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2005 Buick Terraza Preview

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Khatir Soltani

Targeting SUV Buyers with a Need for More Space

After years of offering vans with noncompetitive interiors, General Motors says it is getting serious about improving its position in the mid-size van market with four new 2005 model year entries, the Chevy Uplander, Pontiac Montana, Saturn Relay and Buick Terraza.

GM is serious about grabbing a bigger piece of the mid-size van market, and the new Buick Terraza should help. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

The introduction of the Relay and Terraza, the first vans for either Buick or Saturn, was held December 4 at the Stage Three Productions facility on the grounds of the former Warren (Mich.) Tank Plant, where military vehicles had been produced since World War II to the early 1990s. The debut of the vans was also broadcast live on the Internet for journalists around the globe.

The Terraza falls into a category GM calls "mid vans" or "crossover sports vans" (CVS), a new approach to a segment currently occupied by the aging Chevy Venture and Pontiac Montana, as well as the outgoing Oldsmobile Silhouette.

GM acknowledges the weak interiors of its past minivans, and has taken extra care to improve overall quality in the Terraza. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

"These vehicles represent a substantial upgrade from the vehicles that they are replacing," said Robert A. Lutz, Product Development and Chairman, GM North America. "I can honestly say this is one of the best mid van interiors in the business. They look very European and very carefully crafted."

"I think we've gone from the current GM T200 interiors... that was without question the weakest part of the (Venture and Montana) and noncompetitive. Now we have gone to a better than competitive interior."

Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada