2005 Buick Rainier Review Summary & Specs
Base Sport Utility
Smooth, quiet, and highly capable.
Summary & Specs
reviewed by
Buick Rainier's strengths are its quiet, comfortable ride and powerful performance. Although built on the same platform as the Chevrolet TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy, only the Rainier offers the combination of V8 power in the preferred standard wheelbase length. And while less tangible, Rainier's Buick style is appealing.
The Rainier is a great vehicle for drivers who need the superior towing capacity or off-road ruggedness that a truck-based SUV can provide.
New Car Test Drive correspondent Larry Edsall is based in Arizona.
Specs
| Vehicle Category |
Sport Utility Vehicles |
| Editor |
Larry Edsall |
| Model Lineup |
Buick Rainier CXL 2WD ($35,080); CXL 4WD ($36,905) |
| Engines (standard) |
5.3-liter ohv V8 |
| Transmissions (standard) |
4-speed automatic |
| Engines (optional) |
275-hp 4.2-liter dohc 24-valve inline-6; 300-hp 5.3-liter ohv V8 |
| Transmissions (optional) |
4-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) |
dual front airbags; antilock brakes; traction control |
| Safety Equipment (optional) |
curtain side air bags; all-wheel drive |
| Basic Warranty |
3 years/60,000 miles |
| Assembled In |
Moraine, Ohio |
| Manufacturer Phone |
1-800-4A-BUICK |
| Manufacturer URL |
www.buick.com |
| Base Price MSRP |
$35,080 |
Specs as Tested
| Model Tested MSRP |
Buick Rainier CXL 4WD ($36,905) |
| Standard Equipment |
automatic dual-zone climate controls, auxiliary power outlets, cargo storage well and bins, center console with front and rear cupholders, overhead console with travel note digital recorder, cruise control, driver information center, electrochromic rearview mirror with compass, HomeLink universal transmitter, illuminated visor mirrors, leather seating surfaces, driver-seat memory, OnStar with one-year Safe & Sound Plan, PASS-Key III theft-deterrent system with alarm, power windows and programmable power locks, eight-position power driver and front passenger seats with power lumbar, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, rear-seat audio controls, leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel with controls for audio and HVAC, daytime running lamps, fog lamps, intermittent wipers, luggage rack side rails, power heated outside mirrors with turn signals, rear liftgate with independent liftglass, remote keyless entry, solar-ray tinted windows, heavy duty battery, premium smooth ride air suspension, seven-lead trailer wire harness, AM/FM/CD/cassette stereo, locking rear differential |
| Destination Charge |
685 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) |
Vortec 5300 V8 ($1,500), rear-seat DVD entertainment system ($1,295), front side-curtain airbags ($495), heated front seats ($275), cargo management system ($165), power adjustable pedals ($150) |
| Gas Guzzler Tax |
|
| Price as Tested |
$41,470 |
| Layout |
all-wheel drive |
| Horse Power |
300 @ 5200 |
| Torque |
330 @ 4000 |
| Fuel Economy |
14/18 |
| Wheelbase |
113.0 |
| Length/Width/Height |
193.4/75.4/71.9 |
| Track Front/Rear |
|
| Turning Radius |
36.4 |
| Seating Capacity |
5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room |
40.2/55.5/44.6 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room |
|
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room |
39.6/58.1/37.1 |
| Trunk Volume |
80.1 |
| Payload |
|
| Towing Capacity |
|
| Front Suspension |
independent, upper and lower A-arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar |
| Rear Suspension |
live axle, upper and lower trailing links, Panhard rod, air springs, anti-roll bar |
| Ground Clearance |
7.7 |
| Curb Weight |
4628 |
| Stock Tires |
P245/65R17 |
| Brakes Front/Rear |
vented disc/vented disc, w/ABS |
| Fuel Capacity |
22 |