Overview & Reviews

The Rainier is an all-new SUV for Buick. It is based on GM's capable midsize SUV architecture which also supports the Chevy TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy. The Rainier is available with a V8 power, but there is no extended-length version.

• Strong drivetrains, upscale exterior treatment, decent off-road ability.

• Same old plastic inside, extra features jack up the price.

User Reviews:

Showing 41 through 50 of 131.00

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  Great SUV - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By rbranscum - October 18 - 4:04 pm

  Extremely comfortable. I am in sales and spend a lot of time in it. It is very quiet and the heated seats and moonroof are great. Also the Bose sound system is a wonderful plus. I have the awd model and have had problems with it. It wants to engage sometimes when you are backing up. The dealership has not been able to stop it from doing it. Otherwise, great vehicle

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  Long Rides Enjoyable - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By James Jenkins - September 22 - 2:26 am

  I travel a lot. I have found the Rainier a pleasure to drive for hours at a time. My partner also shares in the driving and I sleep quite comfortably in the reclining passenger seat, although I would prefer the seats to have a little more of a bucket-seat form to provide a more settled feel into the seat. Overall, this ride feels and handles more like my older Buick Park Avenue than an SUV. I luv it, just what I was looking for!

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  Buick Rainier - rock solid! - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By nrund - August 8 - 2:00 am

  After researching all the luxury midsized SUVs I narrowed the list to; Lexus RX330, Toyota Highlander and 4Runner Limiteds, Infiniti FX35 and Buick Rainier. I test drove all five again. The FX35 felt like a fancy station wagon. The 4Runner was a disappointment as it rattled and lacked the quality Toyota is known for. The Highlander reminded me of the RX300 I was replacing, the dull exterior and price didn’t warrant serious consideration. Only the RX330 and Rainier remained. Both are comfortable, luxuriously appointed and well constructed. Rainer’s rock solid construction, luxury amenities and GM’s financing make the Rainier a true value.

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  Getting acquainted - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By palex - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Previously had a van so there is an adjustment going on. The ride is excellent as well is the handling. Had running boards installed but they still do not give much of a platform to enter or exit vehicle on. The rear door is very restrictive for getting in or out. Wind noise is more then I expecdted at highway speeds. Fuel economy is only about 13.8 in town. Have not been on the road yet. Rear seart belts are difficult to connect because of a very short anchor strap. Rear seat heater is o.k. at low speeds but makes too much noise if it is turn up. Brakes feel somewhat spondgy right now..will have to have the dealer chect them.

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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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  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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  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.

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  A joy to me, my SUV - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By dmcd - February 22 - 2:05 pm

  Overall, very happy with Ranier. Recently returned from 5000 mile driving vacation, so put it to the comfort test. Our report is we enjoyed the ride and comfort, we did not get tired though some days included lots of miles. Lots of Christmas presents, golf clubs, luggage were stored well with back seat down. Window tinting makes it difficult to see cargo area contents, providing some sense of security. Very windy days produced excessive noise around the passenger front window. Styling of car got many stares from interstate travelers. Averaged over 19 mpg for entire trip, including city driving. XM radio made this a delightful trip, as well. Our first SUV, maybe a hybrid in 5 years??

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  Buick Rainier - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Talltom58 - February 15 - 11:24 am

  This vehicle is the most fun of any I have ever owned. My fourth Buick, this is my first SUV. The ride is comfortable, and with plenty of leg and head room for a 66" guy. It handles well on the road and I have tested it in urban and rural, flat and mountain terrain. In the winter snow, on hills, it never hesitated to give a feeling of full control. Sight lines are good. Fuel mileage is good for a vehicle of this type.