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 1 through 10 of 63.00

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  Money Pit - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By pensketech1 - September 16 - 9:06 am

  I am the second owner of my Rainier. At 65000 miles, I had to replace my engine due to a cracked head (coolant got in the oil and wiped out my bearings). I am experiencing turning problems at low speeds and now my security light comes on and vehicle will not start. My GM rep. told me I was out of luck when the engine blew, and the repair costed me over $4000 to do myself. GM needs to actually stand behind their vehicles. I have owned GM vehicles all of my life and am no where near satisfied with this one.

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  Broken suspension and transmission - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By madismommy2004 - April 30 - 10:33 pm

  For the past 2 years I have been dealing with my suspension,I bought the car at carmax,they fixed the comressor only to find out I need an air bag,and what they couldnt see that the holes in the air bag is what is causing it to sag. And of course I am now out of warranty so I have to pay out of pocket. Now my transmission is slipping and it doesnt want to move faster than 35mph.It wont shift into 3rd gear.What else can go wrong with this car....If I knew what i know now about it I would never have bought it! Oh and warranty parts at carmax SUCKS!6MO OR 6000 MILES WHICH COMES FIRST, HOW ABOUT A YEAR LIKE OTHER PLACES OR DEALERS!

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  Lemon - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By BNA1JJS - April 19 - 9:02 pm

  I am very concerned with this vehicle. Decided to take a leap into a GMC product in 2005 and made a very costly mistake. Here is a list of the problems I have had with my Buick: Heat shield on manifold loose, fuel sensor bad replaced, steering rack asembly bad replaced, reset toe, misc squeeking front still cant find, wornout idler pully replaced, water pump replaced, rear window fluid sprayer still leaking, rear hatch shocks to weak to hold hatch up still.

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  My wifes Rainier - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By i loar - July 10 - 8:55 pm

  This 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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  Terrible in the Snow - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Frank Grimes - January 30 - 4:53 pm

  For a vehicle with a $38,000 plus price, you would expect it to drive very well in the snow. This SUV does not even drive well in 2-3 inches of snow. The back end wants to slide all over the road. You would be better off and safer driving a car front wheel drive car in the snow.