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2004 Buick Rainier Mid-Size Sport Utility Vehicle
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Buick makes new Rainier the midsize sport utility vehcle as quiet as a luxury car
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Headlamps protected behind clear lenses flank the oval grille and together form a bold horizontal band marking the face of the SUV, with a body-colored bumper running below and cradling round corner foglamps also in chrome.
Side panels flare in arched wheelwells between door panels and contain big 17-inch aluminum wheels, while at the rear there's a large liftgate hinged at the top.
Rainier's agile nature and smooth ride quality are the result of a rigid ladder-frame chassis with one-piece steel rails running the length of the wagon. The unusual rails -- each a single piece of seamless tubular steel -- produce a foundation that's strong and light in weight using fewer component pieces.
A welded steel superstructure rises from the rigid chassis bed with all body mounts tuned in all directions to enhance the frame's stiffness, absorb impacts from vertical movement and isolate noise.
Then the suspension, independent in front and with the air suspension in back, produces excellent handling control along with that smooth ride quality. An uncommon component for a truck-based wagon is the quick rack and pinion steering mechanism coupled to hydraulic power assistance. It brings a good on-center feel for steering with precise movements, but also sets up Rainier's tight turning circle of 36.4 feet.
For stopping, four disc brakes connect to an intelligent four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS), with electronic traction control (ETC) at the rear. Optional AWD utilizes a smart system to distribute engine torque between front and rear wheels. It operates automatically and requires no input from the driver.
For locomotion, Rainier presents more choices.
Standard engine is the in-line-six powerplant developed by General Motors to generate the high horsepower of a V8 engine but the fuel efficiency of a V6. The 4.2-liter six, with dual overhead cams and four valves for every cylinder, delivers 275 hp at 6000 rpm and a flat band of torque running to 275 lb-ft at 3600 rpm.
A heavy-duty GM Hydra-Matic 4L60-E HD four-speed automatic transmission mates with the Vortec 4200 straight-six to handle all of the torque.
Optional power comes from a 5.3-liter V8 with an all-aluminum block. It produces as much as 290 hp at 5200 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. Trailer towing capacity for a Rainier set with RWD traction mode climbs to 6300 pounds.
In the cabin, Rainier provides a luxurious environment in monochromatic hues with personal comfort as the theme.
A pair of form-fitting bucket seats in front stands beside a central console with multiple functions. It cradles the shift lever and a dash stack of gear for audio and climate systems, with twin air vents perched above.
Round analog gauges in the instruments cluster include a large tachometer to the left of the centered speedometer, with all dials displaying faces in white and needles prominent in a shade of aqua green.
Due to Rainier's long wheelbase, legroom for the rear three-person bench is ample. The seatback splits into sections and folds down to fashion a flat floor in the cargo bay with double the space at 85 cubic feet.
Rainier comes with a high content of standard equipment like power windows and locks and mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate system, OnStar telecommunications with a DVD-based navigation system, and the perforated leather upholstery with front seats adding armrests and power controls plus memory settings.
Options range from heated seats to adjustable floor pedals, a Bose audio system with CD changer and a DVD-based video entertainment system for backseat riders.
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