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Buick Rainier
Buick Rainer was replaced by the Buick EnclaveBuick Rainer - enlargeComplete Buick Rainier New Car Reviews listed below
The Buick Rainier mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) was introduced in 2004 to replace the Oldsmobile Bravada. It was the first real truck to be included in the Buick model lineup. Buick Rainer ended its production run in 2007, when it was replaced by the Buick Enclave, which also replaced the short-lived Rendezvous. It was a poor seller and it is possible to find some new ones still on Buick dealers lots.
Buick Rainer was an example of badge engineering at its worst. Rainer was a built on the GMT 360 platform, the core of most General Motors Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV) including the Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Oldsmobile Bravada, Saab 9-7x and the now defunct Isuzu Ascender. GM had an obligation to provide full product lines to all of the different marques' dealers, which resulted in cloned cars and a dilution of each brands' market share.
This SUV also debuted Buick's QuietTuning sound insulation -- a design with sound-dampening features.
The 2007 Buick Rainier was offered in two trim levels. The Rainer CXL sport utility vehicle (SUV) was available in rear-wheel drive and had a manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) of $32,285 and an invoice price of $30,234. The Buick Rainer all-wheel drive model had a MSRP of $34,305.
Rainer competed with the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Mercury Mountaineer, Nissan Murano SE, and Toyota Highlander. Both versions were available with a 291-horsepower, 4.2-liter I6 engine (also available with a 5.3-liter V8 engine) and four-speed automatic transmission.
Basic features include five-seating capacity, auto-leveling suspension, front wheel independent suspension, front anti-roll bar, rear anti-roll bar, power-dependent steering, 17" alloy wheels, power and heated door mirrors, turn signal indicator mirrors, roof rack (rails only), front dual-zone air conditioning, rear air conditioning, roadside assistance (OnStar), driver vanity mirror, tilt steering wheel, remote keyless entry, speed control, HVAC memory, garage door transmitter, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, illuminated entry, power, bucket driver and passenger seat with two-way lumbar support, front center armrest, split-bench rear seats, split folding rear seat, leather upholstery, and leather shift knob and steering wheel.
Optional features include power moonroof, pedal memory, adjustable pedals, GPS, and heated front seats.
Entertainment features include entertainment system with DVD, cassette player, AM/FM/Satellite-capable radio, single CD player, radio data system, rear audio controls, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, six performance speakers, and Internet access capable. Optional entertainment features include MP3 capability, headphones, and audio/video remote control.
Lighting and safety features include delay-off headlights, trip computer, variably intermittent wipers, low tire pressure warning, rain-sensing wipers, outside temperature display, rear window wiper, compass, rear window defroster, tachometer, four-wheel disc brakes, Anti-Lock Braking System and driveline traction control, front and rear vented disc brakes, electronic stability, security system, driver front impact airbag, passenger front impact airbag, ignition disable, perimeter/approach lights, occupant-sensing airbags, and a panic alarm.
A safety report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) showed that the 2008 Buick Rainier received three stars out of five (driver) and four stars out of five (passenger) in frontal crash tests, five stars out of five in side crash tests, and three stars out of five (2-wheel drive) and four stars out of five (four-wheel drive) in rollover tests.
A reliability history report from ConsumerReports.org showed how the Buick Rainier SUV held up mechanically. The Buick Rainier SUV received the following ratings for the year 2007 (major design year was 2004): Excellent ratings for its minor engine, transmission, brakes, exhaust, and audio system trouble spots, Very Good ratings for its major engine, engine cooling, drive and climate system, suspension, and paint and trim trouble spots, Good ratings for its power equipment and fuel and electrical system, and Poor ratings for its body hardware and squeaks/rattles trouble spots.
Click here for more information on 2005, 2006, and 2007 Buick Rainier car prices, auto insurance, auto loans, car dealers, and car leases.
Buick's five-door SUV tips toward luxury with deluxe appointments like leather upholstery.
•2004 Buick Rainer Mid-Size Sport Utility Vehicle
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.
•2004 Buick Rainier Mid-Size Sport Utility Vehicle
Ride with us as we steer a Rainier, the new sport-utility vehicle from Buick, up a winding mountain road to Rainier, the ice-capped cone in the state of Washington.
•2005 Buick Rainier Mid-Size Sport Utility Vehicle
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•2004 Buick Rainier Mid-Size Sport-Utility Wagon
Ride with us as we steer a Rainier, the new sport-utility wagon from Buick, up a winding mountain road to Rainier, the ice-capped cone in the state of Washington.
