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2006 Buick Rainier Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2006 Buick Rainier Review:
2006 Buick Rainier Review
An antiskid system is added to Buick's upscale SUV for 2006. Rainier shares its basic truck-type design with the five-passenger Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7X, but doesn't offer a stretched seven-seat model. It comes only in CXL trim with a standard 6-cyl engine or optional V8. For '06, the V8 gets GM's Active Fuel Management feature, which automatically deactivates four cylinders under cruise conditions to save fuel. A 4-speed automatic is the sole transmission. Rainier offers rear-wheel drive with traction control or all-wheel drive that lacks low-range gearing. An antiskid system joins ABS as standard equipment. Also included are load-leveling suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and OnStar assistance. Curtain side airbags are optional, and for '06 gain rollover deployment. Other options include adjustable pedals, heated front seats, navigation system, and DVD entertainment.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize SUVs are similar in size and construction to Midsize SUVs. Most, in fact, are gilded versions of Midsize SUVs; though a few are exclusive upscale designs.
Our Best Buys include Acura MDX, Cadillac SRX, and Lexus RX. Our Recommended picks are Mercedes-Benz R-Class and Volvo XC90.
New or significantly redesigned models include Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, and Saab 9-7X.
Our Best Buys include Acura MDX, Cadillac SRX, and Lexus RX. Our Recommended picks are Mercedes-Benz R-Class and Volvo XC90.
New or significantly redesigned models include Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, and Saab 9-7X.
News
Sources say Rainier will depart after the '07 model year. Slow sales are a factor, but Buick is also shifting to car-like crossover SUVs as more suitable to its image and customer base. The upcoming 2008 Enclave crossover, built on GM's new Lambda platform, will be at least a partial replacement for Rainier.
2006 Buick Rainier Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration (V8) | Fuel economy |
| Passenger and cargo room | |
| Towing ability | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
The 6-cyl provides brisk takeoffs, adequate passing power. The V8 feels measurably stronger on both counts.
| AWD CXL, 6-cyl | AWD CXL, V8 | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 6.2 |
The 6-cyl provides brisk takeoffs, adequate passing power. The V8 feels measurably stronger on both counts.
Fuel Economy
Depending on driving conditions, we've averaged 12.1-17.4 mpg in tests of 6-cyl versions of these GM models. We have not yet tested a V8 Rainier with Active Fuel Management, but note that EPA estimates match those of the 6-cyl. Both engines use regular-grade fuel.
| AWD CXL, 6-cyl | AWD CXL, V8 | Class Average |
| 4 | 3 | 3.4 |
Depending on driving conditions, we've averaged 12.1-17.4 mpg in tests of 6-cyl versions of these GM models. We have not yet tested a V8 Rainier with Active Fuel Management, but note that EPA estimates match those of the 6-cyl. Both engines use regular-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
Standard air-spring rear suspension provides firm control without the unwanted bounce of the rear coil springs in related GM SUVs. Still, sharp bumps can cause Rainier's tail to jolt or hop.
| AWD CXL, 6-cyl | AWD CXL, V8 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Standard air-spring rear suspension provides firm control without the unwanted bounce of the rear coil springs in related GM SUVs. Still, sharp bumps can cause Rainier's tail to jolt or hop.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Rainier is generally more poised than its 5-seat relatives with rear coil springs. But it's still typical truck-type SUV, with a slight wobbly feel in quick direction changes and mediocre cornering grip compared to a car. Steering too light for stress-free control, though response is slightly sharper than its GM siblings. Rainier and Saab's 9-7X are the only members of this family offering all-wheel drive without low-range gearing.
| AWD CXL, 6-cyl | AWD CXL, V8 | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 5.7 |
Rainier is generally more poised than its 5-seat relatives with rear coil springs. But it's still typical truck-type SUV, with a slight wobbly feel in quick direction changes and mediocre cornering grip compared to a car. Steering too light for stress-free control, though response is slightly sharper than its GM siblings. Rainier and Saab's 9-7X are the only members of this family offering all-wheel drive without low-range gearing.
Quietness
Buick's SUV has more sound insulation than its Chevy/GMC/Isuzu cousins. Rainier has noticeably less wind and road noise than most truck-type SUVs. Unlike the V8, the 6-cyl engine sounds gruff at full throttle.
| AWD CXL, 6-cyl | AWD CXL, V8 | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 6.6 |
Buick's SUV has more sound insulation than its Chevy/GMC/Isuzu cousins. Rainier has noticeably less wind and road noise than most truck-type SUVs. Unlike the V8, the 6-cyl engine sounds gruff at full throttle.
