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2004 Buick RainierI don't think many buyers automatically think of Buick, the brand known over the decades for doctor's cars, sporty Gran Sports and lately, older drivers' sedans, when they decide to shop for a sport utility vehicle. Indeed, in Buick's 100 years of existence, it has never had a truck-based sport utility — until the fall of 2003.

The new, 2004 Buick Rainier is a more sound-insulated and cushioned-ride version of the mid-size SUV that parent company General Motors Corp. has been selling since the 2002 model year as the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy and Oldsmobile Bravada.
Buick officials confirmed that their dealers had been clamoring for an SUV in order to better meet the needs of today's American buyers who have been turning away increasingly from cars in favor of SUVs and SUV-like vehicles.

Buick dealers first got the Buick Rendezvous crossover vehicle in the 2002. Capable of carrying up to seven people, the Rendezvous remains in the Buick lineup as a roomy, boxy model offered with all-wheel-drive vehicle that can handle mild off-road duty. The Rainier shares the same, rugged, truck-based platform, powerplants and basic dimensions of the more off-road-oriented and towing-capable TrailBlazer and Envoy models.

Premium priced

The Rainier isn't cheap. Starting manufacturer's suggested retail price, including destination charge, at introduction was just under $36,000. This was for a two-wheel-drive model and compared with less than $28,000 for a base, two-wheel-drive TrailBlazer and just under $30,000 for a base, two-wheel-drive, 2004 Envoy.

Rainier's outer appearance is distinctive enough that it's not immediately recognized as a TrailBlazer or Envoy sibling. And at least one item on the Rainier — seats that are finished in standard perforated leather — aren't available on the other GM SUVs.

Additionally, the Rainier is the only one of the five-passenger siblings to come with standard air suspension. And for $1,500 extra, the Rainier can be powered by a 290-horsepower, 5.3-liter V8. This engine is available on the 2004 TrailBlazer and Envoy only in their longer-wheelbase, seven-passenger models, while it's an option for the five-passenger Rainier.

And truth be told, the Rainier's starting price was $650 less than the top-of-the-line Envoy SLT five-passenger model at the start of the 2004 model year.

Quiet interior

2004 Buick Rainier interiorThe first thing I noticed inside the Rainier test model, with V8, was how quiet the interior seemed.

I didn't hear anything from the cars and trucks around me, wind noise, nor tire noise from the standard 17-inch Michelins.

The V8's strong power sound did come through readily, however, on sudden acceleration. It was s pleasing and confidence-inspiring. I didn't readily notice shift points in the Rainier's fine, four-speed automatic transmission, and power came on strongly and steadily. It was enough to push riders' backs into the seats, if I stomped on the gas pedal while the Rainier was at a standstill.

Buick officials said they sought to give riders a "refined" ride and worked to eliminate unpleasant noise by adding sound insulation here and there to the basic SUV structure used by the TrailBlazer, Envoy and Bravada. Why, the windshield and front door windows are fitted with laminate in the glass in order to reduce noise intrusion. This is something not found in the sister GM SUVs.

Smooth, unfettered ride

2004 Buick Rainier photoAnother obvious difference in the Rainier is how smooth and cushioned the ride is.

I didn't feel jolts or jarring sensations during the test drive. Over bumps, the Rainier seemed to soak up the disturbance and keep riders above it all without sharing much vibration. There was no truckish bounciness in the test SUV. On many roads, in fact, it wasn't unusual for riders to feel unfettered and sort of like they were riding in a regular Buick car — except, of course, they sat up higher off the road. Ground clearance under the Rainier is an SUV-like 8 inches.

There's an independent, double-A arm configuration in the front suspension and a five-link, solid axle setup in back. But the rear also is managed electronically by the air suspension.

The only weird thing came from what appeared to be air being released from the air suspension when I stopped by the side of the road and got out once to check on some items in the cargo area. There I heard a loud fart noise emanating from the rear suspension. Thank goodness no kids were riding with me. I can only imagine the chuckles upon hearing this unpleasant noise.

Where are latest safety items?

Buick officials portray the Rainier, which is available in all-wheel-drive, as extremely well-appointed. But I did find some equipment lacking. For example, the Rainier, along with its GM mid-size SUV siblings, aren't available with side curtain airbags, which offer head protection for multiple rows of passengers during a rollover and are becoming a common safety feature on many other SUVs.

The Rainier comes standard with frontal airbags and offers optional side airbags for the driver and front-seat passenger. The Rainier also isn't fitted with a standard or optional stability control system, which can help a driver avoid a rollover crash by sensing beforehand when a loss of control is eminent.

Additionally, the Rainier isn't available with a park reverse assistance system, which can help guide a driver when backing up the vehicle. While auto industry officials refuse to refer to park assistance as a safety item, it can help prevent backover incidents where children or small-stature adults are run over by higher-riding vehicles like SUVs, according to park assistance advocates.The Rainier isn't fitted with a tire pressure monitor system, either, to alert a driver when a tire is getting flat.

Odds and ends

2004 Buick Rainier SUVI noted the strong towing capacity of the Rainier — 6,200 lbs. with the base 275-horsepower, inline six cylinder and 6,700 lbs. with the V8.

A company official noted Buick hasn't had such towing capability since the Roadmasters were deleted from the product lineup.

The Rainier attempts to provide a luxury, upscale feel, but I was disappointed to see a dashboard that has too much of a cheap, plastic look. The instrument gauges, similar to the Rendezvous, seem out of place with their cold, machined, gray appearance.

The Rainier's ceiling material is old-style, fuzzy-looking stuff, not the modern, nicely textured material that's found on even less-expensive vehicles these days. The carpeting in the cargo area of the Rainier had a similar, less-than-rich feel.

The advertised "burled walnut woodgrain" here and there is faux, not real, and it doesn't extend to one place you'd expect to find it — the steering wheel. A Buick official said that upgrade is likely to come for the 2005 model year.