New for 2005

• 300-horsepower (224 kw) Vortec 5300 5.3L V-8 engine available on all models

• All-season P245/65R17 tires now standard on Rainier CXL / CXL Plus AWD

• Genuine wood/leather steering wheel rim and woodgrain gearshift lever standard on all models

• Additional chrome interior accents standard on all models

• Optional ETR AM/FM stereo system with CD/MP3 player, speed-compensated volume, TheftLock, auto-reverse cassette and Radio Data System (RDS)

• Available OnStar safety and security system featuring Gen 6 hardware with analog/digital coverage and upgraded hands-free capabilities

• Standard occupant sensing system for right-front passenger

• Upgraded navigation radio with touch-screen feature

• GM's new Advanced Automatic Crash Notification system, standard with OnStar package, makes crash data available to 911 centers for faster response

• Available head side curtain air bag system with rollover protection sensing system

• Optional six-spoke polished aluminum wheels

• Exterior colors: Titanium Metallic, Deep Sapphire Metallic

• Interior color: Gray

2005 BUICK RAINIER OFFERS EVEN MORE V-8 POWER AND ELEGANCE IN A MIDSIZE SUV

Following its successful introduction for 2004 as Buick's first full-frame sport utility vehicle, the 2005 Rainier boasts even more available V-8 power, along with subtle refinements to reinforce its position as blending true luxury with outstanding capability.

The Vortec 5300 5.3L V-8 engine now is available on either the rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive Rainier. The Vortec 5300 delivers 300 horsepower (224 kw) and 330 lb.-ft. (447 Nm) of torque.

Standard on all Rainier models is GM's Vortec 4200 4.2L inline six-cylinder engine. Rated at 275 horsepower (205 kw) and 275 lb.-ft. (373 Nm) of torque, this durable and popular powerplant provides the muscular yet smooth performance of many V-8 engines, but the fuel efficiency of a V-6. Both engines are complemented by the rugged Hydra-Matic 4L60-E electronically controlled four-speed transmission.

Premium Michelin all-season P245/65R17 tires are now standard on Rainier CXL all-wheel-drive models for an even quieter ride and improved traction in snow.

Rainier's already well-appointed interior receives some elegant new touches for 2005, including a genuine mahogany wood/leather steering wheel rim and burled walnut woodgrain gearshift lever, as well as additional chrome accents. Gray replaces Medium Pewter as a new interior color. Also new is an optional ETR AM/FM stereo system with CD/MP3 player, speed-compensated volume, TheftLock, auto-reverse cassette and Radio Data System (RDS).

Changes to Rainier's brawny exterior include the addition of two new colors – Titanium Metallic and Deep Sapphire Metallic. New six-spoke polished aluminum wheels are available in addition to the standard eight-spoke brushed aluminum wheels.

Elegant yet rugged inside and out

Despite its outstanding ability to master most driving conditions, and tow or carry substantial payloads, Rainier's interior emphasizes comfort and luxury in the best Buick tradition. Among the segment's roomiest for head, shoulder and hip room, Rainier seats five adults with room to spare. When more cargo capacity is needed, the split rear seats can be folded forward to open up to 80.1 cubic feet (2,268L) of cargo space.

Front bucket seats and rear seating areas are upholstered in perforated leather, while all door panels are trimmed in soft-touch materials. Chrome accents and dark burled walnut woodgrain on the instrument panel, doors and center console also convey a rich, expertly crafted environment.

Other notable standard comfort and convenience amenities on all Rainier models include dual-zone automatic air conditioning, locking rear differential, traction assist (on rear-wheel drive versions), daytime running lamps, driver information center, digital compass and temperature display, full-size spare tire, remote keyless entry, power front seats with two-position memory settings for seat position and outside rearview mirrors, and theft-deterrent system.

GM's OnStar safety and security system is standard on all 2005 Rainier models and includes a one-year subscription to OnStar's Safe & Sound plan. The 2005 Rainier features OnStar's new sixth generation hardware with digital and analog coverage. OnStar's Gen 6 hardware also includes upgraded hands-free voice recognition capabilities including more intuitive continuous digit dialing and improved voice recognition accuracy. OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the United States and Canada. Using the GPS satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and OnStar Personal Calling that allows drivers to make and receive hands-free, voice-activated phone calls using a powerful three-watt digital/analog system and external antenna for greater reception.

The OnStar service on the 2005 Rainier includes the new General Motors Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) system, making crash data available to 911 centers to potentially dispatch the appropriate life-saving personnel and equipment to crash scenes faster.

Available head curtain side air bags act like a protective curtain when deployed, unfolding from the roof rail between the A-pillar and side window header. When the bag deploys in a moderate to severe side impact, it is angled somewhat toward the window to help provide protection for front- and second-row outboard passengers. In vehicles equipped with head curtain side air bags, a new rollover protection sensing system helps protect occupants in a rollover event by triggering both the side curtain air bags and safety belt pretensioners. The rollover-sensing module, located on the center tunnel under the rear seat, uses a complex algorithm based on lateral and vertical accelerations, roll rate and vehicle speed to determine whether to deploy the safety systems.

'QuietTuned' for quiet, comfortable ride

Rainier's excellent balance between a quiet ride and capable handling begins with its strong body-on-frame architecture and best-in-class body-stiffness, which minimizes road noise and vibration.

