2004 Buick Rainier Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

2007 2006 2005 2004
Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
15 City / 18 -21 HWY
Source FuelEconomy.gov
Horsepower
275 -290
Seats
5
Front angle view.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Chris B
Great and comfortable vehicle to drive.
I bought the vehicle used from a family friend, so it is really hard to say what someone else has done to it. It is got some minor issues, like the power steering pump is leaking. Other than that, it is a great vehicle that I love driving. It is comfortable and reliable. It performs better than expected (i.e. Gas mileage). Again great vehicle and I do recommend it.
accountCircle Janney P
It's great on gas. The features.
I love the features. I dislike that It's parts are expensive
accountCircle Lorna Z
Safety, low mileage, low marianne costs.
Nothing we like our newer ride it is smooth, has all we were looking for. Power locks, sun/ moonroof. Xm radio, CD player power windows, heated seats.
accountCircle Char L
It is all-wheel drive and safe to drive in all weather.
It is comfortable to drive. Very roomy even for my almost 6 foot tall husband. Lots of cargo space. It has almost 150,000 miles but just started needing service that most vehicles started getting at less than 100,000 miles. Even though it is not garage kept, it has no rust. I do not like the cost of the repairs.It is beginning to need, but still better and less expensive than replacing it.
accountCircle John S
Comfy but expensive to maintain
Comfy, but requires maintenance. Air shocks are a maintenance burden. AWD auto-transfer got stuck in 4WD, had to disable it. Otherwise a great car. 216k miles and counting.
accountCircle Michelle F
I don't know what else to say lol
Its black it drives nice has no issues as of right now only needs an oil change and new tires before the winter
accountCircle Amy G
Smooth riding SUV, luxury vehicle yet utilitarian.
Car is a luxury suvin use it to tow a camper trailer and it runs like a top. It has 170,000 miles on it and maintenance has been minimal. I am disappointed they no longer make this model because I would it another one. It rides smooth, has comfort features like heated seats and a sunroof. It looks great.
accountCircle Tina P
It's a great riding SUV, and is very roomy and spacious for hauling things behind the seats.
I like that the Buick Rainier is a very smooth riding vehicle. I enjoy the SiriusXM Radio that is in it. I would like to be able to activate the OnStar program in the car, but I can't afford the monthly cost at this time. I don't like that I had to immediately replace the Air Ride suspension system in the car with coil springs within a month of purchasing the car. I think this should have been something the dealer who sold me the car should have made me aware of before purchasing the car. I should not have been responsible for fixing that. The dealer should have.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Melissa A
Nice family size car. Welcome.
It has comfortable seating, electric windows. Electric seating. Cushioned. Now size for family size of 4.
accountCircle Brooke W
The gas mileage is terrible.
It is a v8 and seems to have no power. I have had to replace every exterior bulb at least once in the last 2 years, and they are extremely difficult to get to. I expected better from Buick.
accountCircle Bob s
It's been pretty reliable for transportation, and can tow a trailer.
I like that I can tow a trailer. I dislike the systems that break down. The airbag suspension system had to be replaced, the air conditioner needs expensive work, and the washer fluid reservoir is cracked.
accountCircle Richard K
It has a glitch that makes the seat all wonky.
I dislike the size. It is good on gas! It works like a charm!
accountCircle Larry
Great ride plenty of power
The power./sunroof doesn't work

Buick Rainier Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
CXL
275-290 HP 17-17 MPG 5 Seats
car
CXL Plus
275-290 HP 17-17 MPG 5 Seats
Photos may not match model

2004 Buick Rainier Owner Reviews

4.09
22 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 50%
4 stars 27%
3 stars 9%
2 stars 9%
1 star 5%
accountCircle Bob s on January 22, 2021
It's been pretty reliable for transportation, and can tow a trailer.
I like that I can tow a trailer. I dislike the systems that break down. The airbag suspension system had to be replaced, the air conditioner needs expensive work, and the washer fluid reservoir is cracked.
accountCircle Stephanie K on January 16, 2021
I love the air compressor and hose that allows me to fill my tired wherever I am
I really like my Buick Rainier, I bought it used so it did need some work. I've owned it for about three years and have had to make several repairs. The back shocks were air bag and they were dry rotted so I replaced them with regular shocks. The trans went out but it does have 240,000 miles on it. Had a rebuilt one put in just recently. In the back hatch in the side panel there's a air hose that hooks up to the air compressor (that was used to fill the air bag shocks) and I can literally fill my tired wherever I am, I love this feature! Along with the moon roof. This vehicle is all wheel drive and I love that EXCEPT that IT chooses when to be in AWD. I'd prefer to choose myself.
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Ranks #11 Midsize SUV by Owners

The 2004 Buick Rainier has an average owner rating of 4.14 out of 5 which ranks it #11 of 18 other Midsize SUVs.

1
car
2004 Jeep Wrangler
4.66
2
car
2004 Toyota 4Runner
4.61
11
Tie
car
2004 Buick Rainier
4.09

Ranks #8 Midsize SUV by Fuel Economy

The 2004 Buick Rainier has a combined MPG of 21 which ranks it #8 of 18 other Midsize SUVs.

1
car
2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
27 MPG
2
car
2004 Buick Rendezvous
26 MPG
8
car
2004 Buick Rainier
18 MPG

Is The 2004 Buick Rainier A Good Car?

Yes I like our Buick Rainier. I like the way it rides, the sound system is good, the cruise is great, sun/ moon roof is wonderful.
Kelli H.

How Reliable Is The 2004 Buick Rainier?

I not had any problems with my Rainier, other than regular maintenance. Oil change, brakes service but nothing unexpected
Abigail F.

Is The 2004 Buick Rainier A Good Value?

Yes I bought it for 5600.00, put about 600.00 into maintenance, I find it a good value. It's a little spending on gas, could be worse though.
Dodge C.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the 2004 Buick Rainier front differential fluid type?

Answer: The 2004 Buick Rainer uses SAE 75W-90 gear oil in the front differential. The differential is the laSTSet of gears that the power from Your engine goes through before it reaches the wheels. Differentials use...
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Answers are provided by third parties. We do not guarantee accuracy of responses

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Rollover

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Not Rated

Roof Strength

Not Rated

Driver-side Overlap Front

Not Rated
*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety