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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  Pleasant Surprise - 2007 Buick Rainier
  By Keith - July 30 - 12:20 pm

  We were looking at the Acacia when the dealer showed us the Rainier. The value for the Rainier was exceptional. We towed our boat on a 2,000 mile excursion through the Sierras and it pulled with very little problem. Comfortable seats, quiet and smooth ride. The fold back rear seat headrests help with vision when no one is riding in the back. The built in air compressor is a plus. urning radius is very tight.

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  2007 Buick Saved its best for Last - 2007 Buick Rainier
  By Jon M - July 21 - 10:05 am

  I got My Rainier by way of a factory order, and toured the factory where it was made in Moraine Ohio. This vehicle is flat out awesome. It has a smooth ride and does not have a flat out truck feel at all. Its the quietest I have ever owned. I have no regrets getting this one. Just too bad Buick is dropping this model after the 2007 year ends. Things that need more publicity are DVD Navigation and Onstar Turn by Turn Navigation standard on the 2007 Buick line. Having both on the same vehicle makes long trips a breeze. The Voice control of the navigation system is a really great feature. The factory DVD Navigation can be added later with the “Delphi TNR800” Unit from Crutchfield.

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  Cadillac to Ranier - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Betty W - June 26 - 1:04 pm

  Wed been driving Cadillac sedans for years and switched to the Ranier SUV. It is very comfortable and pulls a trailer very well even in the mountains. We love the Ranier.

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  Overall very happy - 2007 Buick Rainier
  By Mike Gurnee, Il - May 16 - 11:40 am

  When it was time to replace my DeVille, we decided to purchase another Ranier. Now my wife and I both drive Raniers and are extremely satisfied with them. We have had no problems with the 2004, only going back to the dealer for oil changes. Hopefully we will get that same level of satisfaction from the new one. Gas mileage is not great but as advertised. We get 21 to 23 on the highway which is not bad for a heavy vehicle. Buick did cheapen the interior since 2004 with different sun visor brackets and mirrors and no overhead assist handle over the driver. They did however, add the wood trimmed steering wheel and gear shifter.

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  Glad I Found This One - 2006 Buick Rainier
  By JB - May 6 - 12:10 am

  I love this vehicle. Ive owned several autos in the past, including two Toyotas and a Chevy Trailblazer (04). I usually go pretty basic on them, then look at the owners manual later and realize all the goodies I didnt have on mine. All that has changed with buying the Rainier. If this truck were a movie, it would truly be a "sleeper." I dont know why more people havent discovered all the virtues of this vehicle.

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  Rainier Awesome - 2007 Buick Rainier
  By Donna - May 2 - 10:43 am

  The last 3 SUVs weve owened were all Oldsmobile Bravadas which was a step above the Envoy and step below a Cadillac. When Oldsmobile closed, the Buick division cloned the Bravada with the Rainier. After recently buying the Rainier, we were pleasantly surprised at how beautiful this truck truly is. The ride is great, performance great and totally compares to the Bravada. Buick came a long way when they created this truck. Not an old mans vehicle anymore!

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  Buick...I thought they had better quality - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By ???? - April 27 - 5:52 pm

  My Buick Rainer has 57,000 miles. Every three or four months since I purchased the SUV I have had major problems. The drive train, the driver side seat, and major problems with the four wheel drive mechanism. I am very luckly that I purchased the extended warranty. I would not recommend purchasing this SUV. Just recently one dealship that I brought it to because it was making a very loud banging noise said, "You must have purchased a Friday afternoon car," after they saw the long list of things that I have already had to fix. Basically agreeing that there are and has been some major problems with my SUV. Buyer beware. I would not recommend this SUV

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  Most Underated SUV - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Randy Bloem - April 21 - 12:06 pm

  I test drove many of the SUVs including the new Ford Edge. The Buick Rainier beats them all in ride, comfort, and style. This has to be the most under-rated vehicle in its class. A tremendous used car value.

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  A Buick, what? - 2007 Buick Rainier
  By Dave Busch - March 29 - 3:28 am

  OK, like most of us in my age group (40- 50) the name Buick is not a vehicle we are familiar with unless it’s a Buick Grand National, an 80’s muscle car! At least that’s the case for me. OK, my parents have owned them but I thought it was an old persons car…lol but I guess all things change and after having a family myself I have become less about speed and performance and more at what’s practical and comfortable. Don’t get me wrong for a V-6 putting out an impressive 291 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque its no slouch. after looking at the Envoys I was sold on the Rainier. The Buick Rainier out classes the Envoy and rides like an upper class town car. Its the best bang for your buck!

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  Most Comfortable Car for the Price - 2007 Buick Rainier
  By KN - March 19 - 1:29 pm

  My husband and I love this car. The ride is incredibly smooth and the comfort is beyond those in the same price range. There is plenty of room for a family.