2004-2007 Buick Rainier: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Pros
- Cargo room
- Trailer-towing capability
- Acceleration
- Passenger room
Cons
- Fuel economy
Vehicle Highlights
Buick added a new model for 2004: a midsize sport-utility vehicle that shared its basic design with the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, Oldsmobile Bravada, and Isuzu Ascender. TrailBlazer and Envoy offered both a 5-passenger regular-length version and 7-seat extended-length model. Rainier came only as a regular-length 5-seater. A six-cylinder engine was standard, with V8 power optional, making Rainier GM's only midsize regular-length SUV to offer a V8. A four-speed automatic was the sole transmission. Rainiers could have rear-wheel drive with traction control, or all-wheel drive that did not include low-range gearing. CXL and CXL Plus trim levels were offered. Both included antilock braking, a load-leveling rear air suspension, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Also standard were leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and OnStar assistance. Front side airbags were optional. Curtain side airbags were not offered. Rainier was available with adjustable brake and gas pedals, heated front seats, satellite radio, a navigation system, and DVD entertainment. Competitors included the Acura MDX, Lexus RX, Lincoln Aviator, Volvo XC90, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Buick Rainier CXL w/6-cyl., AWD Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 58 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 2004-2007 Buick Rainier includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2004-2007 Buick Rainier and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2004-2007 Buick Rainier is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
As the Bravada retired at the end of the 2004 model year, Buick adopted its position as GM's upscale midsize SUV. Rainier remained alone among SUVs in offering V8 power in the regular-length body, an advantage that helped it compete against luxury-oriented midsize SUVs. Still, it cannot match the best import competitors for overall refinement, materials quality, or prestige. Rainiers cost more than their GM siblings when new, and cannot escape the fault common to their noncar-based design: indifferent handling and mediocre fuel economy. On the other hand, Rainier is the quietest and best-riding of the GM bunch.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Buick Rainier CXL w/6-cyl., AWD Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 58 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $670 |
| Alternator | $460 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $2,700 |
| Brakes | $580 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $2,130 |
| Exhaust System | $810 |
| Radiator | $670 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,110 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $560 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 2007 | |||
| Rainier | $16,500-19,500 | $15,000-17,700 | $10,600-12,500 |
| 2006 | |||
| Rainier | $13,700-16,500 | $12,500-15,000 | $8,200-9,900 |
| 2005 | |||
| Rainier | $11,200-13,500 | $10,100-12,200 | $6,000-7,300 |
| 2004 | |||
| Rainier | $9,500-11,500 | $8,600-10,400 | $4,900-6,000 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door wagon | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 113.0 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 193.4 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 75.4 | |
| 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 | |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I6 | 4.2 / 256 | 275 | 275 | 4-speed automatic: 15/21 | 4-speed automatic: 19.3 |
| ohv V8 | 5.3 / 325 | 300 | 330 | 4-speed automatic: 15/21 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc I6 | 4.2 / 256 | 291 | 277 | 4-speed automatic: 15/21 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V8 | 5.3 / 325 | 290 | 235 | 4-speed automatic: 14/18 | 4-speed automatic: 14.8 |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2006 Rainier |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
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%. Sideimpact 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%.








