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:
Showing 71 through 80 of 242.00-
Great Vehicle--No more van! - 2006 Buick Rainier
By BKnight - December 5 - 10:33 amI love my Rainier. I have the PGA Tour edition. The only drawback is the odd cup holder and storage situation, but otherwise I am very pleased. MPG average is 17-18 (I drive on country roads to work each day.) It gets 22- 24 on the highway. I had a loaded Honda Odyssey. Im so glad to be out of the van!
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Big surprise - 2006 Buick Rainier
By PeterJ - November 25 - 11:40 amNever thought Id buy a Buick, but after testing the Rainier vs. the Envoy, Pathfinder, 4Runner and looking at everything else it comes out on top. Smooth, quiet, excellent mix of features, and the V8 gets unexpectedly decent mileage (15.8 city, and 22 highway). It has been perfect, no issues since day one, hope it stays that way. On top of all the pluses, the GM rebates made a great deal, over $9000 off MSRP.
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Im buying another - 2005 Buick Rainier
By skeet - November 15 - 10:37 pmI have never owned a vehicle I have liked more. Traded a BMW and would never go back. Feel reviewers have given this vehicle a bad rap. I like everything about this vehicle and cant wait to get my new one. Also own a DTS Caddy and really would just as soon drive the Buick. Runs like a scalded dog. A/C is fantastic. Ride is wonderful. Edmunds say Toureg or 4Runner? I say pooey. 61 250 lbs this is one roomy vehicle. Wonderfully reliable. What more can I say? Have owned Suburban and like this much better. Turns on a dime. Easy to park.
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Wow - 2005 Buick Rainier
By Melody Myers - November 13 - 12:20 amI have enjoyed the ownership and smoothness of the ride, great amenities, and ease of handling.
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Buick Ranier - 2007 Buick Rainier
By Andy Anderson - November 12 - 7:26 pmA real truck with real towing capacity, yet as quiet and smooth as most luxury cars in town and on trips. Optional sound system is very good. The nav system in my 2004 was cumbersome, so we left it off the new 2007. Buick fixed the AWD system, and it engages smoothly in 2007. Competent handling for a luxury truck. Dont drive or evaluate it as a sports sedan. I used to make jokes about people who drive Buicks, but this vehicle grows on you.
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Excellent SUV - 2005 Buick Rainier
By Theo - November 8 - 9:38 pmDriving this SUV is fun. Handling is supurb. The quiet inside is next to none, that is outside noise is near "0" except for very loud noises. The layout inside makes everything easy to get to. Sight line to instruments is very good. Comfort in all seats is very good and there is enough leg room in the rear for a six foot plus person. Cargo space is good. The wheel well splash guards should be put on as a standard feature and not an option. This vehicle has been built with the persnickety driver in mind. Thanks for doing such a good job on this SUV. I often forget that I am driving an SUV because it feels so much like a car. Great job!
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Love this car! - 2004 Buick Rainier
By Teresa - October 26 - 8:24 pmI love this car. The engine is powerful and the Rainier has a very quiet ride. No one can believe Im driving my car and talking on my cell phone because no one hears anything but the conversation! I have the NAV system, XM radio and OnStar. Its great!
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Falls Short - 2006 Buick Rainier
By Barb - October 23 - 2:25 pmOur Buick Ranier has plenty of interior room, and has so far been very reliable. However, the interior build quality leaves alot to be desired! Everything from the door handles, and door power panel mouldings, to side door mouldings has fallen off and the seatbelts stick. The rear end makes an "undetermined" noise and it does not handle great if you have to do any sudden "avoidance manuevers" while driving. I drive mostly highway and have never seen anywhere near the supposed 21mpg mark. I average 17.2mpg in a 2WD. It should not be in the luxury class, as it is just another mediocre GM SUV. Admittedly disappointed. Cant wait til my lease is up! Terrible resale value. GM will never listen to what buyers really want...Thats why Toyota & Honda have really taken off. They listen to concerns and work with them to build vehicles people want.
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Rainier Our Monaco SUV - 2004 Buick Rainier
By Larry Myers - October 14 - 2:00 amThis is a very comfortable vehicle for the driver and front seat passanger. It has an amazing amount of standard featues and is a real pleasure to drive. It handles very well in snow and icy conditions. It moves with ease and feels very stable on the road, even in high wind conditions.
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Buick Ranier - 2004 Buick Rainier
By David Michaud - October 12 - 1:58 pmI currently have about 70,000 miles on the SUV. My major expense was for replacement of blower motor for the AC system at 65,000 miles. At about 55,000 miles it was discovered the dip stick for checking the transmission fluid was corroded and fell off in the reservoir. This should have been covered by a warranty regardless of the miles. The paint for various buttons on the radio started wearing off showing the white undercoating.
