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-
We love our Rainier - 2005 Buick Rainier
By Z - June 9 - 12:13 pmQuiet, powerful and comfortable style. Our Rainier is powered by a 5.3 V8 and gets 18 average MPG. Compared to other brands, we are happy with the Rainiers gas mileage. It handles very well.
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OK by me - 2005 Buick Rainier
By Dave - June 9 - 11:11 amNo problems with this SUV...Very quiet ride which I have never experienced in an SUV before and this is my third. Interior is very comfortable. No trips to the dealer in my first year. Low profile tires help it look good and handle well.
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Better than Lexus - 2005 Buick Rainier
By Adrian Clark - June 2 - 2:01 pmA great vehicle. After experiencing the Lexus RS300, this vehicle is far superior in all aspects. The Rainier is more roomy, more solid, more fun to ride and has a much more comfortable ride than the Lexus. The Rainier is quieter and the quality is superior.
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The Way To Go - 2005 Buick Rainier
By Roseann - May 21 - 10:22 amI test drove this SUV and knew it was the one for me. It drives like a luxury car, handles the road well, very quiet and looks great.
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Our Ranier - 2005 Buick Rainier
By jim & Lou - April 23 - 11:35 pmJust completed a 6,000 mile trip with this vehicle. My husband and I both remarked how easy the SUV was to drive. As though it just glided along the hiway. With the air supension in it no matter how we packed the stuff in it, it always evened itself out and was the most comfortable ride we have ever had. We traveled thru mountains, deserts, plains, large cities, small cities, 4 lanes, 2 lanes, and every type of road imaginable and the vehicle just seemed to adjust to the road and conditions by itself. My husband is 6 foot tall and this is the first vehicle that we have purchased that his head does not touch the top of the car and he has plenty of room for his legs also. We are happy with the Rainier.
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Best SUV We Test Drove & Bought - 2005 Buick Rainier
By Mark Ayers - March 31 - 12:43 amThis is an elegant SUV that handles like a dream, with all the creature comforts you would want in a luxury SUV. It drives well, has great acceleration, and feels like it is floating. Some have criticized the rear suspension, but we have not found that to be an issue. We test drove other SUVs, even imported models, and for the money and accessories, it won.
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Buick Rainier - 2005 Buick Rainier
By J Byrd - March 18 - 12:25 pmThe Buick Rainier that my wife and I purchased was a being driven by the owner of the dealerships wife. The car is all that we had expected at this time in our ownership of it. The ride is exceptional and has all the room that we need since our kids are away at college. The power and handling seem to be fine also. We have not had the opportunity to take the car on an extended road trip to get an accurate estimate of highway millage but local driving seems to yield around 17 mpg. In short at this point my wife loves the car so Im happy with it also
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My little opinion - 2005 Buick Rainier
By Steven - March 13 - 7:14 pmI have yet to find something dissapointing about my brand new Rainier. I read this page Edmunds.com vehicle review and I dissagree with the obvious negative slant. The Rainier is everything I wanted in an SUV. Of course the mileage is bad, but when we were shopping for an SUV, we agreed that we dont give a darn about gas mileage. It is so comfortable that my dad even said it was nicer than his Lincoln. We will keep this Rainier forever.This handles excellent in snow and ice. I was showing it off to my pal (who bought one also)and I couldnt lose control in the snow. I tried everything to skid, but the Rainier woulnt have it.
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Rainier really shines - 2005 Buick Rainier
By quarque - March 9 - 1:20 amThe best vehicle Ive ever driven. Rides very well and is VERY quiet and comfortable. AWD with 275 HP 6 is fantastic. Air suspension and heated seats are just icing on the cake. The "pros" rate this car a "6" just because it is not a BMW or sports car. Frankly, I didnt want a sports car. I wanted quiet comfort and this is IT. The little extras like access to the air compressor make it sweet. I test drove Honda, Toyota and Nissan - no comparison to the solid, quiet feel of the Rainier. The Pilot was noisier than my old Blazer. I will keep this vehicle a very long time after paying $33k with 0% financing.
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BUICK RAINIER - 2005 Buick Rainier
By L. Porter - January 15 - 7:59 pmMost enjoyable driving vehicle ever owned. Catches eye of others. Love the interior appointments with the exception of having to use a flashlight to see inside glove compartment. Handles well and is very maneuverable in tight spaces.
