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:

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  An Excellent Choice - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By C. Jones - July 6 - 10:08 pm

  I have been very surprised at the performance of this vehicle. No return visits to fix problems, and it just is excellent to have. Quiet, comfortable, handles good, with better than expected gas mileage. I bought it 3 months ago and went across the states from south to north and then from east to west coast. I really love it. Has the goodies on it, but they came standard, not at added expense. I had a Mercury Grand Marquis before and this vehicle lives up to the comfort and ease of driving that the Mercury has, besides having the luxury items that a Mercury spoils you with. They are hard to find, but well worth the trouble and time spent.

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  Jans Rainier - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Roger Hall - June 27 - 8:49 pm

  This is a wonderful car. Comfortable to drive on long and short trips. The Air ride makes for a very smooth ride. A very nice looking vehicle.

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  Disappointing - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Pa - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Poor quality exterior finishing, grill misaligned. Lightweight metal is too light,bends in and out washing and waxing. Interior poor design of center console,shift,cupholders. High wind noise even higher pitch on windy day. Passenger door actually moves in and out with vibration on very windy days. Front hood emblem position forces you to have to pull hood up holding this plastic piece. A rod to hold up hood? This is a top of line vehicle. Should have gas charged openers. Just another example of cheapness along with the carpet grade.

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  Surprisingly Good - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By rainer owner - June 21 - 11:04 pm

  This is my first GM product in many, many years. With 13,000 miles on the odometer, the vehicle has been completely reliable. The only visits to the dealer have been for oil changes. It rides very well and is extremely quiet, much better than a Pathfinder that I owned in the past. I am pleasantly suprised.

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  The SUV we L-O-V-E to drive - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Smiley T. Papenfus - June 12 - 3:59 am

  As a 6 3" 51 yr old I have never enjoyed driving any vehicle more than the Rainier - when my wife goes out I want to come along just for the enjoyable experience of driving this most comfortable and quiet SUV again - well done Buick - you almost get a 10. This 5 seater with ample luggage space is perfect for our family of 4 - I frequently carry large trunk size cases. As a conservative driver Im pleasantly surprised with our reasonable town mileage. I can honestly highly recommend this luxury SUV - if you dont want to pay an Escalade price, but want a handsome prestigious SUV - look no further than the Buick Rainier - I love this vehicle .

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  We love our Rainier - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Z - June 9 - 12:13 pm

  Quiet, powerful and comfortable style. Our Rainier is powered by a 5.3 V8 and gets 18 average MPG. Compared to other brands, we are happy with the Rainiers gas mileage. It handles very well.

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  OK by me - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Dave - June 9 - 11:11 am

  No problems with this SUV...Very quiet ride which I have never experienced in an SUV before and this is my third. Interior is very comfortable. No trips to the dealer in my first year. Low profile tires help it look good and handle well.

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  Better than Lexus - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Adrian Clark - June 2 - 2:01 pm

  A great vehicle. After experiencing the Lexus RS300, this vehicle is far superior in all aspects. The Rainier is more roomy, more solid, more fun to ride and has a much more comfortable ride than the Lexus. The Rainier is quieter and the quality is superior.

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  The Way To Go - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Roseann - May 21 - 10:22 am

  I test drove this SUV and knew it was the one for me. It drives like a luxury car, handles the road well, very quiet and looks great.

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  Great all around - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Connor1989 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I purchaced 2 days ago. I still currently own a 1989 Lesabre. I loved it so decided to try another buick.