Buick, now a year beyond the centennial mark as the venerable car line at General Motors, scores a new sport-utility vehicle to join a cluster of four plush sedans plus another SUV that drives like a car.

Buick's newest SUV -- Rainier -- emerges as a 2004 model based on GM's mid-size SUV architecture that also underpins Chevrolet's Trailblazer and GMC Envoy. Rainier skews toward the luxury side of motoring with plush seats in a cabin and deluxe appointments including rich perforated leather upholstery. It comes with a choice of V6 or V8 powertrain and either rear-wheel-drive (RWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD) traction for forays on slick pavement or graveled trails.

The other Buick SUV -- Rendezvous -- also has a spacious passenger compartment with room for all in the family while delivering a ride quality that seems as refined as what you'd expect from a big sedan. For 2004, a luxurious new monochromatic version of Rendezvous called Ultra emerges with appointments that elevate it beyond CX and CXL trims. It also gets a new 3.6-liter V6 engine with variable valve timing (VVT) and produces up to 245 hp.

Buick's sedans in 2004 extend from the full-size Park Avenue and a supercharged Park Avenue Ultra flagship to full-size LeSabre with special Celebration commemorative edition in limited numbers, the sporty mid-size Regal with optional supercharging and a mid-size Century available in three new bargain-priced packages.

This is the second SUV for Buick following in the path of Rendezvous. It's new to Buick's line for 2004 and fits in the mid-size class as a five-door wagon with two rows of seats for five passengers plus room for cargo in a back bay.

Rainier looks big but refined and decidedly like a Buick, due to a rounded prow that prominently displays the Buick signature of an oval grille in chrome inset with vertical bars and Buick's tri-shield insignia.

Rainier's agile nature and smooth ride quality are the result of a rigid ladder-frame chassis with one-piece steel rails running the length of the wagon. An uncommon component for a truck-based wagon is the quick rack and pinion steering mechanism coupled to hydraulic power assistance.

For stopping, four disc brakes connect to an intelligent four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS), with electronic traction control (ETC) at the rear. Optional AWD utilizes a smart system to distribute engine torque between front and rear wheels. It operates automatically and requires no input from the driver.

For locomotion, Rainier presents V6 and V8 engine choices. Standard is the 4.6-liter in-line-six with 275 hp. Optional is a 5.3-liter V8 that runs to 290 hp.

In the cabin, Rainier provides a luxurious environment in monochromatic hues with personal comfort as the theme. A pair of bucket seats in front stands beside a central console with multiple functions. It cradles the shift lever and a dash stack of gear for audio and climate systems. Round analog gauges in the instruments cluster include a large tachometer to the left of the centered speedometer, with all dials displaying faces in white and needles prominent in a shade of aqua green.

Due to Rainier's long wheelbase, legroom for the rear three-person bench is ample. The seatback splits into sections and folds down to fashion a flat floor in the cargo bay with double the space at 85 cubic feet.

Rainier comes with a high content of standard equipment like power windows and locks and mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate system, OnStar telecommunications with a DVD-based navigation system, and perforated leather upholstery with front seats adding armrests and power controls plus memory settings.

Options range from heated seats to adjustable floor pedals, a Bose audio system with CD changer and a DVD-based video entertainment system for backseat riders.

Read our Review: Buick Rainier                            (CONTINUE...)