Introduced in 1999, the first generation Buick GL8 is similar to the GM-made minivans that are sold in North America (Chevrolet Uplander, Chevrolet Venture, Buick Terraza, Oldsmobile Silhouette, Pontiac Trans Sport, Pontiac Trans Sport Montana, Pontiac Montana, Pontiac Montana SV6, and Saturn RELAY), and is built on GM's U-body platform, which is also used by the GM-made minivans that are sold in North America, as well as the Buick Rendezvous and the Pontiac Aztek, which are both midsize crossover SUV that is sold in North America by General Motors, also uses GM's U-body platform.