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:
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Lap of luxury - 2005 Buick Rainier
By asoftwind37 - September 22 - 2:00 amI 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.
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Buick Rainier - 2004 Buick Rainier
By Cpik - September 14 - 2:00 amI love this SUV! I have owned it for 8 months now and have not had any problems. The ride is smooth. The features are excellent. I love the dual function heated seats and the in- dash 6 CD changer with XM radio. The sound system is incredible. Everybody that sees this SUV loves it. I get compliments on it all the time. I am planning on getting another one when this lease expires. I highly recommend it!!!
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Great Ranier - 2004 Buick Rainier
By Bay Island Company - September 11 - 2:00 amExcellent performance, quiet car. Very comfortable seating. Could use a few more storage places.
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Rainier all its supposed to be - 2005 Buick Rainier
By kuba - September 6 - 2:00 amIve had my Rainier for 6 mos. now and am EXTREMELY satisfied with it. Its powerful, smooth, and quiet. The engine is terrific delivering good torque from a standstill. Its 50-70 mph acceleration is good as well. Fuel economy has been good for an SUV, about 19 mpg combined city/hwy. It also has been incredibly smooth and quiet, the most car-like ride Ive experienced from the various SUVs Ive test driven. I had a Toyota 4Runner before and was going to buy another or a Nissan Pathfinder before a friend suggested I look at the Rainier. I was skeptical at first, but after looking at it and test driving it, I was convinced.
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Rainier Rules! - 2004 Buick Rainier
By NancyW - September 1 - 2:00 amEverything from the buying process to the trips and commuting I do in my Rainier has been a pleasure. The car itself is beautiful - a dark green with lots of chrome highlights. Everything is automatic, from the seat positions to lights turning on. It rides smoothly and quietly, but without that floating feeling that can make luxury cars less handleable. Weve already had to call on the services of OnStar when the family was locked out of the car while on vacation - they came through with flying colors and got us back in the car within five minutes.
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Better than Cadillac - 2004 Buick Rainier
By Col. John Paul - August 29 - 2:00 amI traded in a 2003 Cadillac Deville for the 2004 Rainier V8, the ride is quieter, smoother, and the only thing I miss is the mileage per gallon.
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real luxury suv - 2005 Buick Rainier
By roxanne - August 11 - 2:00 amthe quietest suv i have driven,plus it runs smooth .and it rides almost like a buick park ave on the interstate.plus its easy to park and a real fun suv to drive.the 6 changer cd works great the heated seates plus lumbar really make it enjoyable on long drives,its so quiet on the inside it makes you want to fall asleep
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Rainier a good choice - 2004 Buick Rainier
By MHBACH - July 23 - 2:00 amI test drove the other intermediate sized SUVs Trailblazer, Envoy, and found the Rainier the smoothest and best buy of the three. Most comfort and comfort features.
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Buick Value - 2004 Buick Rainier
By Wdyer - July 16 - 2:00 amOverall this is a great value with the current rebates. Surprised about a few things though. No hydraulic lift for the hood? Even Rendexvous has this. Too much plastic. Faux wood. Unexciting instrument panel. Poor range of low beam headlights. WOW! What a quiet vehicle and great ride!
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Very quiet & comfortable - 2004 Buick Rainier
By alm - July 14 - 2:00 amCompared to the GM lineup, the Buick has more elegant feel. It is very quiet and acceleration is smooth.
