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 11 through 20 of 63.00

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  Rainier experience - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Kevin - March 8 - 11:01 pm

  The Rainier has proven to be comfortable and it performs well. The air suspension makes for a comfortable ride and the interior is very quiet. My city mpg has been about 14, and on a recent 2800 mile trip my highway mileage was just under 20 mpg with 4 passengers and a full load. The only problem I have had with the vehicle was a molding on the rear hatch that came loose.

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  Only One thing wrong - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Char - February 5 - 3:40 pm

  I had a Buick Rendevous for two years before this Rainer so I know my Buick SUVs. They are very reliable and unique SUVs. Why? They have fantastic rear space for carrying many different sized items. I have been in the higher end SUVs and they were not made to carry anything at all. I have really liked both of these Buick models and the only thing I would like to see is the front seat room of the Rendevous put in the Rainer. That is the only thing I would want changed. The ride is outstanding and winter driving almost fun. Dont hesitate to buy these two models, they are the best in the U.S. SUV lines....

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  Love It! - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By skesell - January 27 - 6:39 pm

  I get a kick out of the professional reviewers as they think if its not Japanese or European, they cannot possibly like it! Well, I have owned nearly all of them and this Buick is as quality laden, good driving and responsive as anything I have ever owned. My is V8 and mileage isnt the best but I love this vehicle. My friend bought the Lexus instead and after a trip in the Buick he is sick. I just cannot say enough about how much my family has enjoyed this vehicle. Thanks for the opportunity to say so!

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  My Rainier - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Jim - January 26 - 11:33 am

  Nice comfortable SUV. Good Power in the 6 and I think plenty of storage. Sound proofed windows make it very quiet inside. My wife even likes to drive it. Had Blazers (3) and this is a good change. Lots of whistles and bells at least for this country boy. Mileage has been trip 19.2 (cruise) and around town 18. Not too different than Blazer but I use 87 Octane now and no clicking like in the Blazers. Sound system is no Bose but is acceptable. Climate contol can be confusing even with instructions but good when you get the hang of it. Excellent instrumentation. Has a compressor which I thought was overkill but Ive used it twice already. I must say overall, I like it a lot.

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  Nice Vehicle with the discounts - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By buddyboopotato - January 20 - 2:45 am

  I was giving up on American SUVs after a lousy experience with a Chevy Blazer, but then I found the Rainier after looking at Trailblazers. A much nicer platform, but the list pricing is insanely high. However, with all of the discounts at years end (since they had 5 months inventory), I got it at $23,900 total cost for an 04 CXL AWD, and then with trade in and cash down, got it out the door below $17,000. For that kind of money, it is hard to beat. Great ride, very quiet, nice comfort features, and good performance. My only disappointment: gas mileage--avg 16. was hoping to be closer to 18, but I realize this is a large and heavy vehicle. Id recommend, especially with the deals.

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  Buick Scores well - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By J. Mazza - December 7 - 2:35 pm

  Great highway performance. Quiet/solid feel. V8 runs well with reasonable gas milage. Has all the bells one requires for an SUV. excellent radio/Cd sound system. Confortable seats.

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  Classy Ride - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Bob Stack - December 7 - 10:53 am

  Very quiet and smooth car like ride.Lots of city driving so its difficult to judge mileage.V-6 is just OK.

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  Rayonier - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By bruceslade - November 10 - 4:19 pm

  It is a sweet ride. My wifes car.. she loves it for its handling, ease to enter & exit (especially for aging parents)and appearance. Navigation system was a must for her traveling. We had no intention of getting XM radio, once we tried it we never turned it off.

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  Lap of luxury - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By asoftwind37 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I love the handling of this SUV. Ive only owned it over a month but Ive already put over 1500 miles on it. The easy exit seat button is great especially when you have packages that you just grab off the seat next to you, you dont have to fight around the steering wheel to get them by it. Both of my boys are over six foot tall and when we were trying out SUVs, head room and leg room was a huge factor. They picked this one as the the most comfortable back seat of all.