Overview & Reviews
At its debut, the Buick Rainier added a bit of diversity to the brand's rather uniform lineup. Joining a family of mostly big, softly sprung sedans, this truck-based, midsize SUV became the first Buick in a long time with traditional body-on-frame construction and rear-wheel drive (with optional all-wheel drive), enabling it to carry a considerable amount of cargo (80 cubic feet) and tow heavy loads (up to 6,700 pounds).
Buick sourced the majority of Rainier's design from General Motors' midsize SUV platform. This meant that there wasn't much variation between it and its GM sport-ute brethren like the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy and Oldsmobile Bravada -- the third of which the Rainier effectively replaced when the Olds division was discontinued.
Of this core SUV grouping, the Buick Rainier was meant to be the most comfortable and upscale. Buick's exclusive rear air spring suspension made the Rainier the most successful at concealing ruts in the road, and the effects of Buick's "QuietTuning" could be heard in its near-silent interior. The Rainier also earned a bit of initial distinction as it was the only regular-length SUV of the bunch to offer an optional V8 engine. (The Rainier was never offered in extended-length seven-passenger form.) Finally, Buick's SUV came with the most standard equipment.
Sadly, all the extra effort didn't cure the Buick Rainier of its deepest family flaws. The combination of a high stance, high weight, a softly tuned suspension and a live rear axle penalized handling on several fronts. Handling was sloppy even by truck-based SUV standards. The Rainier's numb steering needed continual corrections to hold a straight line and its rear end felt loose and unstable in extreme handling situations. It also guzzled more gas than any modern Buick, and its interior was marred by cheap and mismatched materials, illogical controls, a lack of storage space, subpar build quality and fatiguing seats.
The Rainier partly redeemed itself with smooth and strong powertrains, competitive acceleration and a plush, quiet ride. But compared to other competing upscale SUVs, Buick's entry failed to completely deliver in the important categories of refinement, feature content and handling. For consumers shopping used midsize SUVs, we suggest taking a look at more qualified and desirable vehicles such as the Mercury Mountaineer, Toyota 4Runner or Volkswagen Touareg. Another good option is Buick's new large crossover SUV, the Enclave.
Most Recent Buick Rainier
The Rainier debuted for 2004 and received minor changes over its four-year run. Initially it was offered in CXL and CXL Plus trim levels with the six-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque and the 290-hp (320 lb-ft) V8 available as an option. Aside from its significant increase in torque, the V8 also featured a cylinder deactivation system that saved a little fuel when cruising. Either way, a four-speed automatic transmission was standard, and both engines were available with rear- or all-wheel drive.
The following year, Buick dropped the Plus trim and the optional front seat-mounted side airbags. In their place, full-length side curtain airbags became available. In 2006, stability control became standard, the inline-6 gained 16 hp for a total of 291 and the V8 was pumped up to 300 hp.
The Buick Rainier midsize SUV was discontinued after 2007, its final model year, to make way for the vastly superior Enclave. At this point there was one well-equipped model, the CXL. Standard equipment included alloy wheels, an auto load-leveling suspension, dual-zone climate control, a CD player, power front seats, leather upholstery, antilock brakes, traction control and stability control. Major options included a navigation system and a rear-seat entertainment system.
If you're shopping for a used Buick Rainier, we'd advise confining your search to the '06 and '07 model years to ensure you get a Rainier with stability control, a feature we consider especially important given this SUV's less-than-ideal handling dynamics.
User Reviews:
Showing 91 through 100 of 242.00-
Happy so far - 2004 Buick Rainier
By alibid - July 13 - 1:52 pmI just bought my Ranier 5 days ago, but thus far love it. For an SUV it rides very smoothly. This is my first Buick, but have driven one before. I am totally satisfied so far. It is comfortable & a jot to drive. Love the moon roof & 6 CD changer.
