2004 Buick Rainier Consumer Reviews Page 8

An All New Buick?

Written by: oaa9898 on 03/05/2004

Vehicle

2004 Buick Rainier CXL AWD 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)

Review

This may be an all-new Buick, but its really just a rebaged GMC Envoy. The interior plastics are too low rent for this class, materials in the Lexus are much better. The car has been in the shop 3 times in two months, so much for reliability. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) SAFETY ratings are also VERY LOW, so much for the "solid as a rock" feeling that one reviewer described. Don't fall for the marketing hype, it may look pretty, but the quality, and more importantly the safety, is not up to par with the competition. Another thing to consider is the price, given the expected resale value of this SUV, it is overpriced.

Favorite Features

NAV System, Comfortable Ride

Suggested Improvements

The interior plastics belong in a Cavalier, not a $35,000 Dollar SUV. The "marginal" safety rating by IIHS is unacceptable for this class. All other competitors have a "Good" and "Best Pick" rating, obviously GM does not care about safety, just profit margins.

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Not your doctor's Buick

Written by: RDJ on 03/04/2004

Vehicle

2004 Buick Rainier CXL AWD 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)

Review

This vehicle is solid, and quiet. Not disconnected from the road, but pleasingly insulated from it! The engine is smooth and powerful. The seats are firm yet comfortable.

Favorite Features

The BOSE audio system is very easy to navigate, as is the Driver Information System.

Suggested Improvements

GM still needs to work on the grain consistancy if the plastics in the interrior, and clean up the parting lines. Flash in a $40,000 vehicle is shameful for anyone.

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Buick Rainer

Written by: Gene L. Garrett on 03/03/2004

Vehicle

2004 Buick Rainier CXL Plus Rwd 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)

Review

This is a great vehicle. Very quite and fun to drive

Favorite Features

The Quite ride

Suggested Improvements

Make a longer wheel base

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Love it!

Written by: Tami17a on 03/02/2004

Vehicle

2004 Buick Rainier CXL AWD 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)

Review

My first SUV. Love everything about it. I purchased the V8 model and am happy that I did. The engine is very smooth in transition.

Favorite Features

The double-plated windows cut down the noise to almost zero. I love the grill..it's so different then the other SUV's.

Suggested Improvements

The console is somewhat useless. The space doesn't really hold anything.

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A great choice!

Written by: dratnol on 02/29/2004

Vehicle

2004 Buick Rainier CXL AWD 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Having owned a Lexus with major reliability problems, I purchased this Buick last November. My job keeps me on the road a lot and this vechile has been great so far. It is very comfortable, handles very well, and is a high quality truck. The interior fit and finish is great and the exterior has uniform gaps amonst body panels. This vechile is extremely quiet and I have been very pleased with this choice.

Favorite Features

I really like the design of the interior. The gauges are very classy looking and the controls are palaced in comfortable, easy to get to locations.

Suggested Improvements

I would like to see the silver/blue theme of the gauges carried over to other aspects of the interior. Over all a very fine vechile.

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A Great Vehicle for Two-Driver Household

Written by: Carroll on 02/29/2004

Vehicle

2004 Buick Rainier CXL Plus Rwd 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Has a lot of performance and features for $31k. V-8 has tremendous mid-range torque and highway passing ability. Interior finish acceptable for American vehicle. Two person instant memory on seats, pedals, mirrors, etc., etc., allows you to get a good driving position without compromise. XM digital radio is even great around town (no interruptions). Bose works well for adult sounds (jazz, vocals, classical). Quiet and comfortable ride for 4-5 people. Handling is o.k. for full framed mid-sized SUV.

Favorite Features

Mid-range power, Two person memory system, Sound system, Ride comfort, a lot of performance and features for the money.

Suggested Improvements

Use European style finishes for dash and instruments (look at Audi). Improve door sealing (excessive wind noise).

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Nothing beats a V8!!

Written by: yukon on 02/26/2004

Vehicle

2004 Buick Rainier CXL Plus AWD 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I drove the 6 cyl and then the 8 cyl back to back on test drives. WOW! What a difference. The V8 only gives you 15 more HP and 50 lbs/ft torque but it drives like a whole different vehicle. I needed the V8 to tow our 5200 lb travel trailer and it does well towing it.(with Weight Dist. Hitch) The Rainer does it as well as the Silverado I traded in.

Favorite Features

Being able to have just the seat back heated, the comfy seats on a long trip, the stereo...

Suggested Improvements

If I am only going to get 14 mpg around town give me a bigger gas tank.

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Girly Chic!

Written by: pirtfest on 02/25/2004

Vehicle

2004 Buick Rainier CXL Rwd 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)

Review

As a very feminine woman, it surprises me that I chose a Rainier. I had been looking at the Cadillac CTS and test drove the Rainier. I was hooked immediately. It rides like a sedan, it's easy to get things in and out of the rear hatch, and folding down the seats is easy. Gary Bibb at Dutton Motor Company in Riverside, CA did me a real favor by showing me this vehicle.

Favorite Features

The luxurious interior of my Rainier makes it a pleasure to drive. I feel protected and safe in this vehicle and wonder now why I resisted the SUV craze for so long.

Suggested Improvements

I might look into the arrangement of the front passenger seat headrest. It has a VERY minimal effect on my ability to see when I put the vehicle in reverse.

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My Rainer

Written by: Hopey on 02/23/2004

Vehicle

2004 Buick Rainier CXL Plus Rwd 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)

Review

This vehicle is awesome. I could not be happier. Its fun to drive and comfortable on longer trips. I also have a '97 Lesabre that is still going strong. I got rid of an Expedition for this Buick Rainer and would do it again in a heartbeat.

Favorite Features

Sunroof, satellite radio, heated seats, Navigational system

Suggested Improvements

More convenient cup holders.

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LeSabre was great. So is the Rainier

Written by: GJH on 02/17/2004

Vehicle

2004 Buick Rainier CXL AWD 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)

Review

My 1988 LeSabre T Type was a fabulous car, and I hated to trade it in. But, it was time. A lot has changed in 16 years, and the Rainier has more gadgets and toys than I really need but I like them. Engine and transmission are very powerful and smooth. Handling is extremely agile. Braking performance is top notch. I traded a great performing vehicle for a new great performing vehicle. The interior and exterior styling are easy on the eyes, and very functional.

Favorite Features

Power, agility, good styling, and great road performance on snowy, back country Tennessee roads.

Suggested Improvements

Front seat cushions could be just a tad longer for better leg support. If you're looking for great gas mileage, you'll probably want to look at another type of vehicle.

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