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Chevy Uplander/Pontiac Montana SV6/Saturn Relay/Buick Terraza

2857 messages,  Last post on Apr 09, 2009 at 9:00 AM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Uplander, Pontiac Montana, Saturn Relay, Buick Terraza, Pontiac Montana SV6, Van

#1438 of 2857 Re: Sat in a Relay this weekend [mattw8] by ck1966 Sep 17, 2004 (6:48 pm)
Replying to: mattw8 (Sep 14, 2004 10:52 am) I live in SE Michigan and have seen the Terazzo and the Uplander up close. Although they are an improvement, and have very nice interiors, I think the minivan's will be a big flop. They have decided not to offer a product which is competitive with the competition:   1. No true fold flat seat, or rear stow well like the Chrysler, Honda, Toyota, Nissan and Ford products. 2. Underpowered and old tech (but newly re-designed) OHV V-6. The competition's best has DOHC V-6's with at least 230 HP. GM thinks people don't pay attention to what's under the hood. 3. Undersize minivan's like the Mazda MPV and now GM's offerings aren't what people want. People want room and big cabins. 4. Nobody will be fooled by the enlarged snout that this isn't anything but a "refreshed" Chevy Venture. These came out in 1996. It isn't state of the art in any respect. And trying to differentiate this model over four brands? Please. Bob Lutz probably came on too late to kill it, or delay it. Look for lots of incentives as they try move these. Sounds like some ghosts remain at GM from the brand management and dark years of the early 1990's.   One has to wonder why GM didn't develop a minivan with all of the right attributes on it's fine global platform underpinning the Saab, G6 and Malibu. Probably don't have the cash right now. I understand this may bridge the gap until 2008-2009 MY when an all-new van comes.   We have two little ones and are looking at a minivan. I've always bought GM and will give it at least a look but I can't help feeling that GM dropped the ball on this one.
#1439 of 2857 GM Vans by jchan2 Sep 18, 2004 (5:39 am)
Sure, I can't think of a competitive advantage, but if you have GM Card points, and there's a massive cash back, and you plan to drive it into the ground, the GM vans could be a bargain.
#1440 of 2857 jchan2 by alpha01 Sep 19, 2004 (8:28 am)
GM card- great point. That definitely could serve as a competitive advantage.. otherwise, these vans seem to lack what it takes.   ~alpha
#1441 of 2857 True by gmhellman Sep 19, 2004 (12:20 pm)
It is true that the new minivans are just a refreshed model, but it is still an improvement. I sat in a terraza this weekend and the build quality is improved in the model I sat in. All gaps equal, I was unable to remove any plastic pieces by hand. The door closed with a very reassuring thud. In regards to the hp rating I know that Fords and DCX minivans have more hp, but they felt slower. I did notice that they were geared to more towing than the GM. I know several people that own the current GM minivans and have had very little trouble with them...all are high mile vehicles. My grandpa has a 1999 chrysler town and country...takes excellent care of it...and he has had numerous and expenisve problems. (AC compressor, entire instrument panel had to be replaced, a transmission and all new cv joints at 45,000 miles) No, he is not a bad driver, just a crappy vehicle. The pushrod v6 has been a good enigne for GM and until they build a new one from the ground up they should continue to use this one.
#1442 of 2857 Cashback by jchan2 Sep 19, 2004 (1:33 pm)
The Cashback could be like $5,000 at model year end, and combine that with GM card points, anybody could drive off the dealer lot with a new Chevrolet, Pontiac or Saturn minivan loaded for a lot less than a midlevel Sienna or Odyssey! (The Terrazza would cost more, but still be a great bargain)
#1443 of 2857 Dealers by samnoe Sep 19, 2004 (5:33 pm)
When will these new sports van arrive at dealers?
#1444 of 2857 power by tamu2002 Sep 19, 2004 (8:43 pm)
I agree that GM should up the ante on HP. But in reality one probably can't feel much difference among all these vans. I drove the Quest, didn't feel that strong pull I expected from its 240 hp engine. The old Venture has a very good acceleration number. Coupled to its good fuel economy, I don't see a reason to abandon it for a "high tech" and "new" OHC engine, other than to shut you guys up   I'm extremely disappointed however, to see the comments on the new vans' small size. Heck, why does GM think people want mini vans? I already have a sedan that I can't fit all our junk in!
#1445 of 2857 Size? by ronsmith38 Sep 20, 2004 (5:39 am)
If the new GM vans are based on the old vans, why are they smaller? My 00 Silo is about the same size inside as an 00 Ody. I compared them back then.
#1446 of 2857 by dan165 Sep 20, 2004 (6:08 am)
While I agree these vans are not going to be the best, no one here (or anywhere out side GM) has even driven one so I'd like to know how some people are so sure these vans are so terrible?   I think the Terazza and Saturn versions are a waste of time, but over all these vans offer things not found elsewhere and not everyone wants a monster van.   The me too styled Freestar has been a flop but at least these vans have distinctive style and should get good mileage. Who knows..
#1447 of 2857 Size by hammen2 Sep 20, 2004 (9:24 am)
I don't have a clue if the vans are smaller than the previous ones.   I do know the previous ones were narrower than competitors, because, for some bizarre reason, GM turned engineering of the vans over to Opel, and they needed them to be narrower to fit European streets. Of course, the vans were a huge flop over there and didn't last more than a couple of model years. Dumb, dumb, dumb.   --Robert

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