wheel has leather accents. Woodgrain is used on the instrument panel. A woodgrain-trimmed gearshift knob is used in the CXL.

An overhead console and rail system are standard, as is a DVD-based rear entertainment system. Cargo volume is 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seat folded and 26.9 cubic feet with all the seats up.

Under the Hood
A 3.5-liter V-6 produces 201 horsepower in front-wheel-drive Terrazas, and 196 hp in all-wheel-drive models. The new 3.9-liter V-6 features variable valve timing and develops 240 hp and 240 pounds-feet of torque. Both engines drive a four-speed-automatic transmission. When properly equipped, the Terraza can tow a 3,500-pound trailer.

Safety
All-disc antilock brakes are standard on all Terrazas. Front-wheel-drive models get standard traction control and General Motors’ StabiliTrak electronic stability system. Side-impact airbags for the first and second rows are optional on the CX and standard on the CXL. GM’s OnStar communication system is standard on all Terrazas.