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 101 through 110 of 242.00-
Great SUV - 2006 Buick Rainier
By BANKER - March 27 - 9:22 pmI had owned Jeeps for 20 years. This vehicles is superior in many ways. It drives and handles better. Mileage is better and it rides very nice. It is very quiet and has all the power you need with a V-8. I am very pleased with this purchase and would buy again.
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Best car Ive ever had - 2004 Buick Rainier
By Jimjxx - January 25 - 4:06 pmQuiet, solid ride with good styling and quality accessories. I also like the fact that Im driving a different type of vehicle---not something driven by "everybody and his brother".
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Best SUV Ever - 2005 Buick Rainier
By Mac - January 13 - 5:21 pmWe have owned our 2005 Ranier CXL AWD for about 14 months. It is by bar the best overall SUV we have ever owned. The ride quality is outstanding, the handling sharp, the performance excellent, and the carrying capacity fantastic. Overall we get about 20 mpg on the highway (70 - 75 mph) and about 15 in town. My wife likes it so much that I seldom get to drive it except on trips. It is one of the quietest vehicles I have ever driven. The size, ergonomics, features, and performance are just about perfect for the two of us. Our friends enjoy very much when we take the Ranier, going out to dinner.
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My Buick - 2006 Buick Rainier
By Rick - January 3 - 9:11 pmNice ride. Only negatives are fuel mileage and cup holders. It has all the equipment that our Yukon had.
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Review of 2005 Buick Rainier - 2005 Buick Rainier
By Lou Kirk - January 3 - 6:12 pmThis is my first SUV and I couldnt be happier with it. Comfort, driveablity, power, MPG could be a little better, easy to park, visibility to see other traffic on the road is exceptional, maintaince is easy, OnStar makes me feel very secure. I have driven this vehicle from the mid United states to the east coast and then to the west coast and back to the midwest and not one problem. Would like to see keyless entry on the next one that I get.
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Fun,Safe and Dependable - 2004 Buick Rainier
By Dr d - December 26 - 11:35 pmThis Buick Is a very stable platform . Fun to drive due to great handling for us , the average driver. Speed and acceleration that makes you feel young when you need it, entering a freeway or getting out of a jam. Sometimes, just showing off. It just feels good to know that youre in command of the road on occasion. Plenty of room for passengers & Luggage. Easily maneuvers in any grocery store parking lot and brings the bacon home safley. Might keep this for 20 years.
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Better than Lexus - 2006 Buick Rainier
By Adrian - December 1 - 7:09 pmHaving looked at all models in this price range I selected the Rainier and dont regret it at all. Quieter ride than Lexus and other competitors and the finish is superb. Mileage was as expected - average 19 overall.
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Replaced My Rendevous - 2006 Buick Rainier
By Ty K - November 18 - 11:46 amI purchased a 2004 Rendevous and this 2006 Rainier replaced it. I missed a couple of features from the Rendevous. There is no parking assist and it does not customize the radio and seat settings on the key fob like the Rendevous. It does have curb view on the rear view mirror, but the mirrors are smaller than the Rendevous. The Rainier feels more stable on the road than the Rendevous and is quieter. I am getting better mileage than with my old Rendevous.
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Great - 2006 Buick Rainier
By Elizabeth - November 17 - 7:39 pmMe and my family of two boys decide to buy this car it had a very reasonable price for the amount of luxury that was provided. The seats are very comfortable the ride is extremley quite and comfortable. The power is okay but could be more. I love the look of the car. I would recomend it anyday. But the cup holders up front need improvment.
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Great SUV - 2005 Buick Rainier
By Hannah DeLisle - November 16 - 9:56 amW have been very happy with this vehicle, one of the best we have had. We took it to Florida and back to Micigan and it was great. I have only had to change the oil two times in over a year.
