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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  Love my Rainer - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By sally - April 2 - 9:01 pm

  I have own my Rainer for 3 years and love the smooth, quiet driving. But most all I love my satellite radio, I will never go back to listening to AM or FM.

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  the best better than cadillac - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By dolphinsinus - March 29 - 10:00 am

  the best suv ever a must drive experience, buik did it again. If it lastsas long as my lasabre i will be amazed

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  Buick Rainier CXL. - 2007 Buick Rainier
  By Harold - March 23 - 11:06 pm

  Handles great on trips, all the bells & whistles you would want. Biggest complaint is with rear seats down it is difficult to access a cooler behind the driver from the passenger side. Sun visors are to small and for the price you would think it would have pull outs so when you use them as a side visor they would block the top of the drivers/passengers window! Very aggravating!

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  Love it! - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Jennifer - February 4 - 11:46 am

  I have been reading about this model for over a year. I was so happy to find a 2005 w/only 1 owner. It also had low miles and looked brand new! Now lets talk about the ride. Love it! It handles well and it is heavy for a short SUV and I feel safe in it.

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  My 2005 Buick Rainier 5.3L V8 - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Joshua Zion - February 1 - 5:59 am

  My Rainier is Gave Me The Driving Experience Of A Life Time. I Love My Buick The V8 Lets Me Show Off To My Best Friend And It Is So Quiet I Love The QuietTuning Buick Ive Only Had to replace the Catiliac Converter And The A\C and the Air Suspension

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  Great Value and Under-Rated by Editors - 2007 Buick Rainier
  By RonP - November 28 - 9:13 am

  With over 17,000 miles on my Rainier, there have been zero problems with the vehicle. I purchased the Rainier because the seats in my 2004 LeSabre were so uncomfortable my wife could not ride in it for any distance, even though we had zero problems with it over 85,000 miles and still experienced 32 mpg on the highway and 22 in my commute to work. The Rainiers ride is great, wind noise in minimal, seating comfort is perfect (Im 64" and my wife is 56"), and the towing and carrying flexibility are outstanding. While the mpg averages are less than the LeSabre, I still average slightly over 22 mpg on the highway and a little over 15 mpg commuting to work. This was Buicks best kept secret!

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  Buick Ranier-SUV - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By jconeputt - November 15 - 7:53 pm

  Purchased 2004 Buick Ranier used with 22,000 miles and has been a great vehicle. This SUV has a 5.3 Liter, great power and better fuel economy than the V6 model. Great for towing. Great for extended road trips. Vehicle now has 55K miles with now service related problems.

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  Used Rainier Purchase - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Seaclusion - October 28 - 7:10 pm

  Recently purchased used Rainier with V8 34000 trading in a GMC Envoy 6 cyl.First impressions are very favorable.No complaints and has a better ride than the GMC. Also V8 is a major plus for this vehicle. I have noted that AWD seems to engage in reverse as noted by one of your participants which will require watching.

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  A Pleasurable and Performing SUV - 2007 Buick Rainier
  By JMC6 - October 4 - 4:08 pm

  Have been incredibly pleased with all aspects of this SUV. The smooth and quiet of the ride are not like an SUV. Plenty of power in the I-6. Dollar value was outstanding. It is unfortunate that Buick is not continuing the Rainier.

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  Great ride - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By born1980 - August 15 - 10:19 am

  We had been looking mostly at imports and then stumbled upon this little known beauty. It is amazing the amount of car we got for the price. It is hands down the quietest vehicle I have driven, cars included.