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2004 Buick Rainier Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2004 Buick Rainier Review:
2004 Buick Rainier Review
Buick adds a new model for 2004, a midsize SUV that shares its basic design with the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, Oldsmobile Bravada, and Isuzu Ascender. TrailBlazer, Envoy, and Ascender offer both a 5-passenger regular-length version and 7-seat extended-length model. Rainier comes only as a regular-length 5-seater. A 6-cyl engine is standard, a V8 optional, making Rainier GM's only midsize regular-length SUV to offer a V8. A 4-speed automatic is the sole transmission. Available is rear-wheel drive with traction control, or all-wheel drive that does not include low-range gearing. CXL and CXL Plus trim levels are offered. Both include ABS, load-leveling rear air suspension, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Also standard: leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and OnStar assistance. Front side airbags with head protection for the driver are optional. Curtain side airbags are not offered. Rainier is available with adjustable brake and gas pedals, heated front seats, satellite radio, a navigation system, and rear DVD entertainment.
News
Rainier basically channels the Olds Bravada in spirit if not name. It's therefore not a new vehicle, though it is new to Buick. Having just arrived, Rainier shouldn't see any drastic change for a few years, though it will likely get whatever features its corporate cousins do in the meantime. Among those is General Motors' Displacement on Demand, which is set to bow on 2005 TrailBlazer and Envoy/Envoy XUV V8s. DOD is designed to shut down four of the V8's cylinders under light throttle loads, such as highway cruising, to maximize fuel economy. GM projects an extra 1-2 mpg on average over a non-DOD V8. When Rainier goes DOD is still unknown, but it's probably not too far off.
2004 Buick Rainier Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration (V8) | Fuel economy |
| Passenger and cargo room | |
| Towing ability | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
With 6-cyl engine, Rainier and Bravada have good acceleration from a stop, adequate passing power. V8 Rainier feels measurably stronger on both counts.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 36 | |
| Average Score | 57 | |
| High Score | 70 |
2004 Buick Rainier Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/22/2004
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| CXL 4-door wagon, 2WD | $35,645 | $32,259 | $685 |
|
|
|||
| CXL 4-door wagon, AWD | $37,595 | $34,023 | $685 |
|
|
|||
| CXL Plus 4-door wagon, 2WD | $36,695 | $33,208 | $685 |
|
|
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| CXL Plus 4-door wagon, AWD | $38,645 | $34,974 | $685 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
CXL
Powertrain
4.2-liter dohc 6-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, traction control, limited-slip differential.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, OnStar telematics system w/one-year service, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio and climate controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, 8-way power front bucket seats w/driver-side lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors w/turn signals, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, rear radio controls, digital clock, trip computer, digital memo recorder, universal garage-door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, roof rails, fog lights, cornering lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Rear load-leveling air suspension, full-size spare tire, 245/65R17 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 255/60R17 tires.
CXL Plus adds to CXL Plus:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, satellite radio.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 255/60R17 tires Deletes: traction control.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Sun and Satellite Pkg.
|
||
|
CXL
|
$3,615
|
$3,109
|
|
CXL Plus
|
$2,550
|
$2,193
|
|
Power sunroof, navigation system, satellite radio (CXL). Satellite radio requires monthly fee.
|
||
|
V8 Power Play Pkg.
|
||
|
CXL, CXL Plus
|
$1,650
|
$1,419
|
|
5.3-liter V8 engine, power-adjustable pedals.
|
||
|
Cargo Convenience Pkg.
|
||
|
CXL, CXL Plus
|
$150
|
$129
|
|
Cargo cover, cargo mat and net.
|
||
|
|
||
Powertrain |
||
|
5.3-liter V8 engine
|
||
|
CXL, CXL Plus
|
$1,500
|
$1,290
|
|
Special axle ratio
|
||
|
CXL, CXL Plus
|
$50
|
$43
|
|
NA w/5.3-liter V8 engine.
|
||
|
|
||
Safety |
||
|
Front side airbags
|
||
|
CXL
|
$350
|
$301
|
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Rear entertainment system
|
||
|
CXL, CXL Plus
|
$1,435
|
$1,119
|
|
DVD player, headphones. NA w/power sunroof.
|
||
|
Navigation system
|
||
|
CXL
|
$1,995
|
$1,716
|
|
CXL Plus
|
$1,750
|
$1,505
|
|
CXL requires Bose sound system.
|
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
|
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CXL
|
$290
|
$250
|
|
Bose sound system
|
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|
CXL
|
$495
|
$426
|
|
Satellite radio
|
||
|
CXL
|
$325
|
$280
|
|
Requires monthly fee.
|
||
|
Power sunroof
|
||
|
CXL, CXL Plus
|
$885
|
$690
|
|
Heated front seats
|
||
|
CXL, CXL Plus
|
$275
|
$237
|
|
Power-adjustable pedals
|
||
|
CXL, CXL Plus
|
$150
|
$129
|
|
Cargo organizer
|
||
|
CXL, CXL Plus
|
$165
|
$142
|
|
Smoker's Pkg.
|
||
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CXL, CXL Plus
|
$30
|
$26
|
|
Ash tray, lighter.
|
||
|
|
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
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Engine-block heater
|
||
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CXL, CXL Plus
|
$35
|
$30
|
|
Special paint
|
||
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CXL, CXL Plus
|
$165
|
$142
|
|
Roof rack
|
||
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CXL, CXL Plus
|
$45
|
$39
|
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Chrome side steps
|
||
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CXL, CXL Plus
|
$450
|
$387
|
|
255/60R17 tires
|
||
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2WD
|
$95
|
$82
|
|
|
||
2004 Buick Rainier Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Buick Rainier 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 113.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 191.6 |
| Overall Width, in. | 74.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 71.9 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4628 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 80.1 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 22.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.2 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 44.6 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.6 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 37.1 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I6 | ohv V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 4.2 /256 | 5.3 /325 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 275 @ 6000 | 290 @ 5200 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 275 @ 3600 | 325 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard | Optional |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 4-speed automatic | 15/21 | 15/18 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Buick Rainier 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 3 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2004 Buick Rainier Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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