2004 Buick Rainier Review
2004 Buick Rainier Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Strong drivetrains, upscale exterior treatment, decent off-road ability.
Cons
- Same old plastic inside, extra features jack up the price.
What’s new
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.
Edmunds 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.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2004 Buick Rainier CXL Rwd 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$258/mo for Rainier CXL
Rainier CXL
vs
$196/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2004 Buick Rainier.
5 star(81%)
4 star(14%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(0%)
134 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
Best I've ever had
Gort, 03/08/2010
2004 Buick Rainier CXL Plus AWD 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
I have owned a lot of vehicles and this is by far the best. Great performance, I feel like a King driving this. All the options you could ask for. Quite smooth ride. You just cannot beat this SUV. I stumbled upon it by accident and will never buy anything other than a Buick SUV again. People need to stop complaining about the mpg. Its an SUV if you want better than 25 mpg get a geo … metro. I get 15-16 in city and 18- 21 highway. So impressed I wish I could write more in this space. Perfect SUV for a family looking for performance, reliability, safety, room, comfort, options, quite smooth ride, good looks inside and out, not to mention you will be driving something that not everyone else drives.
3.75 out of 5 stars
Air conditioning
tcharles, 05/29/2010
2004 Buick Rainier CXL AWD 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
The air conditioning just went on me. It actually works but it will not blow out of the top vents. It blows out of the bottom and through the defrost areas. Was told by a dealer that it'll cost me over $3000 to repair it because of where the vent is located. Has anyone else had this problem?
4.63 out of 5 stars
Not your average College Student's Car!
mannyr5653, 12/30/2013
2004 Buick Rainier CXL AWD 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
Being only 19, this isn't car most college guys have. Im the only one on campus with one of these! Ever since I bought my Rainier, It has been nothing but good to me. It has proved to be a reliable, luxurious, and all around great vehicle. Only repairs I've done are oil changes and new brake pads. This truck is extremely comfortable and surprisingly easy to drive. The V8 is very … powerful, and can get up and go. Highway driving is awesome, the rear air suspension really makes the ride a million times better. The AWD is awesome when driving in snow and rain, it has kept me out of a lot of trouble. It really is a hit or miss with the rainier, either you get a good one or you get a lemon.
3.13 out of 5 stars
Bitter Sweet
Tony1234, 02/22/2010
2004 Buick Rainier CXL AWD 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
This 2004 AWD Rainier has major ongoing issues. Starting at 80,000 miles its one repair after another. I love the features, style and ride. I don't tow, off road or plow. I just drive like any normal person. All scheduled normal lube maintenance has been practiced as recommended by manufacture manual yet the AWD never seems to work. I replaced the transfer case, transmission, front … differential, axles, 4 decoder motors, wiring harness and 2 front wheel sensors($9,000+)and the front wheels still don't work. This whole vehicle should have been recalled in my opinion. Oh! The speedometer is brke
2004 Rainier Highlights
CXL
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $35,645 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $258/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 39.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Rainier include:
- Alarm
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalMarginal
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintAcceptable
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