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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  AWD Issues - 2006 Buick Rainier
  By Michelle - December 26 - 11:05 am

  From week one, the Rainier has attempted to shift into AWD when in reverse. The shuddering that results makes it very difficult to back out of a parking space. Changing the rear differential fluid ($125) didnt help. Now the bearings in the front differential just burned up. Thankfully, the Buick dealer covered it even though I am 4,000 miles out of warranty. I am considering dumping this vehicle as I drive 30,000 miles per year and cant afford to be towed to the dealer on a regular basis.

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  Awesome Ride - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Dustin - December 7 - 11:44 am

  This car is really amazing. You cant expect more for your dollar from an American made SUV. From the powerful responsive engine, to the smooth, silent ride, to the Bose speaker system, I absolutely love this car. I have always loved the ride quality of Buicks, but the Rainier is by far the best it gets (except for the new Enclave which has replaced the Rainier).

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  Best Car I ever drove - 2006 Buick Rainier
  By Frank - November 15 - 2:01 pm

  After driving a Ford Explorer for almost 200,000 miles, my Buick Rainer has been a pleasure to drive. The ride and features are great--especially air adjustable load levelers. Great car.

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  Great mid-sized SUV - 2006 Buick Rainier
  By Richard - October 1 - 11:02 am

  Really like this vehicle. Its super quiet and smooth riding. Has a classy look to the exterior and the interior is quite comfortable. Absolutely no problems in a little over 33,000 miles. Gas mileage over the long run is 18.2 mpg in 95% city driving - very few freeway miles. Not bad for the size and comfort of this vehicle. Back seat passengers dont have much legroom, but its not designed to be a full-size SUV. Cupholders are a little quirky, but only a minor concern.

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  Rainier for Seniors - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Joe Kurzweil - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Mid size suv is ideal for comfort and performance. Very nice to drive. I weigh 235 and am very comftorable in this suv. My wife is 100 lbs less and is very comftorable as well. X band Bose sound is awesome. Would like to have seen a bit more contemporary design inside but it is nice as is. Side air bags are not standard and should be along with curtain air bags. However we feel very safe in this vehicle. Six cyliner has plenty of get up and mileage on the road is between 21.5 and 22.5 mpg at 65 mph.

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  Few Suspension and Transmission Concerns - 2006 Buick Rainier
  By Cindy - July 22 - 5:05 pm

  I purchase my used Rainier in December of 2007. For the most part I am very satisfied. I have had ongoing stabiltrack issues, and the drivers window keeps coming out of the track. My most recent problem was that the shift sensor, wiring harness and valve body went out at 40,600 miles. I am thankful for the 50,000 mile warranty. I was told that there is nothing that can be done about the window. "Dont roll it down while going down the road". GM and the dealership refused to do a transmission service after my transmission got hot. They had it pulled apart and had the filter in their hand. I love the vehicle, but cant say that I will buy GM because of the service.

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  Great! - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By candygurl - June 8 - 1:54 pm

  I really like this SUV. I have been in many SUVs and own a Suburban. I really like the room for me and my 4 kids and the drive is nice and safe. Safety is a big plus. The kids really enjoy the fact that they can control their a/c temp. Even though the gas is not much different than the Suburban I really am enjoying my new toy.

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  Buick Enthusiast - 2007 Buick Rainier
  By Buick Enthusiast - May 27 - 12:12 pm

  Smooth and quiet ride, just what you would expect from Buick. The features of am import luxury car in an SUV.

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  Buick Rainier - a pleasant surprise - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Mahleen - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I researched all the luxury midsize SUVs I narrowed my list to RX330, Highlander and 4Runner Limited, FX35 and the Buick Rainier. The FX35 felt like a station wagon, the interior is cramped. The 4Runner rattled and lacked the quality Toyotas are known for. The Highlander exterior design is dull and price is high. Down to two; the RX330 is comfortable, luxuriously appointed and well constructed. To my surprise, the Rainer matched the RX330 in each category except the interior is not as luxurious BUT the Rainier outclassed the RX330 with its rock solid feel. Rainer’s solid construction, amenities and GM’s financing make it a true value.

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  Lemon - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By BNA1JJS - April 19 - 9:02 pm

  I am very concerned with this vehicle. Decided to take a leap into a GMC product in 2005 and made a very costly mistake. Here is a list of the problems I have had with my Buick: Heat shield on manifold loose, fuel sensor bad replaced, steering rack asembly bad replaced, reset toe, misc squeeking front still cant find, wornout idler pully replaced, water pump replaced, rear window fluid sprayer still leaking, rear hatch shocks to weak to hold hatch up still.