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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  A Great Little SUV. - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Dr Tom D - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Fun SUV to drive Small footprint,extremly quick and agile with the V-8. Quiet and easy to drive on rough and smooth surface. Psycologicly it "fits".The valets fight to drive it. It even pulls an 18 foot Four Winns Boat or a trailer full of trash.It Gets you up out of the water. Now thats important when you live in Texas. Recently weve had Gully washers at least once a week.

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  Nice Car - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Irby Jones - July 10 - 2:00 am

  What we like the most: comfort on trips, heats up interior instantly in the winter, running board for easy access. Overall a nice car. Limited room in floor of front seat, no visor extensions and speed control acts up when in hills, starts jumping going down hills. No help from GM in a fix so far. Like the car better than the rendevous which we previously owned but has less room and storage than the rendevous.

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  Buick - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By goodguynva - July 10 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is much more quiet than its brother and siste GM mid size SUVs. The technology is full blown and could be somewhat confusing to anyone not used to pushing buttons without word descriptions above them. I would rate the ride as above average but if youre looking for a really smooth ride, you may want to move up to a full size SUV. (GM product of course!)

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  BUICK RANIER - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By fred FROMI - July 10 - 2:00 am

  EXCELLENT TRUCK, VERY COMFORTABLE AND THE EASIEST TO GET IN AND OUT OF THE 5.3 V8 HAS GREAT PERFOIRMANCE

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  EXCELLENT - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By rmnord - July 10 - 2:00 am

  Wifes car and she loves it. She had a 2002 Bravada and really liked it , but the Rainier much better. The V/8 is much better than the 6 cylinder, the ride is smoother and it is quieter. It is just a richer looking vehicle.

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  Well Done - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By rxrad1 - July 7 - 2:00 am

  My Ranier in GMs Crimson Red definitely turns some heads. Its V8 is quick and the vehicle is extremely quiet... all while getting the same MPG as my 6 cyl Grand Cherokee. With XM Radio, Onstar, Leather and Auto everything... I love MY car!!

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  Excellent SUV!! Thank You Buick!! - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Reeseboy - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Buick Ranier for about two months now and I simply love it!! It gives you somewhat the feeling that you do own a truck in city driving but yet extremely comfortable and easy to handle. On the interstate quite honestly, I can compare its handling and comfort to my 03 Cadillac Deville. The Ranier is such a joy to drive!!

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  rainer - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By jhonn - June 21 - 2:00 am

  most comfortable suv i have owned. Ride is a little slopy but it is extrenely soft. Average 17 miles to gallon around town and thays with the v8.

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  AWEOMSE - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By ShabanuK - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE MY CAR, so much better and not to expensive

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  MY RAINER IS TRULY A "TIGER!" - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Sheila Williams - June 8 - 2:00 am

  Buying the Buick Rainer was originally my husbands idea. Having driven a Pontiac Sunfire for three years, I thought the Rainer would feel "too big" for me, although I needed the space of a SUV. However, the minute I took it for a test drive, I knew I was hooked!!!