Buick Rainier

2005 Buick Rainier rear

The Rainier was introduced on July 28, 2003 for the 2004 model year, in a 5-door, 5-passenger configuration, yet was one of only five GMT360 SUVs to offer a V8 engine — 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. For the 2004 model year only, there was a CXL Plus trim level with a touchscreen navigation system.

2006–2007 Buick Rainier

Buick also debuted the QuietTuning sound insulation on the Rainier, where a vehicle's sound dampening featured triple door seals, acoustic laminate glass, and thicker sound-absorbing pads on the hood and firewall.

The Rainier was discontinued after the 2007 model year and was replaced by the Buick Enclave in 2008. GM would end production of the related Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, and Saab 9-7X after the 2009 model year. The last of those three, a white GMC Envoy rolled off the line on December 23, 2008, when the Moraine plant closed.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave 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.[1]

• 2004–2007 LL8 4.2 L (256 in³) I6
• 2004–2007 5300 5.3 L (323 in³) V8

• The Rainier is available in two trim levels: CXL and CXL Plus
• The Rainier comes with an optional 5300 V8 with 290 horsepower
• The Rainier comes standard with the 4.2L I6 with 275 horsepower

• Rainier has a new 5.3L V8 with 300 horsepower
• Rainier's interior was updated including: a wood steering wheel, chrome Buick logo, chrome shift handle and parking brake button, black gauges with a new font and the addition of chrome trim rings as well chrome A/C vent sliders and the A/C vent sliders have been rubberized
• CXL Plus trim level is removed
• Rainier removes two colors: indigo blue and augusta green
• Rainier adds two colors; titanium metallic and deep sapphire metallic

• New 4200 Sfi I6 produces 291 horsepower
• New front fascia
• New displacement on demand technology deactivates 1/2 the cylinders on the V8
• Rainier now comes standard With StabiliTrak Control System with built-in traction control
• Standard chrome luggage side rails
• New chrome door handle
• Rear license plate pocket and liftgate handle now matches the body color
• Two new exterior colors; dark garnet metallic and red jewel tintcoat
• New standard auto dimming inside rear view mirror with 8-Point compass
• New, flatter window and heated seat controls
• Slightly changed instrument panel appearance

• Standard tire pressure monitoring system
• Two new colors; midnight blue metallic and graphite metallic replace carbon metallic and sapphire metallic
• Last model year for the Buick Rainier
• New Vortec 5.3 L V8 with Active Fuel Technology with 302 horsepower

In 2012, General Motors had 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 to the 2007 model years. The SUVs were sold or registered in 20 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., and in Canada, where salt and other chemicals are used to clear roads in the winter.[2]

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