Manufacturer Buick (General Motors) Class Mid-size luxury SUV | Model years 2004–2007 | |
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Production July 28, 2003–June, 2007 Assembly Moraine Assembly, United States Layout Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive | ||
The Buick Rainier is a mid-size luxury SUV that was sold by Buick. Introduced for 2004 to replace the Oldsmobile Bravada, the Rainier was the first SUV sold under the Buick marque (the unibody Rendezvous might also qualify, as it is classified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as a light truck) since the 1920s, and was the first body-on-frame V8-powered Buick since the 1996 Roadmaster. It is also the first rear-wheel drive Buick since the Roadmaster. The Rainier was only available in a 5-passenger configuration, yet was one of only five GMT360 SUVs to offer a V8 engine in this configuration along with the GMC Envoy Denali, Isuzu Ascender EXT, Saab 9-7X 5.3i and Aero, and Chevrolet TrailBlazer LT (Optional) and SS. Both rear and all-wheel drive models were offered. An upscale CXL trim added a better Bose stereo and XM Satellite Radio.
Contents
Most of the Rainier's body styling was a direct transfer from the Oldsmobile Bravada, with a new front fascia bearing a resemblance to other Buick models.
Buick also debuted the QuietTuning sound insulation on the Rainier. Buick's QuietTuning involved designing a vehicle with sound dampening features like triple door seals, acoustic laminate glass, and thicker sound-absorbing pads on the hood and firewall.
The Rainier (as well as the Rendezvous crossover and Terraza minivan) were replaced by a new crossover SUV, the Enclave, on the GM Lambda platform for 2007, spelling the end for a rear-wheel drive Buick once again.
However, GM ended production of the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, and Saab 9-7X after the 2009 model year according to the GM Fleet website. The last of those three, a white GMC Envoy rolled off the line on December 23, 2008, because of the Moraine plant closing.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the 2004 Rainier an overall Marginal score for front impacts while the 2005 and newer models are given an Acceptable score. In side impacts the Rainier was given an overall Marginal score with side airbags present.
Engines
2007 model
Recall
In 2012, General Motors and Isuzu recalled more than 258,000 SUVs in the U.S. and Canada to fix short-circuits in power window and door lock switches that could cause fires. The recall covered Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, Isuzu Ascender and Saab 9-7X SUVs from the 2006 and 2008 model years. The SUVs were sold or registered in 20 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., and Canada, where salt and other chemicals are used to clear roads in the winter.