Augmenting Rainier's stiff body structure is QuietTuning, a comprehensive engineering initiative adopted by Buick to reduce unwanted noise and harshness throughout every area of the vehicle. Notable features include an acoustic laminate in the windshield and front door glass, additional sealing at the vehicle's C- and D-pillars, and sound-absorbing materials in the engine compartment, doors and quarter panels, in addition to quiet-riding Michelin tires. Attention to exterior aerodynamics, component isolation and fine-tuning of all related elements to achieve the most desirable frequency ranges also are an integral part of the QuietTuning initiative on every Buick car and truck.

Rainier's smooth, comfortable ride comes from a fully independent front suspension, along with a five-link, electronically controlled rear air suspension that's engineered to withstand the most demanding load or towing conditions. With this system, air springs replace the standard rear coil springs for superior damping and improved isolation from road noise. Sensors manage a compressor that instantly adjusts air spring pressure to maintain a level ride height.Rainier's maximum towing capacity ranges from 6,000 to 6,700 pounds (2,722 to 3,015 kg) depending on choice of engine and other drivetrain components.

Agile handling

Excellent handling and braking characteristics are achieved by a combination of standard equipment such as power-assisted, rack-and-pinion steering; premium Bilstein shocks and Michelin tires on 17-inch wheels; four-wheel, anti-lock disc brakes; a locking rear differential; and traction assist (on two-wheel drive models).

The Rainier's available on-demand all-wheel-drive system is lightweight, quiet and efficient. If one or both front wheels lose grip, the system goes into action progressively, with no buttons to push or levers to throw. The system is poised to help drivers make use of the traction available by transferring torque from rear to front.

by Buick

Launched by Buick in 2004 the Rainier was a capable mid-size luxury SUV with an impressive V8 engine. Designed as a replacement for the Oldsmobile Bravado, and sharing many of the same body styling, the popular Rainier came in a variety of options that included the AWD CXL, the AWD CXL Plus, the RWD CXL and the RWD CXL Plus. Both rear and optional all-wheel drive models were available, and its standard SUV size was quite unusual from a Buick. Though it proved popular during its short production span, customer's main complaint stemmed from its lack of fuel efficiency at 16/22 mpg for the standard I6 engine. A decent alternative to the Bravado, the Rainier also fell short in safety ratings.

The first SUV sold under the Buick marque, the Rainier was the first body-on-frame V8 powered Buick and the first rear-wheel drive Buick since the 1996 Roadmaster. Powered by a 4.2-liter engine, all trim levels pumped out 275 horsepower. The SUV was only available in a 5-passenger capacity, but was one of only four GMT360 SUVs to offer a V8 engine in the configuration. The other three models sharing this configuration were the Chevrolet Trailblazer LT and SS, the Saab 9-7X 5.3i and the GMC Envoy Denali.

The Rainier had a new front fascia that looked very similar to other Buick models of the time. Introduced with plenty of basic options, the Rainier came with alloy wheels, leather upholstery, dual zone climate control, Onstar, ABS brakes and a load-leveling rear suspension system. The upscale CXL trim featured XM Satellite Radio, leather upholstery, a rear seat entertainment system and a better Bose stereo. One of the major perks of the Rainier was in its powerful engine. Big for a standard truck-sized SUV, the 4,400-pound Rainer could tow up to 5,800 pounds standard.

The following year was mostly a carryover from 2004 and included seating for five. The CXL model came with the standard 3.4-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower, while the CXL featured 300 horsepower from a 5.3-liter V8 engine. Both were available in either two or four-wheel-drive configuration and were linked to a four-speed automatic transmission.

The 2006 CXL model featured an upgraded 4.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 291 horsepower and variable-valve-timing (VVT). Optional this year a 5.3-liter V8 engine that pumped 300 horsepower out. Both of these engines were linked to a four-speed automatic transmission. QuietTuning sound insulation was debuted by Buick on the Rainier and featured triple door seals, thicker sound-absorbing pads along the hood and firewall and acoustic laminate glass.

The final production year for the Rainier featured an upgraded 4.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine with variable-valve-timing that upgraded the horsepower to 291. The optional 5.3-liter V8 engine returned, once again producing 300 hp. 2007 brought with it standard StabiliTrak, standard rear air suspension, Heads-Up Display; which projected speed and other info onto a screen in the windshield, and OnStar directions and connections. Buick replaced the Rainier, (along with the Rendezvous crossover and Terraza minivan) with the 2008 Enclave. This would be the end for a rear-wheel drive Buick once again. Total production numbers for 2003 were 4,797, 24,134 for 2004, and 15,271 in 2005.

Unfortunately the Envoy wouldn't last long, as the Moraine plant closed, and the final Envoy rolled off the production line on December 23, 2008.

More than 258,000 U.S. and Canadian SUVs were recalled by GM and Isuzu to fix fire causing short-circuits in power windows and door lock switches. This recall includes 2006 and 2007 model year Rainiers that were sold in U.S. states, and Canada, where road-clearing chemicals were used in the winter months.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buick_Rainier

http://www.ebay.com/motors/carsandtrucks/Buick/Rainier

http://www.nadaguides.com/Cars/2004/Buick/Rainier

by Jessican Donaldson