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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  Not my fathers buick - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By crash1 - March 30 - 2:00 am

  My Rainer with AWD is about the most stable truck I have ever owned. Its road manners are excellent, and I was suprised at the sure footedness when I took it off road. I was sure I was making a compromise in buying the Buick version of the TrailBlazer, but the AWD changed my thinking fast. I took it on muddy tracks that other 4X4s were having trouble with, the AWD just stuck to the path and never bogged down once. Like I said before, its a very stable vehicle on city streets, highways, and cow paths.

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  Quiet but Average SUV - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Driver770 - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Needs more refinement to compete in class. Incentives make this vehicle worth what you finally pay for it. Noise levels are low, except for wind noise at speeds greater than 60 mph. Fit and finish are below standards. Gaps where bumper plastic meets fender is very visible. Base six cylinder engine is great - smooth, refined, and plenty of power. Gas mileage is less than advertised. Resonant noises, only at certain speeds, create a booming rumble that is very annoying. Already have a few rattles. Overall, a good touring vehicle that does not offend. Just dont drive it too hard, and dont expect more than it costs.

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  Ranier vs. Lexus 330 - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Simon Belmont - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Comparable or better to Lexus RX330 in quiet ride (we have both vehicles) in our family. Solid feel when driving due to body on frame design - much more so than Lexus RX330 with unibody construction. Interior is somewhat sparse compared to Lexus RX330 and doesnt feel as open as Lexus, but has very good leg room. Could use more interior storage areas. Better value than RX330 when considering that GM Dealers will discount $3,000 to $5,000 off of window price with incentives etc. Good lease vehicle through GMAC.

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  I LUV MY RAINER - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By jane,p - March 18 - 2:00 am

  GREAT QUIET RIDE.NICE LUXURY FEEL TO THE SUV. SEDAN QUALITY IN AN SUV. LOVE THE XM RADIO. RATES HIGH WITH MANY SUV PRODUCTS OUT THERE BUT WAS THE QUIETEST RIDING OF 99% OF MANY OTHER VEHICLES THAT I DROVE.SURPRISED THERE ARE NOT MORE OUT THERE.NICE TO BE THE ONLY RAINER IN MY COUNTY

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  Instant Love - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By ssanders - March 16 - 2:00 am

  My eyes were drawn to the body style, sleek with enough definition to break the boredom. Nice tail lights. Im getting warm. Comfortable seating, roomy interior, up to the minute features. Checked out Onstar and found their response immediate and friendly, even after I apologized for the non- emergency call. It was instant love and continues to be a growing red-hot love affair with my new Buick Ranier.

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  An Upgrade I LOVE - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By montana467 - March 16 - 2:00 am

  I was a past owner of a Rendezvous The upgrade is fantastic. Very quiet, easy handle, responce is great. A little rich on gasoline--but worth it! My children love the leg room compared to Rendezvous.

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  Thoroughly Researched - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By TrainDR - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Pulled ahead in lease program from 02 Rendezvous. Looked at Infinity G45, Lexus RX330, VolvoXJ90,Nissan Murano,Dodge Magnum Wagon,GMC Yukon and Chevy Tahoe Z71. One test drive says it all. Smooth operator-heated seat backs is a nice plus--but when Tahoe has 290 horse, why spend up to five thousand more to feel like you are driving a truck. Rainier handles better, feels and looks like a Cadillac, sitting up higher yet feeling stable and secure in heavier truck. Good combination of engine choice and transmission.We are so impressed with Buicks new addition and are very satisfied with it.

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  i luv my raine - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By jane p - March 7 - 2:00 am

  overall very happy. quiet drive. nice to be the only one in the neighborhood or county with a Rainer.It is rhe only suv out there with a true luxury car ride.i am starting a rainer club. honk if you spot one. hope we will see alot more on the road.

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  An All New Buick? - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By oaa9898 - March 5 - 2:00 am

  This may be an all-new Buick, but its really just a rebaged GMC Envoy. The interior plastics are too low rent for this class, materials in the Lexus are much better. The car has been in the shop 3 times in two months, so much for reliability. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) SAFETY ratings are also VERY LOW, so much for the "solid as a rock" feeling that one reviewer described. Dont fall for the marketing hype, it may look pretty, but the quality, and more importantly the safety, is not up to par with the competition. Another thing to consider is the price, given the expected resale value of this SUV, it is overpriced.

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  Not your doctors Buick - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By RDJ - March 4 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is solid, and quiet. Not disconnected from the road, but pleasingly insulated from it! The engine is smooth and powerful. The seats are firm yet comfortable.