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Seatbelt - 2004 Buick Rainier
By IfIcouldfly - June 27 - 4:41 pmI think GM has finally achieved a seatbelt that is uncomfortable for every body type. The front belts come from the seat and cut into the neck of tall or large people and hit smaller people in the face. So you can get the the seat belt extension for free that enables you to move it around more however then the belt does not not lock in place making the safety value questionable.
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2004 Buick Rainier - 2004 Buick Rainier
By frobert micco - June 11 - 11:00 pmI have had this car for 60,000 miles. I am 67, have owned a large number of cars, domestic and import. I can tell you, this one is the best.
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Like the Rainer - 2006 Buick Rainier
By bob - June 9 - 1:53 pmI have had my Rainer for 2 weeks. I bought a program car with 8600 miles on it. Love the ride, comfort quiet and handling. This replaced my 2000 Jimmy, wow what a difference. So far, the mileage has been about 20 to 21 mpg 70% hwy and 30% town driving. I am real pleased with this. I will be looking a purchasing the 100K GM extended warranty, and deals on this?
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Works for me -tailgates, trips, runabout - 2005 Buick Rainier
By howdydooit - June 5 - 4:15 pm12 months old - replaced an aging minivan & sedan. That said, we needed a vehicle for tailgating and trips. It holds all our gear (flag pole, folding table, chairs, grill, cooler, etc & 2 or 3 people, depending on how judiciously we pack - we can get away with only folding down one back seat). The sound system is awesome, the climate controls are individualized (plus rear controls for climate/audio), and its extemely quiet and smooth. Fuel economy is 22 - 23 hwy, 15-18 around town.
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Better than expected - 2006 Buick Rainier
By ken - June 3 - 8:48 amWe bought our Rainier 1 month ago and we both love it. It is quiter & smoother than we expected and so far the build quality is flawless. Like all SUVs we would like better gas mileage however its what we expected. I have no complaints.
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Fun to drive - 2006 Buick Rainier
By JAMES ZUNIGA - May 8 - 9:46 pmFun to drive. Very smooth riding and quiet. Comfortable seats. Easy to park. Lots of power for an inline 6. Has lots of extras that are optional on other vehicles. The navigation is simple and handy.
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2006 Buick Ranier - 2006 Buick Rainier
By m buckenmayer - April 16 - 10:09 pmI love this mid size SUV. I drove over 20 other SUVs before deciding on purchasing the Ranier. It has plenty of pep, even with a 6 cy engine. The interior is the most comfortable of all SUVs I test drove. I am very tall and need a long seat, the Japanese SUVs were too short seated to give me proper leg or hip support. The ride is quiet, quiet, quiet. I love the XM/CD/ radio/nav system. Also there is lots of room as I easily can haul 5 golfers and their golf bags. I chose leather interior and it is very comfortable and very classy. The only thing I would change would be more storage space in the middle console.
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Ranier, Surprise - 2006 Buick Rainier
By ranier - April 14 - 5:04 pmWe bought our Buick Ranier on a whim, while out shopping one day. Normally, this is a foolish thing to do. I had researched so many other SUVs and wanted a 4 wheel drive vehicle for our southwest lifestyle. We immediately went on a four day weekend drive in mountainous Utah. We took a hunters trail over a 9000 foot mountain which included crossing creeks and traversing glaciers etc. No Problem for the 2 wheel drive Ranier. The six cylinder engine moves out very nicely. Comfort is awesome. My wife asked me the other day if I ever suffered from buyers remorse since or impulsive purchase? None.
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Best Midsize GM SUV - 2004 Buick Rainier
By WinterDrive - April 12 - 1:59 pmThis is great SUV for long distance traveling, towing and light off-roading (which means beyond graded gravel). Winter driving performance has been outstanding. No mechnical issues barring an overiced rear wiper. V8 performance is great, with decent mileage (19+ on the highway). Interior is a bit underwhelming for the price, but functions well and has also stood up well (no squeaks or rattles).
