Holy badge-engineering, Batman! The Buick Rainier, introduced for 2004, was one of 5 SUV's morphed from GM's mid-sized SUV platform before it was ultimately dropped from production last year.
This was a platform of many faces- wearing Envoy, TrailBlazer, Bravada and even 9-7x badges from GMC, Chevrolet, Oldsmobile and Saab, respectively. For Buick, the Rainier, Terraza and Rendezvous were ultimately replaced by an award-winning crossover called the Enclave. It effectively combined a pair of SUV models and a Minivan into a single machine.
Rainier, like its cousins, offered a body-on-frame construction for toughness along with an engine lineup with no less than 275 horsepower and as many pounds feet of torque. Towing capacities were admirable in a rapidly-growing market of cute-utes, and an available V8 engine meant Rainier could be had as a powerful cruising or towing rig. Optional all wheel drive helped suit the SUV to any job, terrain or weather.
The Rainier also introduced Buick's 'Quiet Tuning' technology, which utilized various noise insulating techniques to help keep outside noises outside. Using thicker glass, foam insulation, sound-deadening pads and the like, drivers were treated to a relatively quiet and refined ride.
Look for availability of either GM's new-age 4.2 litre inline six cylinder engine with dual overhead cams, or the proven 5.3 litre smallblock V8 engine in the Rainier. Either engine could drive the rear or all four wheels, and the V8 was the powerplant of choice for those planning to tow.
A four-speed automatic was standard on all models. It wasn't the most advanced gearbox on the road, but it was a solid and proven unit. Shoppers should note that the six cylinder engine got a power boost for 2006, bumping output to 291 horses.
It's no surprise what owners like the most about their Rainiers. The ride and comfort levels attracted most buyers to this model, which was even available with an air-ride rear suspension system for added plushness. Those with a Rainier V8 tend to love the performance of their machines, as well as the overall value for money as a new vehicle purchase.
This was a platform of many faces- wearing Envoy, TrailBlazer, Bravada and even 9-7x badges from GMC, Chevrolet, Oldsmobile and Saab, respectively. For Buick, the Rainier, Terraza and Rendezvous were ultimately replaced by an award-winning crossover called the Enclave. It effectively combined a pair of SUV models and a Minivan into a single machine.
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| 2004 Buick Rainier |
Rainier, like its cousins, offered a body-on-frame construction for toughness along with an engine lineup with no less than 275 horsepower and as many pounds feet of torque. Towing capacities were admirable in a rapidly-growing market of cute-utes, and an available V8 engine meant Rainier could be had as a powerful cruising or towing rig. Optional all wheel drive helped suit the SUV to any job, terrain or weather.
The Rainier also introduced Buick's 'Quiet Tuning' technology, which utilized various noise insulating techniques to help keep outside noises outside. Using thicker glass, foam insulation, sound-deadening pads and the like, drivers were treated to a relatively quiet and refined ride.
Look for availability of either GM's new-age 4.2 litre inline six cylinder engine with dual overhead cams, or the proven 5.3 litre smallblock V8 engine in the Rainier. Either engine could drive the rear or all four wheels, and the V8 was the powerplant of choice for those planning to tow.
A four-speed automatic was standard on all models. It wasn't the most advanced gearbox on the road, but it was a solid and proven unit. Shoppers should note that the six cylinder engine got a power boost for 2006, bumping output to 291 horses.
It's no surprise what owners like the most about their Rainiers. The ride and comfort levels attracted most buyers to this model, which was even available with an air-ride rear suspension system for added plushness. Those with a Rainier V8 tend to love the performance of their machines, as well as the overall value for money as a new vehicle purchase.
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| 2004 Buick Rainier |