Controls
Most controls are clear and handy, though adjusting low-mounted climate system demands a long look from road. Available navigation system controls audio functions, but is fairly easy to use overall. Interior materials and assembly fall short of mark set by similarly priced SUVs from Acura, Lexus, and Volkswagen.
| AWD CXL, 6-cyl | AWD CXL, V8 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.6 |
Most controls are clear and handy, though adjusting low-mounted climate system demands a long look from road. Available navigation system controls audio functions, but is fairly easy to use overall. Interior materials and assembly fall short of mark set by similarly priced SUVs from Acura, Lexus, and Volkswagen.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Fine head, 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 to shorter drivers.
| AWD CXL, 6-cyl | AWD CXL, V8 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7.5 |
Fine head, 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 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.
| AWD CXL, 6-cyl | AWD CXL, V8 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
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.
| AWD CXL, 6-cyl | AWD CXL, V8 | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 7.9 |
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
Buick positions Rainier as more luxurious than the Chevrolet, GMC, and Isuzu SUVs that share its basic design. It is the quietest and best riding of the bunch. Still, Rainier costs more than the others and can't escape the faults common to their truck-type design: indifferent handling and mediocre fuel economy.
| AWD CXL, 6-cyl | AWD CXL, V8 | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 5.8 |
Buick positions Rainier as more luxurious than the Chevrolet, GMC, and Isuzu SUVs that share its basic design. It is the quietest and best riding of the bunch. Still, Rainier costs more than the others and can't escape the faults common to their truck-type design: indifferent handling and mediocre fuel economy.
Total Score
| AWD CXL, 6-cyl | AWD CXL, V8 | Class Average |
| 59 | 60 | 61.5 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 52 | |
| Average Score | 61 | |
| High Score | 73 |
2006 Buick Rainier Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/26/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| 2WD CXL 4-door wagon | $30,580 | $28,592 | $710 |
|
|
|||
| AWD CXL 4-door wagon | $32,580 | $30,462 | $710 |
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 6-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system w/rollover sensors, roll stability control, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, OnStar assistance w/one year service, power steering, tilt wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio and climate controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, 8-way power front bucket seats w/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/cassette/CD player, rear radio controls, digital clock, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, 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
Trailer-hitch platform, wiring harness, load-leveling suspension, air-inflator kit, full-size spare tire, 245/65R17 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Sun, Sound, and Entertainment Pkg.
|
||
|
CXL
|
$1,865
|
$1,547
|
|
Power sunroof, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
|
||
|
Sun, Sound, and Entertainment Pkg. w/satellite radio
|
||
|
CXL
|
$1,865
|
$1,548
|
|
Satellite radio requires monthly fee after 3rd month.
|
||
|
Luxury Pkg.
|
||
|
CXL
|
$225
|
$187
|
|
Heated front seats, chrome side steps.
|
||
|
Cargo Convenience Pkg.
|
||
|
CXL
|
$150
|
$125
|
|
Cargo cover, cargo mat and net.
|
||
|
|
||
Powertrain |
||
|
5.3-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation
|
||
|
CXL
|
$1,000
|
$830
|
|
Limited-slip differential
|
||
|
CXL
|
$270
|
$224
|
|
Special axle ratio
|
||
|
CXL
|
$50
|
$42
|
|
|
||
Safety |
||
|
Curtain side airbags
|
||
|
CXL
|
$495
|
$411
|
|
Includes rollover deployment.
|
||
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Rear-seat DVD entertainment system
|
||
|
CXL
|
$1,295
|
$1,075
|
|
w/Sun, Sound Pkg.
|
$495
|
$411
|
|
NA w/power sunroof. Deletes Sun, Sound, and Entertainment Pkg., power sunroof.
|
||
|
Navigation system
|
||
|
CXL
|
$1,995
|
$1,656
|
|
w/Sun, Sound Pkg.
|
$1,600
|
$1,328
|
|
Requires Bose sound system or Sun, Sound, and Entertainment Pkg. Replaces Sun, Sound, and Entertainment Pkg.'s 6-disc CD changer w/single-disc CD player.
|
||
|
AM/FM/CD/MP3 player
|
||
|
CXL
|
$135
|
$112
|
|
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
|
||
|
CXL
|
$245
|
$203
|
|
Bose sound system
|
||
|
CXL
|
$495
|
$411
|
|
Satellite radio
|
||
|
CXL
|
$325
|
$270
|
|
Requires monthly fee after 3rd month.
|
||
|
Power sunroof
|
||
|
CXL
|
$800
|
$664
|
|
Heated front seats
|
||
|
CXL
|
$275
|
$228
|
|
Power-adjustable pedals
|
||
|
CXL
|
$150
|
$125
|
|
Cargo organizer
|
||
|
CXL
|
$165
|
$137
|
|
Smoker's Pkg.
|
||
|
CXL
|
$30
|
$25
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Engine-block heater
|
||
|
CXL
|
$50
|
$42
|
|
Special paint
|
||
|
CXL
|
$295
|
$245
|
|
Chrome side steps
|
||
|
CXL
|
$450
|
$373
|
|
|
||
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
||
|
Polished alloy wheels
|
||
|
CXL
|
$495
|
$411
|
|
|
||
2006 Buick Rainier Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Buick Rainier 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 113.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 193.4 |
| Overall Width, in. | 75.4 |
| Overall Height, in. | 74.5 |
| 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. | 43.1 |
| 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. | 291 @ 6000 | 300 @ 5200 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 277 @ 4800 | 330 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard | Optional |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 4-speed automatic | 15/21 | 15/21 |
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 | 4 |
| 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 | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| 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 2006 Buick Rainier Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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