Auto Shows
2005 Buick Lineup Includes Two All New Models
By Jacob Isaac-Lowry
Jan 22, 2005, 00:43

LaCROSSE MIDSIZE SEDAN, TERRAZA CROSSOVER SPORT VAN LEAD BUICK’S NEW MODEL LINE FOR 2005

DETROIT – Buick adds two all-new models for 2005, one on the car side and one on the truck side of its expanding portfolio. Both emphasize the brand’s signature strengths of smooth power, elegant design, expertly crafted interiors and comfortable yet responsive rides.

As Buick’s newest entry into the premium midsize sedan segment, LaCrosse debuts with a totally new design inside and out, a powerful yet highly efficient new engine, and significant improvements to its body architecture and suspension to provide one of the quietest yet most agile rides in its entire class.

As the replacement for the long-successful Regal and Century, LaCrosse signals just the beginning of a complete passenger car renewal for Buick during the next several years. In the fall of 2005, Buick will continue the new-product momentum with the introduction of a premium, full-size sedan that will expand on the overall success of LeSabre with an all-new design and powertrain options.

Added to the truck side of Buick’s model range for 2005 is Terraza, a seven-passenger premium crossover sport van featuring levels of ride comfort and interior quietness in true Buick tradition. Terraza combines the functionality and bold styling of a premium sport-utility with the flexibility and capacity of a mid-van.

Terraza is the third entry in Buick’s growing truck lineup, with each entry emphasizing premium amenities and refinement throughout. Buick entered the truck segment for 2002 with the Rendezvous crossover vehicle, and for 2004 followed on that success with Rainier, its first full-frame SUV, along with the all-wheel-drive Rendezvous Ultra.

For 2005, the Rendezvous lineup is further expanded with a front-wheel-drive Ultra, which like the AWD version features upgraded interior appointments and a standard 3.6L VVT (variable valve timing) V-6 engine that generates 245 horsepower (183 kW).

“With LaCrosse and Terraza, Buick now has two significant entries into these higher-volume vehicle segments,” said Buick General Manager C.J. Fraleigh. “These new models are part of an overall strategy to expand the appeal of this historic brand to a new generation of buyers who truly value premium features, comfort and attention to detail at every turn.”

Fraleigh said Buick is rapidly reshaping its entire line with elegant yet contemporary designs that remain true to the brand’s hallmarks of power, comfort, quietness and style. “Buick enters its second century with one of the most aggressive product programs in its history, and you will see a complete range of premium passenger cars to complement our premium selection of trucks.”

Buick’s focus on quality and attention to detail have enabled it to rank among the leaders in independent studies. In the 2004 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study, Buick ranked in the top five of 37 nameplates listed in terms of fewest problems reported by purchasers and lessees of 2004 model-year cars and trucks during the first 90 days of ownership. Buick Century ranked No. 1 in the premium midsize category, LeSabre ranked No. 2 in the full-size category, and Buick was No. 5 as an overall brand. Among assembly plants, the GM Detroit-Hamtramck (Michigan) Plant, which builds LeSabres and other GM cars, ranked No. 2 throughout North and South America in initial quality, behind GM’s Lansing (Michigan) Grand River Plant.

Buicks for 2005

Here are the highlights of Buick’s 2005 lineup:

LaCrosse: All new inside and out, Buick’s premium midsize sedan is offered in three well-equipped versions. The entry-level LaCrosse CX and elegantly appointed CXL are powered by a new version of the popular 3800 3.8L V-6 rated at 200 horsepower (149 kW), while the performance-oriented CXS has an all-aluminum VVT 3.6L V-6 engine that delivers 240 horsepower (179 kW). LaCrosse’s body, suspension and powertrain have been engineered using QuietTuning, an exclusive, all-encompassing process aimed at achieving impressive ride quietness under all driving conditions. Four-wheel disc brakes, dual-stage frontal air bags for front-seat occupants and an even stronger “safety cage” body structure all are standard, while available safety/security features include side-curtain air bags, GM’s StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist, and a factory-installed remote starting system with a range of up to 500 feet and the ability to set interior temperature settings. While LaCrosse replaces both Regal and Century, a final limited-run 2005 model of Century will be offered.

