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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  What an amazing vehicle!! - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By LAUGH1969 - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I narrowed my search down to the GMC Envoy SLT, and the Rainier. I decided to go with the Rainier, and I am so glad I did. It is so much more luxurious, comfortable, classier, and sooooo much quieter then the Envoy. Buick did an outstanding job, I would recommend anybody that is in the market for a "Refined Utility Vehicle", as Buick calls it, to defiently look at the Rainier. My wife owns a Buick Rendezvous, both of Buicks trucks are so much nicer then the competition. To me, and to others who drive it, will see how it is a smaller, five passenger version of a Cadillac Escalade.

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  excellent vehicle - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By john murdock - March 26 - 2:00 am

  this suv has plenty of power but is still easy on the gas. it is an awd vehicle but drives and has the comfort of a luxury car. it has just enough of a rugged look to it that it fits in well on the construction site but also cleans up for an evening out on the town.

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  Buick 4X4 - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Marzetta Thompson - February 5 - 2:00 am

  I looked for months before buying. I tried (road tested) every luxury SUV on the market. Some were to big, some were to small, some had to hard of a ride and I really stumbled across the new Buick Rainer. It has a wonderful ride, lots of creature comforts like heated seats. I like the pep, the smooth ride. Best vehicle I have ever had.

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  2004 Buick Rainier CXL Plus AWD - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Claude Sparks - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Great smaller SUV. Easy to handle, fits nicely in garage, very comfortable, and the new insulated glass is a big plus in reducing outside noise. We also own a Denali and its comparable just on a smaller scale.

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  Buick Rainier - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By bioedwards - February 5 - 2:00 am

  I am very pleased with the overall quality of this vehicle. It is the best mid-sized suv I looked at and it has not disappointed me

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  great buick - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By hayes - September 30 - 2:00 am

  had a gmc envoy, doors rattled. no rattles in the buick very quiet.very nice ride

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  Great SUV - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By WEE3 - August 18 - 2:00 am

  We have taken the Rainier on two long trips and are impressed by Buicks version of the Trailblazer/Envoy/Bravada. It is a worthy addition to the GM line that provides a great balance between pampering and practicality. This is the third vehicle Ive owned with an in- line six. Why arent they available in more models? GM needs to put this engine in a Buick sedan with a Continuously Variable transmission (CVT) for the ultimate in smoothness and power combination before the internal combustion engines are phased out completely.

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  nice SUV - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By vic22 - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car almost a month ago. Rides great - exceptionally smooth but not too soft - still has good cornering ability for an SUV. Without the rebates the car cannot compete well against imports mainly because of the interior design. Otherwise performance is at a par if not better. It has been a surprise to get only 15-16mpg in mixed suburb/hwy driving. Maybe during the summer it will get better.

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  Awsome - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By tdex10 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  If you have tried the rest now try the best! Total suv refinement.

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  Why Dont I See More of Them? - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By mapwsenn - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I have the 8 cylinder. My previous car was a luxury European model, and I dont miss it all. Great pickup when I need it on the turnpike. Quiet with very little outside noise. It is hard for me to understand why I am not seeing them on the highways.