The 'Buick Rainier' was a mid-size
SUV sold by the
Buick division of
General Motors. Introduced for 2004 to replace the
Oldsmobile Bravada, the Rainier was the first
truck sold under the Buick
marque (the
unibody Rendezvous might also qualify, as it is classified by the
EPA as a light truck) since the 1920s, and was the first
body-on-frame V8-powered Buick since the 1996
Roadmaster. The Rainier (as well as the
Rendezvous and
Terraza) were replaced by a new
crossover SUV, the
Enclave, on the
GM Lambda platform for 2008. It is also the first
rear-wheel drive Buick since the Roadmaster.
The Rainier was only available in a 5-passenger configuration, but was one of four
GMT360 SUVs to offer V8 power in this configuration along with the
GMC Envoy Denali,
Saab 9-7X 5.3i, and
Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS. Both
rear and
all-wheel drive models were offered. An upscale ''CXL'' trim added a better
Bose stereo and
XM Satellite Radio.
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.
Engines
★ 2004-2007
LL8 4.2 L (256 in³)
I6
★ 2004-2007
5300 5.3 L (323 in³)
V8
2007 Model
★ Available in CXL Trim Model
★ Standard Rear Air Suspension
★ Available all wheel drive
★ OnStar Directions and Connections with Turn by Turn Navigation
★ Standard StabiliTrak
★ Last Year for the Buick Ranier