GM deals latest round of compact van upgrades
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GM deals latest round of compact van upgrades
Sleight of Minivan Hand: GM deals latest round of compact van upgrades
BOB GRITZINGER
Posted Date: 11/18/04
2005 BUICK TERRAZA/SATURN RELAY
BASE PRICE: $28,825/$24,485
POWERTRAIN: 3.5-liter, 200-hp, 220-lb-ft V6; fwd, four-speed automatic
CURB WEIGHT: 4426/4223 pounds
0 TO 60 MPH: 10.0 seconds (mfr.)
As sleight of handgoes, General Motors’ latest trick when it comes to minivans may come up aces—as long as you don’t look too closely up the automaker’s sleeve.
Start with what GM wants us to call its 2005 fleet of small vans: crossover sport vans. At first glance—especially from the tall, SUV-ish front-on view—you might think The General has designed, engineered and manufactured a whole new segment of vehicles. But as you walk around the side of these re-nosed vehicles, you’re confronted with the same GM minivan flanks from the A-pillar back that we’ve all been staring at in traffic for the past eight years.
Segment-rebadging aside, GM does have two new entries in its minivan stable, the upscale Buick Terraza and the Saturn Relay. (Pontiac’s Montana gets the same treatment and is now dubbed Montana SV6; ditto Chevrolet’s version, which trades its Venture name for Uplander.)
Though GM is pulling out all the smoke and mirrors to remake a minivan that has been narrower than its competitors and short on the latest minivan amenities (stow-in-floor seats, for instance), good news is this variation represents an improvement.
Underhood, the oft-winded 3.4-liter,185-hp, 210-lb-ft V6 is gone, replaced by a more capable 3.5-liter, 200-hp, 220-lb-ft V6. This bigger V6 still falls short of many competitors, but its added oomph is welcome, and helps it cruise more quietly at speed.
Beneath the sheetmetal, GM adds structural bracing that reduces some of the unibody’s shake. Inside, materials and features are improved, including standard DVD systems, a dozen cupholders and loads of storage. The Relay offers a second-row “toy bin” option that those with small children should consider. Buick’s sport van aims at the top end of the market (think Chrysler Town & Country) with a sound-deadened ride and standard first- and second-row captain’s chairs.
The top-of-the-line awd Terraza, with independent rear suspension, has a smooth, quiet ride and is the best of the bunch. The Relay’s sporty and versatile interior trimmed in leather-like stitched vinyl is a strong alternative for value-minded Chevy shoppers looking for a more personalized dealer experience.
Just try to remember that though they tell you it’s not a minivan, it’s still a minivan
BOB GRITZINGER
Posted Date: 11/18/04
2005 BUICK TERRAZA/SATURN RELAY
BASE PRICE: $28,825/$24,485
POWERTRAIN: 3.5-liter, 200-hp, 220-lb-ft V6; fwd, four-speed automatic
CURB WEIGHT: 4426/4223 pounds
0 TO 60 MPH: 10.0 seconds (mfr.)
As sleight of handgoes, General Motors’ latest trick when it comes to minivans may come up aces—as long as you don’t look too closely up the automaker’s sleeve.
Start with what GM wants us to call its 2005 fleet of small vans: crossover sport vans. At first glance—especially from the tall, SUV-ish front-on view—you might think The General has designed, engineered and manufactured a whole new segment of vehicles. But as you walk around the side of these re-nosed vehicles, you’re confronted with the same GM minivan flanks from the A-pillar back that we’ve all been staring at in traffic for the past eight years.
Segment-rebadging aside, GM does have two new entries in its minivan stable, the upscale Buick Terraza and the Saturn Relay. (Pontiac’s Montana gets the same treatment and is now dubbed Montana SV6; ditto Chevrolet’s version, which trades its Venture name for Uplander.)
Though GM is pulling out all the smoke and mirrors to remake a minivan that has been narrower than its competitors and short on the latest minivan amenities (stow-in-floor seats, for instance), good news is this variation represents an improvement.
Underhood, the oft-winded 3.4-liter,185-hp, 210-lb-ft V6 is gone, replaced by a more capable 3.5-liter, 200-hp, 220-lb-ft V6. This bigger V6 still falls short of many competitors, but its added oomph is welcome, and helps it cruise more quietly at speed.
Beneath the sheetmetal, GM adds structural bracing that reduces some of the unibody’s shake. Inside, materials and features are improved, including standard DVD systems, a dozen cupholders and loads of storage. The Relay offers a second-row “toy bin” option that those with small children should consider. Buick’s sport van aims at the top end of the market (think Chrysler Town & Country) with a sound-deadened ride and standard first- and second-row captain’s chairs.
The top-of-the-line awd Terraza, with independent rear suspension, has a smooth, quiet ride and is the best of the bunch. The Relay’s sporty and versatile interior trimmed in leather-like stitched vinyl is a strong alternative for value-minded Chevy shoppers looking for a more personalized dealer experience.
Just try to remember that though they tell you it’s not a minivan, it’s still a minivan
http://autoweek.com/images/news/101251
Buick Terraza
http://www.autoweek.com/files/weekar...errazamain.jpg
Wonder how they'll do sales wise. This has got to be a first for Buick, the whole minivan thing. Overall, the vehicles are screaming for the 3.9L. A 200hp 3.5L is nice, but somewhat unsuited for a 4400lb van which is why the 3.9L would make for a nice option.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 3,376
From: Sarasota FL
Re: GM deals latest round of compact van upgrades
I'm still waiting, but the inside of the Montana version looked pretty nice.
I'd love to hear a Buick salesman explain to his customers about the "Phat Noise" brand MP3 system
I'd love to hear a Buick salesman explain to his customers about the "Phat Noise" brand MP3 system
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,306
From: Jersey Shore
Re: GM deals latest round of compact van upgrades
I think that these vans will do better then the ones they replaced. I would clearly trade stow-n-go seats for AWD and stability control.
As for engines, the 3.5 makes 200hp, which is behind the imports, but right next to DCX and Ford's V6's. Standard DVD will make this a big seller.
As for engines, the 3.5 makes 200hp, which is behind the imports, but right next to DCX and Ford's V6's. Standard DVD will make this a big seller.
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,402
From: Toronto, ON Canada
Re: GM deals latest round of compact van upgrades
Saw interior of Buick Terazza, I was very impressed to find that interior leak into a van. Quality dash materials, neat buttons, a LOT more refined and detailed that previous crude vans. Maybe on closer inspection I'll get a little more critical, but today I also inspected interior of 2004 Viper, and let me tell you, a $128,000 CDN dollar car shares its radio and various controls with Sebring 
So Buick has done much better with the van if you ask me.
So Buick has done much better with the van if you ask me.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,779
From: Denton, TX
Re: GM deals latest round of compact van upgrades
I'm pretty sure the new noses and engine will not make too big of a dent in DCX's minivan sales. :blah:
If you try to gain some market share, do it with a new product, not with just an ugly nosejob.
TS
If you try to gain some market share, do it with a new product, not with just an ugly nosejob.
TS
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