2004 Buick Rainier Consumer Reviews

Wouldn't You rather drive a buick!

Written by: Joseph on 01/12/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

I purchased my Rainier 12/06. Have driven it about 600 miles so far. Love it! I wish I had gotten it alot sooner. I have driven, and was willing to buy the new '06 Explorer, but after driving it and deciding it wasn't all what they said, I decided to try a Pathfinder. Too expensive. So I decided to try a TrailBlazer, Envoy and such. Drove the Buick and was sold! I love the power, quietness, options and such. Explorer comes with one power-point, where Buick has three. Also if you go to U-haul they won't rent you a trailer if you have a Explorer. Enough said about the tranny.

Favorite Features

V-8, sunroof, navigation, heated seats, oh and quietness!

Suggested Improvements

None

4 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Great Value

Written by: Will on 01/03/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

Smooth and quiet ride. Great truck on a long trip. Love all the options. Great value. Too bad Buick does not know how to market this vehicle as I do not fit the over 50 age group who would "rather be driving a Buick". I bought the truck by a chance viewing on the car lot.

Favorite Features

Roomy interior, fold down cargo area that can fit a full size 4x8 piece of plywood. Turning radius

Suggested Improvements

Thicker gauge metal on exterior. Rubber foot pad for left foot on drivers side. Light in glove box.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Love this car!

Written by: Teresa on 10/26/2006

Vehicle

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

Review

I love this car. The engine is powerful and the Rainier has a very quiet ride. No one can believe I'm driving my car and talking on my cell phone because no one hears anything but the conversation! I have the NAV system, XM radio and OnStar. It's great!

Favorite Features

Quiet ride!

Suggested Improvements

Gas mileage has room for improvement!

8 out 8 people found this review helpful

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Buick Ranier

Written by: David Michaud on 10/12/2006

Vehicle

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

Review

I currently have about 70,000 miles on the SUV. My major expense was for replacement of blower motor for the AC system at 65,000 miles. At about 55,000 miles it was discovered the dip stick for checking the transmission fluid was corroded and fell off in the reservoir. This should have been covered by a warranty regardless of the miles. The paint for various buttons on the radio started wearing off showing the white undercoating.

Favorite Features

Air-compressor hose feature. Memo recording feature. Sunglass compartment.

Suggested Improvements

Paint on radio buttons wear off at about 50,000 miles. Gauges for speedometer, RPM, etc. are very difficult to read day or night. At night there is not enough illumination for the gauges. Traction could be better in snow.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Sporty Meets Luxury

Written by: Latana on 08/21/2006

Vehicle

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

Review

I have owned my Rainier since 12/31/2003. I have loved it from day one. I bought it sight unseen from a recommendation and have never regretted it. Mine is loaded. DVD system, Bose sound system with 6 cd changer, XM radio, OnStar, every option they had was on this SUV. It was my first SUV after always owning big luxury cars. I have never had to have any service but oil changes.

Favorite Features

Heated seats. Quiet inside. Programable seat for two people. DVD player for kids. Back doors open out wide. Tons of room and storage too.

Suggested Improvements

None

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Happy so far

Written by: alibid on 07/13/2006

Vehicle

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

Review

I just bought my Ranier 5 days ago, but thus far love it. For an SUV it rides very smoothly. This is my first Buick, but have driven one before. I am totally satisfied so far. It is comfortable & a jot to drive. Love the moon roof & 6 CD changer.

Favorite Features

6 CD changer, heated seats, moonroof & soft leather.

Suggested Improvements

The cup holders in the front are a bit awkward at times & the black trim with the orange reflectors on outside mirrors

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Seatbelt

Written by: IfIcouldfly on 06/27/2006

Vehicle

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

Review

I think GM has finally achieved a seatbelt that is uncomfortable for every body type. The front belts come from the seat and cut into the neck of tall or large people and hit smaller people in the face. So you can get the the seat belt extension for free that enables you to move it around more however then the belt does not not lock in place making the safety value questionable.

Favorite Features

It drives out quiet and powerful. It is a very nice riding car. Good visibility.

Suggested Improvements

Put the seatbelt in the side of the vehicle with a slide feature for tall and short people. Have an optional rear camera for backing up.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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2004 Buick Rainier

Written by: frobert micco on 06/11/2006

Vehicle

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

Review

I have had this car for 60,000 miles. I am 67, have owned a large number of cars, domestic and import. I can tell you, this one is the best.

Favorite Features

Quiet smooth stable ride, and luxury fit for a king.

Suggested Improvements

None

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Best Midsize GM SUV

Written by: WinterDrive on 04/12/2006

Vehicle

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

Review

This is great SUV for long distance traveling, towing and light off-roading (which means beyond graded gravel). Winter driving performance has been outstanding. No mechnical issues barring an overiced rear wiper. V8 performance is great, with decent mileage (19+ on the highway). Interior is a bit underwhelming for the price, but functions well and has also stood up well (no squeaks or rattles).

Favorite Features

V8, AWD, towing capability, comfort levels (quietness, ride, nav system, individual FOB settings, personalization, OnStar, XM, self leveling suspension).

Suggested Improvements

Redesign the running boards - they catch all the slop (slush, snow, mud, etc.).

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Best car I've ever had

Written by: Jimjxx on 01/25/2006

Vehicle

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

Review

Quiet, solid ride with good styling and quality accessories. I also like the fact that I'm driving a different type of vehicle---not something driven by "everybody and his brother".

Favorite Features

Looks, comfort, V-8 engine, quiet ride, top-of-the-line components (Bose sound system, Michelin tires, OnStar, satellite radio, etc.)

Suggested Improvements

A little bit better fuel economy, but only because of today's high gas prices.

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