2005 Buick Rainier Review
2005 Buick Rainier Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Exceptionally quiet ride, strong optional V8, easy to get in and out, decent off-road ability.
Cons
- Subpar build and materials quality, sloppy handling, lacks key safety features, not enough storage space.
What’s new
The CXL Plus trim level is dropped in favor of a single CXL model; a CD/MP3 player stereo is newly optional; real wood replaces the fake stuff for the steering wheel and shift knob; and various upgrades help spruce things up inside. Full-length head curtain airbags make their way to the options list, though Buick has dropped last year's seat-mounted side airbags (which provided torso protection for front occupants).
Edmunds says
Quiet and powerful, especially in V8 form, the Rainier fails to look and act the part of a luxury SUV in most other respects.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2005 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 $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$262/mo for Rainier CXL
Rainier CXL
vs
$201/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2005 Buick Rainier.
5 star(68%)
4 star(20%)
3 star(9%)
2 star(1%)
1 star(2%)
65 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
2005 Rainier
Pat, 09/07/2006
2005 Buick Rainier CXL AWD 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
I have had no problems with the car so far. It's very reliable. The ride is very comfortable. It feels like you are driving a car, but you're just sitting higher up.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Great SUV
Hannah DeLisle, 11/16/2005
2005 Buick Rainier CXL AWD 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
W have been very happy with this vehicle, one of the best we have had. We took it to Florida and back to Micigan and it was great. I have only had to change the oil two times in over a year.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Love it!
Jennifer, 02/04/2008
2005 Buick Rainier CXL AWD 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
I have been reading about this model for over a year. I was so happy to find a 2005 w/only 1 owner. It also had low miles and looked brand new! Now lets talk about the ride. Love it! It handles well and it is heavy for a short SUV and I feel safe in it.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Love my Buick
stryen10, 12/19/2006
2005 Buick Rainier CXL AWD 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
I've had my Buick for four months now and I really fell in love with it. It is the most comfortable SUV that I have ridden in. The ride is like my cousin's Cadillac.
2005 Rainier Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $33,785 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $262/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 / 5Passenger4 / 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 – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalMarginal
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintAcceptable
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