Power, safety & entertainment - 2006 Buick Terraza sport van
Introduced last year, the new Terraza crossover sport van extends the Buick tradition of smooth power, quiet ride and a high level of comfort into the premium end of the mid-van segment. Available in CX and CXL trim levels and front- or Versatrak all-wheel-drive configurations, the Terraza is powered by a 3.5L V-6, joined to an electronically-controlled four-speed automatic transmission.
For 2006, a new 3.9L V6 engine joins the line-up. CXL models also receive dual-stage front driver and passenger airbags with side-impact airbags for first and second-row outboard passengers standard.
Bringing a rich blend of style with an ability to carry seven people in comfort with plenty of cargo, the Terraza makes extensive use of Buick's QuietTuning engineering initiative for a driving experience that is noise and vibration free.
On the road, the Terraza is smooth and responsive, with stable handling and predictable control at speed. Starting with a robust unibody design with ladder-frame underbody construction, the Terraza employs a four-wheel independent suspension featuring MacPherson struts, coil springs, L-shaped stamped lower control arms and aluminum knuckles in front; double-wishbone cast aluminum short- and long-arm control arms and cast aluminum cradle at the rear.
Inside the cabin, a low step in height facilitates entry and exit. Chrome and wood trim accents highlight the interior, providing a rich appearance throughout. Seven-passenger seating is standard, with individual captain's chairs in both the first and second rows. The second and third-row seats are both foldable and removable for additional cargo room. The third-row seat has a 50/50 split.
Other notable features include a front overhead console and standard overhead rail system, with snap-in accessory and storage modules for a less cluttered interior. The overhead lighting system is neatly integrated and designed to accommodate the standard rear climate and audio controls or the rear-seat entertainment system/DVD into a single unit.
The rear cargo area features an innovative compartment system that contains four storage compartments appropriately sized to hold items such as milk and orange juice containers, 12-packs of soda and grocery bags. The forward edge of the dividers is cut out to create a long, left-to-right compartment, capable of storing longer objects, such as an umbrella.
Quick vehicle stats
Wheelbase: 121.1; overall length: 205.0; width: 72.0; height: 72.0 -- measurements in inches.
Engine: 3.5L V6 -- 201 hp at 5,600 rpm and 216 lbs-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm; 3.9L V6 -- 240 hp at 6,000 rpm and 240 lbs-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm.
Transmission: electronically-controlled four-speed automatic w/overdrive.
EPA fuel economy: 3.5L V6 -- 18 city/25 hwy., (front-drive); 17 city/23 hwy., (AWD); 3.9L V6 -- 17 city/22 hwy. Both engines use regular unleaded gasoline.
Cargo capacity: 136.5 cu. ft.
Towing capacity: 3,500 lbs.
Safety features
Dual front airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, OnStar communications system, PASS-key III passive theft-deterrent system, battery with run-down protection, automatic power door locks, remote keyless entry, StabiliTrak vehicle stability control system and traction control (front-wheel drive only). CXL adds front and second row seat-mounted side-impact airbags, universal home remote, power passenger-side sliding door.
Optional safety equipment includes ultrasonic rear parking assist, theft-deterrent system with alarm, power driver-side sliding door and remote vehicle starter.
Warranty
Basic: 4-year/50,000 mile, bumper-to-bumper.
Corrosion: 6-year/100,000 mile.
Pricing
The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2006 Buick Terraza minivan starts from $28,085 for the CX and $31,145 for the CXL. Destination charges add $740.
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