2007 Buick Rainier Review
The Rainier is a mid-size SUV released in 2004 to replace the Oldsmobile Bravada. It received a minor overhaul for 2006. This will be the final year for the Rainier, as it is being replaced by the Buick Enclave in 2008.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The Buick Rainier is on its way out, but it's not completely down. The Rainier provides Buick luxury with typical GM utility. Unfortunately, its reliability record isn't great, side airbags are not standard, and other models easily beat it in price and features. However, since it's on the way out, you might be able to find some good clearance deals.
What's New For 2007:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
J.D. Power gives the Rainier four stars for initial manufacturing quality and four and a half stars for initial design quality. The first two models years were extremely problematic, having a wide range of electrical problems, inaccurate fuel gauges, problematic filler pumps, water leaks, and poor wipers. The Rainier has been recalled five times. Expect average to below-average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for four years or 50,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The Rainier averaged three and a half stars in government frontal crash tests, but a perfect five stars in side tests. The IIHS gave it a "Marginal" rating for frontal impacts and its worst "Poor" rating for rear impacts. Anti-lock brakes, a one-year OnStar subscription, and stability control come standard. Side airbags are optional.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Nice looks
+ Comfortable interior
+ Navigation included
Cons
- Side airbags not standard
- Poor reliability history
- Poor value for the money
Head-To-Head Competition:
For the same price as the Rainier, you can buy a Chevrolet Trailblazer with 4WD, though you miss out on navigation and a roof rack. Also for the same price, you can buy the equally luxurious Mercury Mountaineer Premier, with standard traction control, V8 engine, six speed automatic, CD changer, and side airbags. You might also consider the Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer edition, which includes traction control, a V8, 4WD, and side airbags.
What Others Are Saying:
"As befits the brand, the Rainier's ride tends toward soft, able to soak up potholes and pavement imperfections with ease. The optional SmartTrak all-wheel-drive system provides continuous power to all four wheels and can boost the juice to one or more wheels if slippage is detected. Because Buick is a more upscale GM brand targeting consumers less likely to engage in extreme off-road activity, the Rainier does not have, nor can it be optioned with, the low-range gearing and other equipment designed for serious off-road duty and available on other GM SUVs." - Forbes
"Open the door, step over the embossed chrome sill plates, and settle in Buick luxury and comfort. Even in all-wheel drive trim, step-in is relatively low. Perforated leather seating surfaces, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, soft-touch interior materials, and wood grain trim on the doors, dash, and console give the Rainier's interior a luxury ambiance." - The Auto Channel
"The first thing I noticed inside the Rainier test model, with V8, was how quiet the interior seemed. I didn't hear anything from the cars and trucks around me in traffic. And I didn't notice wind noise at highway speeds nor much tire noise from the standard 17-inch Michelins." - Road and Travel
Read more about the 2007 Buick Rainier at the Buick manufacturer web site.
Published on Monday, June 4, 2007 - Email to a friend
Copyright 2006 BuyingAdvice.com, INC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten, or redistributed.
SEARCH BY MANUFACTURER