Terraza: The Terraza crossover sport van extends the Buick tradition of smooth power, a quiet ride, high levels of comfort and a bold design into the premium end of the mid-van segment. Like all new Buick models, Terraza features QuietTuning, a comprehensive engineering process designed to give this all-new model one of the most silent rides in its class. Offered in CX and uplevel CXL models, Terraza has seven-passenger seating as standard. The second- and third-row seats are both foldable and removable for added cargo room, while the third-row seat has a 50/50 split for added flexibility. Notable interior features include an overhead rail storage and entertainment system, and a flexible convenience center and cargo storage system. Terraza’s overhead-valve 3500 3.5L V-6 delivers 200 horsepower (149 kW), while an independent, aluminum short-and-long-arm rear suspension with automatic load-leveling shock absorbers provides a smooth yet controlled ride. Front-wheel drive is standard, with an on-demand all-wheel-drive system available for even more capability. Also offered is StabiliTrak, GM’s electronic stability control system that constantly monitors handling, braking and acceleration dynamics for maximum vehicle control. A rear-seat entertainment system with flip-down DVD is standard. Also available is the first-in-segment Mobile Digital Media Powered by PhatNoise system. PhatNoise is a wallet-sized, 40-gigabyte hard drive that installs in the Terraza’s overhead rail system.

Rainier: Following a successful 2004 model year introduction as Buick’s first full-frame sport-utility vehicle, the 2005 Rainier offers even more V-8 power, along with subtle new touches to reinforce its position as blending true American luxury with outstanding capability. Available on all models is the 290 horsepower (216 kW) Vortec 5300 5.3L V-8 engine. Rainier benefits from QuietTuning, resulting in a quiet ride that complements its luxury appointments, which now include a genuine wood steering wheel rim and additional chrome accents for 2005. Also new are side curtain air bags and an occupant-sensing system for the right-front passenger seat.

Rendezvous/Rendezvous Ultra: Buick broadens the offerings for its versatile Rendezvous crossover vehicle for 2005 with a front-wheel-drive version of the top-line Ultra in addition to the all-wheel-drive version. Also new is the added availability of GM’s high-feature 3.6L V-6 VVT engine in the front-drive Rendezvous CXL, previously available only on the AWD version. This all-aluminum V-6 engine generates 245 horsepower (183 kw) while delivering 90 percent of its peak torque where it is most useful – between 1500 and 6000 rpm. New features for 2005 include an optional touch-screen navigation system integrated into the available multi-media sound system, three new 17-inch wheel designs and a genuine wood-trimmed steering wheel and wood-toned interior for the CXL model.

Park Avenue: Buick commemorates one of its most prestigious nameplates with a limited run for 2005, as it ends production of its flagship model. Park Avenue features an all-new grille design and chromed, functional front fender portholes previously reserved for Park Avenue Ultra. The final 3,000 Park Avenues and Park Avenue Ultras will be badged as Special Editions and feature chrome wheels, with an exclusive design available on the Ultra. Several hundred of the Special Editions will be offered in an optional black and platinum two-tone color combination.

LeSabre: LeSabre enters 2005 as the best-selling full-size car in the United States for the past 12 years, reflecting Buick’s success in offering a premium sedan with style, comfort and power, along with outstanding value and a high level of safety and security. For 2005, all LeSabre models – Custom, Limited and the Celebration Edition – are equipped with GM’s OnStar in-vehicle safety and security communications system. In addition to a new 16-inch wheel design, LeSabre customers can choose from four option discount packages that combine leather seating with selected audio features and suspension levels, comfort and safety items, and interior upgrades.

Century: In its final year before making way for the all-new LaCrosse premium midsize sedan, Century is offered in an extensively equipped Special Edition Package for 2005. Functional items include dual-zone automatic temperature control, P225/60R16 touring blackwall tires on 16-inch chrome-plated aluminum wheels, and four-wheel anti-lock brakes. A chrome grille with a revised Buick tri-shield emblem and rear badging identify each Special Edition Century. Three other package options – Standard, Custom and Limited – are offered, providing exceptional value by combining popular features into attractively priced groupings. Each package is augmented by a wide selection of stand-alone options, enabling customers to further tailor Century to their specific requirements.