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 81 through 90 of 242.00-
Mostly satisfied - 2006 Buick Rainier
By Chelle - October 4 - 10:51 amI just purchased this vehicle, but was not looking for it. Wanted an Envoy, and could not get one, so this was suggested. Overall, I am happy with the vehicle. I have always owned a minivan, so this is different. However, the sad part about this vehicle is the gas mileage, it stinks! I was not prepared for the little gas mileage that it gets, but I am keeping it and just have to get used to it. Hopefully it will not let me down.
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2005 Rainier - 2005 Buick Rainier
By Pat - September 7 - 10:18 amI have had no problems with the car so far. Its very reliable. The ride is very comfortable. It feels like you are driving a car, but youre just sitting higher up.
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Junk - 2006 Buick Rainier
By w gotwals - August 22 - 8:03 am1197 total miles and the car would not start. Complete electrical shut down. It"s been out of service for 3 days now attempting to be fixed. Cant GM do a little better job
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Sporty Meets Luxury - 2004 Buick Rainier
By Latana - August 21 - 4:37 pmI have owned my Rainier since 12/31/2003. I have loved it from day one. I bought it sight unseen from a recommendation and have never regretted it. Mine is loaded. DVD system, Bose sound system with 6 cd changer, XM radio, OnStar, every option they had was on this SUV. It was my first SUV after always owning big luxury cars. I have never had to have any service but oil changes.
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My car - 2006 Buick Rainier
By mcquiston - August 21 - 9:05 amVery limtied cup holders. Front seats need to go back another couple of inches for taller people. The settings should be key linked and not linked via remote
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2007 RANIER - 2007 Buick Rainier
By BILL GILL - August 19 - 7:13 pmI think this is a very under-rated SUV. It is so much nicer than the Envoy which is more popular. Very quiet and the fuel economy is about like everything else.
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Really disappointed - 2006 Buick Rainier
By Norman - August 18 - 11:16 amWe should have taken a longer test drive and done more homework. The seats are extremely uncomfortable. Tried to trade it in after a month, but already no trade-in value. The dealer obviously didnt want it back!
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Horrible Gas Mileage - 2006 Buick Rainier
By shrimp525 - August 8 - 10:02 amI really love the way my new car drives, but the gas mileage is horrible. I have been averaging 10.1 miles per gallon. I have tried driving with the windows open but nothing helps. I do love the car but I would like to get more mileage from a tank of gas. I drove almost all highway and got 239 miles on a full tank.
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Love My Ranier - 2006 Buick Rainier
By LENA BELSHER - August 4 - 5:18 pmI have owned many SUVs over the past 15 years, and the Ranier beats them all, in comfort,features,and quality. There are so many standard features, which will be extras in any other SUV. It is fun to drive, and gas mileage is decent for a mid size SUV. My sister, brother, and cousin all bought TrailBlazers, and now wish they would of checked out the Ranier. They love it. You will get your moneys worth! I highly suggest that if you are in the market for an SUV, you have to check out the Buick Ranier!
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Class & Performance - 2004 Buick Rainier
By Al Pal - July 21 - 2:00 amWhen we saw the Ranier in the dealer showroom we both were immediately impressed with the classy look, both inside and out. This is a rugged SUV that will look exceptionally good heading for a formal event. It rides like a dream. Quiet, comfortable and full of exhileration - even with the 275 HP 6 cylinder engine. This engine stands right up there with the V8s. The Buick name tag is a plus (at least to us). We had a 1985 Riviera (One of my favorite cars) and a 1988 Skyhawk (which we had bought for our daughter). Both were great cars and we expect the Ranier to be even better.
