Overview & Reviews
The CXL Plus trim level is dropped in favor of a single CXL model; a CD/MP3 player stereo is newly optional; real wood replaces the fake stuff for the steering wheel and shift knob; and various upgrades help spruce things up inside. Full-length head curtain airbags make their way to the options list, though Buick has dropped last year's seat-mounted side airbags (which provided torso protection for front occupants).
- Exceptionally quiet ride, strong optional V8, easy to get in and out, decent off-road ability.
- Subpar build and materials quality, sloppy handling, lacks key safety features, not enough storage space.
User Reviews:
Showing 21 through 30 of 63.00-
Works for me -tailgates, trips, runabout - 2005 Buick Rainier
By howdydooit - June 5 - 4:15 pm12 months old - replaced an aging minivan & sedan. That said, we needed a vehicle for tailgating and trips. It holds all our gear (flag pole, folding table, chairs, grill, cooler, etc & 2 or 3 people, depending on how judiciously we pack - we can get away with only folding down one back seat). The sound system is awesome, the climate controls are individualized (plus rear controls for climate/audio), and its extemely quiet and smooth. Fuel economy is 22 - 23 hwy, 15-18 around town.
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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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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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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.
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My Buick - 2005 Buick Rainier
By Nanny - September 19 - 12:58 pmThis is the first car I have purchased. I previously owned a Park Avenue and my husband owned a GMC Pick Up. I loved both and didnt need both so the salesman suggested I purchase an SUV. I have made a couple of trips to Atlanta and love the power, V6, the ride, It reminds me of my car and gives me the height of the truck. There is plenty of room for me to travel as I want. My sister and I will make a trip to Norfolk, Va in October and she has a small scooter which will fit in the back real well. I couldnt be happier with my decision. The only way, would be if it were paid for.
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Excellent SUV - 2005 Buick Rainier
By Jay - August 14 - 2:15 amWe have owned the vehicle since June 05 after owning a 1990 Toyota 4 Runner. The Rainier is such a wonderful ride and very quiet. It is easy to get in and out of and with all of the standard options included, it was a no brainer. On the highway, set your cruise or before you know it, you will be over 80 mph. Mileage is 20 highway and 15 city. Leg room is plenty, both front and back seats. The Bose audio system is outstanding. The front drink holders need to be redesigned as to location, but overall, we love this vehicle.
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Exciting Fun SUV - 2005 Buick Rainier
By Gary - August 2 - 1:46 amPurchased my new 2005 Rainier in July, and have 600 miles on it. It came with most every option available. GM Employee discount and rebates helped. Having a 97 Ford Explorer for 8 years, I was tired of the rough truck ride. I test drove the new Explorer (better) and a couple others. After reading consumer reviews the Buick sold me for what you got for the price. Wanted a bit more luxury & smoother ride. Its a fun SUV to drive, very quiet, very comfortable, very smooth ride, nice handling, responsive, V6 has plenty of power. Bose sound system is worth the money. Major complaint in all reviews, the front cup holders, I totally agree, they are too small & worthless! More safety features would be nice
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My wifes Rainier - 2005 Buick Rainier
By i loar - July 10 - 8:55 pmThis one is thirsty, getting only 17 mpg city and 18.5 highway. it has too much body roll. The engine seems to be working too hard at interstate speed. Its missing some features of a LeSabre and is not enough vehicle for the money. I really expected more from a Buick. Its not as quiet as advertised.
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Jans Rainier - 2005 Buick Rainier
By Roger Hall - June 27 - 8:49 pmThis 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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The SUV we L-O-V-E to drive - 2005 Buick Rainier
By Smiley T. Papenfus - June 12 - 3:59 amAs 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 .
