Overview & Reviews

At its debut, the Buick Rainier added a bit of diversity to the brand's rather uniform lineup. Joining a family of mostly big, softly sprung sedans, this truck-based, midsize SUV became the first Buick in a long time with traditional body-on-frame construction and rear-wheel drive (with optional all-wheel drive), enabling it to carry a considerable amount of cargo (80 cubic feet) and tow heavy loads (up to 6,700 pounds).

Buick sourced the majority of Rainier's design from General Motors' midsize SUV platform. This meant that there wasn't much variation between it and its GM sport-ute brethren like the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy and Oldsmobile Bravada -- the third of which the Rainier effectively replaced when the Olds division was discontinued.

Of this core SUV grouping, the Buick Rainier was meant to be the most comfortable and upscale. Buick's exclusive rear air spring suspension made the Rainier the most successful at concealing ruts in the road, and the effects of Buick's "QuietTuning" could be heard in its near-silent interior. The Rainier also earned a bit of initial distinction as it was the only regular-length SUV of the bunch to offer an optional V8 engine. (The Rainier was never offered in extended-length seven-passenger form.) Finally, Buick's SUV came with the most standard equipment.

Sadly, all the extra effort didn't cure the Buick Rainier of its deepest family flaws. The combination of a high stance, high weight, a softly tuned suspension and a live rear axle penalized handling on several fronts. Handling was sloppy even by truck-based SUV standards. The Rainier's numb steering needed continual corrections to hold a straight line and its rear end felt loose and unstable in extreme handling situations. It also guzzled more gas than any modern Buick, and its interior was marred by cheap and mismatched materials, illogical controls, a lack of storage space, subpar build quality and fatiguing seats.

The Rainier partly redeemed itself with smooth and strong powertrains, competitive acceleration and a plush, quiet ride. But compared to other competing upscale SUVs, Buick's entry failed to completely deliver in the important categories of refinement, feature content and handling. For consumers shopping used midsize SUVs, we suggest taking a look at more qualified and desirable vehicles such as the Mercury Mountaineer, Toyota 4Runner or Volkswagen Touareg. Another good option is Buick's new large crossover SUV, the Enclave.

Most Recent Buick Rainier

The Rainier debuted for 2004 and received minor changes over its four-year run. Initially it was offered in CXL and CXL Plus trim levels with the six-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque and the 290-hp (320 lb-ft) V8 available as an option. Aside from its significant increase in torque, the V8 also featured a cylinder deactivation system that saved a little fuel when cruising. Either way, a four-speed automatic transmission was standard, and both engines were available with rear- or all-wheel drive.

The following year, Buick dropped the Plus trim and the optional front seat-mounted side airbags. In their place, full-length side curtain airbags became available. In 2006, stability control became standard, the inline-6 gained 16 hp for a total of 291 and the V8 was pumped up to 300 hp.

The Buick Rainier midsize SUV was discontinued after 2007, its final model year, to make way for the vastly superior Enclave. At this point there was one well-equipped model, the CXL. Standard equipment included alloy wheels, an auto load-leveling suspension, dual-zone climate control, a CD player, power front seats, leather upholstery, antilock brakes, traction control and stability control. Major options included a navigation system and a rear-seat entertainment system.

If you're shopping for a used Buick Rainier, we'd advise confining your search to the '06 and '07 model years to ensure you get a Rainier with stability control, a feature we consider especially important given this SUV's less-than-ideal handling dynamics.

User Reviews:

• 

  Buick Rainier is a HIT - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By L. Dennis - November 11 - 11:14 pm

  Driven right off the bat to our vacation spot. Handled well, comfortable to ride in, unlike other SUVs which seem like a truck ride. Easy, easy easy to get in and out. Even elderly can manage and kids. We love our Ranier. Planned to buy something smaller, this is perfect.

• 

  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.

• 

  Rainer - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By abr - November 6 - 9:34 pm

  My Buick Rainer is loved by both my husband and myself. We have had zero problemswith it and have not been back to the dealership for anything. We have a V8 which gives more than enough power to tow our 5000 lb. boat.

• 

  buick rainier - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By hank killion - October 27 - 2:00 am

  Most comfortable SUV ever ridden in. It tows my 4000 lb boat better than expected. Highway mileage is about 20 mpg.

• 

  Chuck chooses - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Chuck also - October 23 - 2:00 am

  I like many got tired of driving and in a almost prone position. The size is perfect for my business driving and love it on trips. The one thing I missed was my previous car had heads up display. I assume this will be added in the very near future. The handling is fantastic as you can make tight U-turns with little effort. Keep up with bringing us great vehicles.

• 

  Buick Hits Home Run - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By New Oreans Buyer - October 18 - 2:00 am

  VERY smooth and quite ride. Handles well Agree with current owner, it could use more storage. Cross bars for roof rack should be standard. This seems a little cheap on Buicks part for a car in this price range. Same with front seat side air bags. Would love for it to have had the Buick famous icon (the three holes on the front quarter panels). This would have been the icing on the cake for exterior. Too new for reliability opinion. Only one defect at delivery. The console lock would not hold down the cover whne bumped. New lock clip was ordered.

• 

  Great Car - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Kathy7 - October 9 - 2:00 am

  The only thing my Rainer falls short on is interior storage space. I had a Rendevous for the last 3 years that had tons of space. But the ride and handling in the Rainer surpass the Rendezvous. Love this vehicle!!!

• 

  My - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Tom Weiss - October 9 - 2:00 am

  I use my Rainer both in pleasure and business and love it. It has ample storage space with the rear seats down (I have moved 6 1/2 foot sofas and large bookcase units in it with no problem) in addition to a full day of shopping at Macys, Saks and Nordstroms and then while still full of the days shopping, picking up my 3 German Shepards from the groomer with still room to spare. Fit and finish on "Gracie" is great with 16K on the odometer, she is as quiet and well behaved as the day I bought her. I have the 6cyl and find it more than satisfactory with my routine drivng between Palm Springs, Ca. to Pasadena, Ca. Interior finish is great, too!

• 

  My Rainier - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By cgcovey - October 9 - 2:00 am

  I have driven SUVs from full size Blazers, Yukons, Envoy to the Rainier. I love the Rainier, great car, great design.

• 

  Love my Rainy - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By over40 - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Got this vehicle as a rental while work was being done on my van. I have NEVER, NEVER, NEVER loved a car in my life. This car is quiet, and hugs the road, and is absolutely QUIET.