Easy Way to Tell How a 2004 Buick Rainier Trim

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Road test: 2004 Buick Rainier

The Buick Rainier is the latest entry to the growing luxury midsize SUV market.One wonders when this expensive level is going to be saturated because it appears each year brings yet another version to tempt buyers with lots of cash in their jeans.The Buick is available in one trim, and as it seems to be loaded with every creature comfort, it's doubtful much more could be added to distinguish one trim from another.Standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, AM/FM stereo with CD player, cruise control, power windows, door locks and mirrors, adjustable

The Buick Rainier is the latest entry to the growing luxury midsize SUV market.

One wonders when this expensive level is going to be saturated because it appears each year brings yet another version to tempt buyers with lots of cash in their jeans.

The Buick is available in one trim, and as it seems to be loaded with every creature comfort, it's doubtful much more could be added to distinguish one trim from another.

Standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, AM/FM stereo with CD player, cruise control, power windows, door locks and mirrors, adjustable pedals, eight-way power front seats (heated), tilt steering wheel, leather seating surfaces, fog lights and 17-inch aluminum wheels.

In order to set your Buick apart from the herd, I'm afraid you will have to load up on the options, which include a power sunroof, rear DVD entertainment system, a premium audio system, six-disc CD changer and side air bags.

THE LOOKS:

The Buick grille sets apart its outward appearance from other competitors — its oval shape is classic and yet not out of place on this very contemporary vehicle.

The side view offers nothing new and looks to be a GM interpretation of the popular Acura MDX and perhaps, to a lesser extent, the Honda Pilot.

THE INSIDE:

The inside tells a different story about the real differences. It's among the segment's roomiest in terms of head, shoulder and hip room, and provides comfortable space for five adults.

When the rear seats are folded down, there is a healthy amount of storage rivalling all of its competitors.

The front bucket seats and rear seating areas are trimmed in perforated leather and all door panels are trimmed in soft-touch materials. (The front seats also have standard-memory and available-heat functions.)

The interior oozes class whether finished in either pewter or cashmere. A constant, whichever interior is chosen, are chrome accents and dark burled walnut wood grain in the instrument panel, door trim and console.

The driver's "command centre," as the marketing folks dub it, has a cockpit feel with very accessible controls and clear display gauges.

THE WORKS:

Rainier comes with a Vortec 4.2-litre inline six which seems powerful enough for this observer, but if you want to really make those wheels squeal, there's a 5.3-litre V8 option.

Both power plants are matched with an electronically controlled four-speed transmission, which is smooth. Its history of performing well on other GM sedans and light trucks also attests to its versatility.

THE DRIVE:

The Rainier offers a comfortable and quiet drive that is not lost when putting the sport ute through its paces on more rugged terrain.

It has something called QuietTuning which consists of increased sound absorption "padding" — for want of a better word — in the engine compartment, all four doors and quarter panels.

The smoothness of ride is aided by the independent front suspension and the five-link, electronically controlled rear air suspension. Air springs replace the standard rear coil springs which increases the damping.

THE SCORE:

A new and worthy competitor though it has a little way to go to beat the Acura MDX for me.

THE SPECS

2004 Buick Rainier

Trim levels: One only.

Sticker price: $49,245

Base engine: 4.2-litre, 275-h.p., I6

Fuel consumption: 15.5/10.5 L/100 km (city/highway)

Optional engine: 5.3-litre, 290-h.p. Vortec 5300 V8

Transmission: Four-speed automatic

Basic warranty: Three years/60,000 km

Powertrain warranty: Five years/100,000 km

Rust warranty: Six years/160,000

The Competition:

Acura MDX: $50,300

Chevrolet TrailBlazer: $39,245 – $51,825

Dodge Durango: $39,105 – $46,660

Ford Explorer: $38,600 – $48,450

GMC Envoy: $41,020 – $50,185

Honda Pilot: $41,000 – $43,000

Jeep Grand Cherokee: $39,775 – $53,270

Nissan Pathfinder: $34,200 – $45,500

Toyota 4Runner: $39,100 – $50,555

On the Web:

General Motors Canada: www.gmcanada.com

B.C. Automobile Association: www.bcaa.com

The Province: www.canada.com

Email Keith Morgan at: kmorgan@png.canwest.com

cleekreserefoot.blogspot.com

Source: https://driving.ca/buick/rainier/reviews/road-test/road-test-2004-buick-rainier-2

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