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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  sharp ride - 2006 Buick Rainier
  By keith - August 19 - 3:19 pm

  Bought suv to replace 2002 saturn. Drove the rainer beause it had options like the SL 300 saturn.The mileage at 41000 was 19.7 now meaning 10 months later mileage 16.7.All is far better in safety and road control with this vehicle.Sharp and great ride.

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  Okay for my first SUV. But I love Buick. - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Neeka - July 20 - 1:36 pm

  I brought my Buick Rainier last June. I needed to get an up to date buick I had a 93 lesabre, the air went last summer. Thats when I knew it was time to get a new car, or a new used one. Thats when I did my research, I wanted a car buick but when I seen the rainier I said thats what I want. Guess what I hav I got it too.The only problem I had was with the CD Player. I hav to get a new radio in there any way. My CDs got stuck in them. I am just going to get one put in there myself. Otherwise the vechicle is okay. I had a recnt problem with the AWD, but the dealership where I went to go buy it from fixed, it was still under warranty. That was a plus.

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  Impressive - 2006 Buick Rainier
  By Rainer - June 26 - 11:47 am

  Great driving, it does not feel like Im riding in a truck! - The look of the vehicle is what I love the most.

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  Rainier - Top Marks - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By ellenob - June 20 - 10:18 am

  This cars performance has been strong and repair history has been light, equal to my previous Hondas. Im very satisfied and will keep it.

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  LOVE MY BUICK - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By LOVE MY BUICK - May 16 - 1:05 pm

  Absolutely love my Rainier! I tow a 5,000 pound camper every summer with no effort and no problem. The only thing I dislike is the heat system. Cant figure it out! Love everything else about it. Will be disappointed when have to replace and cannot buy another. Mine is loaded with every imaginable extra. Have read the owners manual more than ever in any other vehicle! Would recommend this vehicle highly.

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  A Buick Truck..Amazing - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Buick Truck???? - March 11 - 2:41 pm

  The best truck noone ever heard of. Powerful V8, smooth ride, quiet and pure luxury. Everone that gets into this vehicle for the first time tells me what a nice truck this is and when I mention its a Buick they are astounded.

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  Yeah, I really would rather drive a Buick - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Eugene Evans - February 19 - 5:01 pm

  I bought my Buick because I use a wheelchair to get around, and the car I had was unable to hold the lift, and the wheelchair at the proper level.It bottomed out constantly. The Buick has all the room and comfort you expect from a Buick, and at 62", I have plenty of leg room. As far as some people complained about fuel mileage, I am getting 18mpg around town, and get 28mpg on the highway and I dont drive like the proverbial Little Old Lady just because Im handicaped.

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  Rainier - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By pooler - January 21 - 2:00 am

  First day I purchased major snow storm handeled fine awd system very quiet comfortable ride great sound system bose navigation system a plus gas milage not so great wish they could improve by 20%

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  Love my Rainier - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Dawana Faye Daniel - January 7 - 2:36 pm

  Before my Rainier I owned and was only driver of a 1995 extended top Chevy Conversion Van. I loved my Van. It was my Motor Home. When I moved I finally had a garage, was getting a little old to crawl up to scrap off the Snow and ice, it would not fit into the Garage and it was needing some work. I had to have one I could see out & above the instrument panel. As soon as I saw my University Of Ky Blue SUV I oh so wanted it to be the one. I was so tired of searching. I sat down in that drivers seat and was sold. The Carmax did not give it a good report on gas mileage. I was getting to the age that this was not a problem. For the amount I have paid for extra fuel compared for what some of my friends have in repair, I have the best deal. I travel some with 2 dogs and so cargo is plentiful. It rides like a car and is great in the snow if I have to drive. It may well be my last vehicle. Because they no longer make the Rainier. It gets the best care possible. My son, his wife and my daughter, her husband own Enclaves. Even the step down from Enclave does not fit this 410" 78 year old Great Grandmom.n

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  McDonalds Buick Rainier Review - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By J McDonald - January 2 - 11:55 am

  We have owned this car for 18 months and have really enjoyed the power of the 5.3 liter V8 and the interior comfort is excellent. Perfect for our family of four.