2004 Buick Rainier Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Buick is aiming to offer Lexus-like quality and design and the Rainier is a step in the right direction, but there's still plenty of catching up to do.
Pros
Strong drivetrains, upscale exterior treatment, decent off-road ability.
Cons
Same old plastic inside, extra features jack up the price.
What's New for 2004
The Rainier is an all-new SUV for Buick. It is based on GM's capable midsize SUV architecture which also supports the Chevy TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy. The Rainier is available with a V8 power, but there is no extended-length version.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Great!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Buick Rainier CXL Plus Rwd 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I really like this SUV. I have been in many SUVs and own a Suburban. I really like the room for me and my 4 kids and the drive is nice and safe. Safety is a big plus. The kids really enjoy the fact that they can control their a/c temp. Even though the gas is not much different than the Suburban I really am enjoying my new toy.
Favorite Features
OnStar, nice quiet smooth ride, and space for growing kids in sports! The air compressor located in the trunk area compartment is a great idea.
Suggested Improvements
Gas
Buick Ranier-SUV
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Buick Rainier CXL Rwd 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Purchased 2004 Buick Ranier used with 22,000 miles and has been a great vehicle. This SUV has a 5.3 Liter, great power and better fuel economy than the V6 model. Great for towing. Great for extended road trips. Vehicle now has 55K miles with now service related problems.
Favorite Features
5.3 Liter V8, curb view mirrors, memory seats, power driver and passenger seats with lumbar adjustment
Suggested Improvements
Rear parking sensors, 6 disc CD player
Used Rainier Purchase
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Buick Rainier CXL AWD 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Recently purchased used Rainier with V8 34000 trading in a GMC Envoy 6 cyl.First impressions are very favorable.No complaints and has a better ride than the GMC. Also V8 is a major plus for this vehicle. I have noted that AWD seems to engage in reverse as noted by one of your participants which will require watching.
Favorite Features
V8. Satellite radio. Sunroof
Suggested Improvements
Seats are comfortable but need to be less bench like, deeper bucket.
Great ride
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Buick Rainier CXL Plus AWD 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
Review
We had been looking mostly at imports and then stumbled upon this little known beauty. It is amazing the amount of car we got for the price. It is hands down the quietest vehicle I have driven, cars included.
Favorite Features
Heated seats, in-dash 6 disc cd changer, air pump, memory seats are great, QuietTuning design, steering wheel audio controls
Suggested Improvements
Wood grained steering wheel, higher end interior features and real wood
Buick...I thought they had better quality
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Buick Rainier CXL AWD 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
Review
My Buick Rainer has 57,000 miles. Every three or four months since I purchased the SUV I have had major problems. The drive train, the driver side seat, and major problems with the four wheel drive mechanism. I am very luckly that I purchased the extended warranty. I would not recommend purchasing this SUV. Just recently one dealship that I brought it to because it was making a very loud banging noise said, "You must have purchased a Friday afternoon car," after they saw the long list of things that I have already had to fix. Basically agreeing that there are and has been some major problems with my SUV. Buyer beware. I would not recommend this SUV
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2007 Buick Rainier
- 2006 Buick Rainier
- 2005 Buick Rainier
- 2004 Buick Rainier
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