2004 Buick Rainier: Road Test
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2004 Buick Rainier ▼
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- MSRP: $35,645 -$38,645
- Invoice: $32,259 -$34,974
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Our road test for the 2004 Buick Rainier includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Buick Rainier from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Buick Rainier, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Buick Rainier help you decide if a 2004 Buick Rainier is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| CXL AWD, 6 cyl | CXL AWD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 5.8 |
With 6-cyl engine, Rainier and Bravada have good acceleration from a stop, adequate passing power. V8 Rainier feels measurably stronger on both counts.
FUEL ECONOMY
| CXL AWD, 6 cyl | CXL AWD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3.3 |
Test 6-cyl versions of GM siblings averaged 12.1-17.4 mpg. Test V8 Rainier averaged 14.8 in a mix of city/highway driving. Both engines use regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| CXL AWD, 6 cyl | CXL AWD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4.9 |
Air-spring rear suspension standard on Rainier and 2WD Bravada, optional on AWD Bravada. It provides firm control without the rebounding that makes Bravada with standard coil-spring suspension feel sloppy. Rainier's tail sometimes jolted when traversing pronounced bumps and sharp ridges.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| CXL AWD, 6 cyl | CXL AWD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5.2 |
Rainier and Bravada both offer the rear air suspension that provides better road manners than the base coil-spring setup. But they still exhibit typical truck-based-SUV behavior: slightly wobbly feel in quick changes of direction, mediocre lateral grip compared to a car. Steering feel too light for stress-free control, though response is slightly sharper than on other GM SUVs. Note that Rainier and Bravada are the only versions of these GM vehicles to offer all-wheel drive, so all-wheel traction always available, but there's no low-range gearing.
QUIETNESS
| CXL AWD, 6 cyl | CXL AWD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 6 |
Rainier has laminated glass for windshield and front doors, plus other sound insulation denied its GM cousins. It has noticeably less wind and road noise than most SUVs, including Bravada. Unlike the V8, the 6-cyl engine sounds gruff at full throttle.
CONTROLS
| CXL AWD, 6 cyl | CXL AWD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 |
Rainier, Bravada share dashboard design, though Rainier gets monotone color scheme, plus instruments backed in silver vs. black. Interior materials and assembly on both fall short of similarly priced SUVs from Acura, Lexus, Infiniti, and Volkswagen. Most controls clear and handy, though adjusting low-mounted climate system demands long look away from road. Rainier available with GM's new combination navigation/audio system, a relatively easy-to-use mating of map screen, navigation functions, and radio controls.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| CXL AWD, 6 cyl | CXL AWD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7.4 |
Fine head and leg room. Seat comfort OK, but firmer cushions would give better support. Headrests, thick roof pillars interfere with some over-the-shoulder and aft sightlines. Modest step-in height. Available power-adjustable pedals may be helpful, especially to shorter drivers.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| CXL AWD, 6 cyl | CXL AWD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
Good head and knee room, plus adequate under-seat foot space despite uneven floorboard. Split bench seat comfortable, fairly supportive, wide enough for three friendly adults.
CARGO ROOM
| CXL AWD, 6 cyl | CXL AWD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 7.4 |
OK with rear seatback in place, generous with it folded. Seatback split 60/40, folds easily with help from automatic-folding headrests. High opening to liftgate glass hampers loading or unloading without using full liftgate. Nice array of small-item storage space in cabin.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| CXL AWD, 6 cyl | CXL AWD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5.6 |
Set to retire along with the Olds brand at the end of the 2004 model year, Bravada is relinquishing its position as GM's upscale midsize SUV to Rainier. Rainier is alone among GM SUVs in offering V8 power in the regular-length body, an advantage that helps it match up against the Lincoln Aviator as a luxury-oriented midsize SUV. Still, it lacks the important curtain side airbags offered by many rivals, and can't match the best import competitors for overall refinement, materials quality, or prestige.
Total Score
| CXL AWD, 6 cyl | CXL AWD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 58 | 59 | 57.8 |
Total Score: 59
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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