|
|
The Buick Terraza joined the Buick truck lineup following in the footsteps of
the Rendezvous and Rainier by combining the features of an SUV and minivan.
Launched in 2005, the crossover sport van (CSV) was aimed at younger customers
with front-end styling and useful functionality. The Terraza was available with
two trim options - CX and CXL.
The 2007 edition of the Terraza features a 3.9L V-6 engine coupled with variable
valve timing and variable intake technology delivering 240 horsepower and a 240
lb. of torque. The engine is also equipped with a Hydra-Matic 4T65 automatic
overdrive transaxle.
If you turn the clock back two years, you will find that the vehicle hit the
market with a 3.5L High Value V6 engine that generates 200 hp and a 220 lb. of
torque. In 2006, the crossover sport van tried to reinvent itself with a 3.9L
LZ9 V6 engine capable of churning out 240hp and 240 lb. of torque.
General Motors introduced the vehicle to keep its luxury minivan segment alive
and kicking after the Oldsmobile Silhouette made its exit in 2004. During that
time, GM was also manufacturing the Chevrolet Uplander, the Pontiac Montana SV6
and the Saturn Relay. The Terraza was developed alongside those vehicles in
Doraville, Georgia.
The Terraza has combined all the features required to offer its buyers a smooth,
quiet and luxurious ride. However, this vehicle doesn't seem to work with
consumers who are looking for a sportier car like the crossover SUVs. The
minivan market bore the brunt of that sudden shift of allegiance. The sales of
the Buick Terraza dropped so drastically that General Motors had no other option
but to quit the minivan market. Most likely the two-year time span was too short
for Terraza to make an impression. The Terraza made way for the Buick Enclave in
the 2008 model year; however the time hasn't really come to write the obituary
for the Terraza. Who knows, GM could spring a surprise with a redesigned Buick
Terraza in the future. |
|
|
