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 1 through 10 of 131.00

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  Buick Rainer V-8 - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By shadav - December 10 - 9:25 pm

  I have owned several Buicks and this is by far the worst one I have owned. The one I traded in had 143,000 miles on it and was still running perfectly. With the Rainier, I began have trouble around 60,000 miles. The instrument panel had to be replaced, then the air conditioner blew hot air on the passenger side. Then it was the transfer case, then the air bags used in the suspension area began leaking. At this very moment, it is parked in my garage with a broken water pump. I havent driven it in 4 months. Instead, I bought a used vehicle that I paid cash for to get around town in. It has been much more reliable than the Buick.

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  Bitter Sweet - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Tony1234 - February 22 - 7:52 am

  This 2004 AWD Rainier has major ongoing issues. Starting at 80,000 miles its one repair after another. I love the features, style and ride. I dont tow, off road or plow. I just drive like any normal person. All scheduled normal lube maintenance has been practiced as recommended by manufacture manual yet the AWD never seems to work. I replaced the transfer case, transmission, front differential, axles, 4 decoder motors, wiring harness and 2 front wheel sensors($9,000+)and the front wheels still dont work. This whole vehicle should have been recalled in my opinion. Oh! The speedometer is brke

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  Buick...I thought they had better quality - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By ???? - April 27 - 5:52 pm

  My Buick Rainer has 57,000 miles. Every three or four months since I purchased the SUV I have had major problems. The drive train, the driver side seat, and major problems with the four wheel drive mechanism. I am very luckly that I purchased the extended warranty. I would not recommend purchasing this SUV. Just recently one dealship that I brought it to because it was making a very loud banging noise said, "You must have purchased a Friday afternoon car," after they saw the long list of things that I have already had to fix. Basically agreeing that there are and has been some major problems with my SUV. Buyer beware. I would not recommend this SUV

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  An All New Buick? - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By oaa9898 - March 5 - 2:00 am

  This may be an all-new Buick, but its really just a rebaged GMC Envoy. The interior plastics are too low rent for this class, materials in the Lexus are much better. The car has been in the shop 3 times in two months, so much for reliability. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) SAFETY ratings are also VERY LOW, so much for the "solid as a rock" feeling that one reviewer described. Dont fall for the marketing hype, it may look pretty, but the quality, and more importantly the safety, is not up to par with the competition. Another thing to consider is the price, given the expected resale value of this SUV, it is overpriced.