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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  Love My Rainier - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By EL8014 - April 24 - 2:00 am

  After owning a few SUVs. Ford Explorer, Ford Expedition and A Chevy Tahoe. I love my Buick Rainier the best. It has alot of power and rides so nice. The Navigation system is a added plus. My In-Laws have a new Trailblazer and they test drove our Buick and now they are calling wanting to use our Buick instead of their Blazer.

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  I love my Rainier - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Kay Tee - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 2002 Bravada in the early spring of 2001. After dumping hundreds of dollars into this lemon, I was finally forced to trade it in. I purchased a Yukon Denali and found that although it is a beautiful and awesome vehicle, it is too large for every day driving. My Rainier is the perfect additional vehicle for my household. It has the look of my Bravada and the ride and features of my Denali. I strongly recommend this vehicle for anyone looking for any type of mid-size SUV. Look beyond the Envoy - you get so much more for the money in the Rainier!

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  Satisfied - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Bob Mial - April 23 - 2:00 am

  Ride and performance of the Rainier is terrific. Plenty of room in front and back and very comfortable. Probably not too good off-road but what do I care since Im not doing anything more than tailgating with it anyway. Love the quietness.

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  Love My Ranier!!! - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Carol A. - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Was originally looking at GMC Envoy - was ready to buy one, and our dealer recommended looking at the Ranier. Boy are we glad we did! It has a way smoother ride, better looking interior controls and features, and a sleeker exterior. This is my first SUV and Im so happy with it. The only downfall I see so far is the gas mileage. With todays prices, it seems Im spending far too much just to get to work!

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  I LUV MY RAINE - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By jane,101 - April 16 - 2:00 am

  I have given many rides and people cant nbeleive the luxury feel of this SUV. Not only comfy, but quiet too. I finally nlearned how to get the trunk light to stay on. Easy just let the dealer show you. I love xm radio, will never go back to fm again. Oh I forgot , I get alot of compliments on the exterior and the interior of the car. I love the heated seats.

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  new rainier - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Chicago Man - April 15 - 2:00 am

  Powerful suv that is also extremely quiet. Ride is more comfortable than other suvs.

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  Fantasic - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By bob254 - April 13 - 2:00 am

  Truck is great! absolutely fantastic

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  Crimson Pearls - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By grs48a - April 13 - 2:00 am

  A lot of power in the 6. The small turning radius was a real surprise, making it very maneuverable. The combo can make it very tippable. Great looking and very quiet inside. Gas mileage goes down quickly above 60 mph and in stop and go driving - currently averaging about 19.0 mpg. Love the leather seats. Its taller, but not as wide or as long as my old vehicle.

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  best vehicle i ever bought - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By blackbeltmike - April 8 - 2:00 am

  the Rainer is one of the best vehicles that gm has produced. ours has the inline 6 cyl has decent gas mileage and plenty of power. I have owned the ford explorer and it does not compare to this suv. I also owned the rendevous, this is also a good choice.

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  Its a good ride - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Bob Klem - March 30 - 2:00 am

  First there arent many around yet,which means not many after market add ons.Wanted an American built suv and this fit the bill just right.Not an over abundance like the Explorer or Jeep.