Nothing has gone wrong with this vehicle so far.
The interior is well designed. Ergonomics and controls are excellent. All controls are within easy reach, are easily readable, and are not hard to use.
The leather is elegant and the seats are consequentially comfortable.
Chrome is used abundantly in the cabin.
Real burled walnut is accented throughout the cabin too.
The interior fit/finish is first-rate.
The exterior exhibits first rate fit and finish too.
The engine is strong, smooth, and quiet. Even at 5800 RPM, the engine does not exhibit any harshness or vibration.
The transmission is smooth and has great shift patterns. It easily downshifts when you need to, and delivers great gas mileage.
Gas mileage, on average, is about 15 in mixed driving. The vehicle requires 87 octane fuel.
The Rainier is an excellent vehicle that is as quiet, elegant, and refined as they come. I would take one over an Acura MDX, Volvo X40, and even a Mercedes M500.
A 5.3 liter OHV DOD V8 is also available. This engine produces 300 HP and 335 FT LB of torque.
The standard 4.2 liter DOHC Vortec I-6 produces 275 HP, and 275 FT LB of torque.
I used to have a Chevrolet Trailblazer, but I am now looking to move "up the ladder" in terms of price. I love my Trailblazer, and I am seriously considering a Rainier; your review has reinforced this consideration even more. Thank you for your opinions and beliefs.
In 2003 my wife traded her Ford Explorer for a new GMC Envoy. We've never been happier with any new vehicle, and the Rainier is even more luxurious. It will most likely be our next SUV, as we like the styling very much, and if the ride and performance are anything like as good as the Envoy it will be great. In 60,000 miles of driving we have yet to have one single problem, and the most amazing thing has been the awesome power of the standard in-line 6 and the fuel mileage. This rather large SUV leaves the old V-8 Explorer in the dust, and on a recent vacation trip with the cruise set on the speed limit we got an incredible 24 miles per gallon. GM is definitely doing something right.
Just purchased a 2004 Buick Rainer with 30K, v8, moon roof, CD, nav system, fully loaded. Had never heard of the Rainer until we saw it on the lot with other SUV's. We were looking at Acura's and Ford Explorer's. After driving the the thing, our choice was made. What a pleasant surprize this thing has been! It's a beautiful car! The inside is great, has every bell and whistle you could want, even XM radio, adjustable pedals, memory everything, and heated seats, back and bottom. This it the most quiet car I've ever ridden in, it's silent. With the V8 it has power to spare. Towed a car (Toyota Camry) up to my son at college, didn't know the thing was behind us. Overall mpg is about 19, not bad. But the thing we really like is the car looks so good, people keep asking "what's that" they can't believe it's a Buick. No it doesn't handle like a sports car, but we don't race for a living. Honestly feel this is one of the best SUV's around, if you want style, quiet, power, room, smoothness, toys to play with, and fun; this is a nice SUV.
We've recently bought a 2006 Buick Rainier SUV after being on a hunt for a trailblazer or envoy. You get so much more for your money with the Rainier... For one you getleather interior as opposed to the others you have to upgrade to leather; the front passenger seat is fully power which is a definite plus for the wife or husband; chrome details everywhere; good stereo sound; smooth ride; really quiet with the extra insulated doors and frame; good mileage on the highway, and overall a beautiful looking suv. Will recommend it to others.
I brought a used 2006 Buick Rainer in December 2008 and until recently I thought it was a great car. Last week I started having trouble when trying to turn. The car didn't want to move. The service department said the transfer casing needs to be replaced. I have been waiting for two weeks to get my Rainer back. Has anyone had this problem.
Dec. 2008, are you a fortune teller?
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