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The Buick Rainier was first introduced in 2004 and was manufactured until its
discontinuation with the 2007 model year. It was the first SUV with the Buick
emblem, but shared the same truck based platform as the Chevrolet Trailblazer,
GMC Envoy and Oldsmobile Bravada 5 passenger midsize SUVs. Although the Rainier
was intended to be the luxury model amongst its brethren with a slightly
different exterior style and a few more comfort features, it received only minor
changes throughout its lifetime and the continual use of sub par materials,
sloppy handling and restrictive design prevented the Rainier from becoming much
more than a big mistake.
On a positive note, the Rainier was continually equipped with the same strong
powertrain from 2004 until 2007. Initially offered in a CXL and CXL Plus trim,
both models came standard with a 4.2 inline 6 cylinder that delivered 275
horsepower mated to a 4 speed automatic transmission. A more powerful V8 engine
was optional, producing 290 horsepower, and both engines accelerated well. Both
models were also available with either rear wheel drive or all wheel drive,
though the all wheel drive system did not have a low range which made the
increased traction better suited for wet or snow covered paved roads than off
road excursions. One of the most impressive features of the Rainier was its 6700
pound tow rating. Another worthwhile standard feature that really worked was
something that was termed 'Quiet Tuning', which was basically the inclusion of
sound deadening materials that were positioned around the engine, doors and
quarter panels to decrease road noise inside the cabin. Enhancing this concept
was the addition of an acoustic laminate material over the windshield and front
side windows.
The CXL Plus trim was removed from the lineup in 2005, leaving behind the CXL as
the lone model. Standard features included 17 inch wheels, power operated
leather seats and dual zone automatic climate control. Additional features could
be purchased separately as stand alone options or option packages that grouped
some of the more popular creature comforts. For the 2006 model year, the inline
6 cylinder was modified to increase horsepower to 291 and a much needed
stability control system was added as part of the standard equipment package.
The 2007 model saw the addition of the OnStar navigation system.
The Buick Rainier entered the SUV market at the right time and consistently
offered more than adequate powertrains and a quiet ride, but its lack of
refinement, features and its unreliable handling eventually contributed to its
demise as more flexibly designed and full featured vehicles took the lion's
share of SUV sales. The Rainer was replaced for the 2008 model year by the Buick
Enclave. |
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