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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Buick Rainer - 2004 Buick Rainier
By Gene L. Garrett - March 3 - 2:00 amThis is a great vehicle. Very quite and fun to drive
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Love it! - 2004 Buick Rainier
By Tami17a - March 2 - 2:00 amMy first SUV. Love everything about it. I purchased the V8 model and am happy that I did. The engine is very smooth in transition.
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A great choice! - 2004 Buick Rainier
By dratnol - February 29 - 2:00 amHaving owned a Lexus with major reliability problems, I purchased this Buick last November. My job keeps me on the road a lot and this vechile has been great so far. It is very comfortable, handles very well, and is a high quality truck. The interior fit and finish is great and the exterior has uniform gaps amonst body panels. This vechile is extremely quiet and I have been very pleased with this choice.
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A Great Vehicle for Two-Driver Household - 2004 Buick Rainier
By Carroll - February 29 - 2:00 amHas a lot of performance and features for $31k. V-8 has tremendous mid-range torque and highway passing ability. Interior finish acceptable for American vehicle. Two person instant memory on seats, pedals, mirrors, etc., etc., allows you to get a good driving position without compromise. XM digital radio is even great around town (no interruptions). Bose works well for adult sounds (jazz, vocals, classical). Quiet and comfortable ride for 4-5 people. Handling is o.k. for full framed mid-sized SUV.
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Nothing beats a V8!! - 2004 Buick Rainier
By yukon - February 26 - 2:00 amI drove the 6 cyl and then the 8 cyl back to back on test drives. WOW! What a difference. The V8 only gives you 15 more HP and 50 lbs/ft torque but it drives like a whole different vehicle. I needed the V8 to tow our 5200 lb travel trailer and it does well towing it.(with Weight Dist. Hitch) The Rainer does it as well as the Silverado I traded in.
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Girly Chic! - 2004 Buick Rainier
By pirtfest - February 25 - 2:00 amAs a very feminine woman, it surprises me that I chose a Rainier. I had been looking at the Cadillac CTS and test drove the Rainier. I was hooked immediately. It rides like a sedan, its easy to get things in and out of the rear hatch, and folding down the seats is easy. Gary Bibb at Dutton Motor Company in Riverside, CA did me a real favor by showing me this vehicle.
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My Rainer - 2004 Buick Rainier
By Hopey - February 23 - 2:00 amThis vehicle is awesome. I could not be happier. Its fun to drive and comfortable on longer trips. I also have a 97 Lesabre that is still going strong. I got rid of an Expedition for this Buick Rainer and would do it again in a heartbeat.
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LeSabre was great. So is the Rainier - 2004 Buick Rainier
By GJH - February 17 - 2:00 amMy 1988 LeSabre T Type was a fabulous car, and I hated to trade it in. But, it was time. A lot has changed in 16 years, and the Rainier has more gadgets and toys than I really need but I like them. Engine and transmission are very powerful and smooth. Handling is extremely agile. Braking performance is top notch. I traded a great performing vehicle for a new great performing vehicle. The interior and exterior styling are easy on the eyes, and very functional.
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my rainer - 2004 Buick Rainier
By sxc - February 17 - 2:00 amrides and handles like a car rather than a truck. Nice pick up. Driver information center could use more data. It was an excellent choice at a good price.
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Larrys Review of Buick Rainier - 2004 Buick Rainier
By Larry Yoder - February 13 - 2:00 amPurchased my Rainier after close consideration of many other brands of SUVs. I felt the Rainier was far and away the best value for the price. After driving the Rainier to Florida from Ohio I was not disappointed with my choice. The car handled beautifully , there was virtually no road noise, the ride and comfort was excellent, the interior design and features are excellent, the car has an overall solid feel. I am a little disappointed in the fuel mileage. I figure it cost me an extra $20.00 for my trip to Fl. but, considering the comfort and features of the Rainier I can easily live with the mileage.
