2004 Buick Rainier Upscale SUV is a smooth and quiet ride
By Ann M. Job, For The Associated Press
11/1/2003
Add another automaker to the lengthy list of brands that are into sport utility vehicles.
Buick, for the first time in its 100 years of existence, now offers a truck-based SUV.
The new 2004 Buick Rainier is a more sound-insulated and cushioned-ride version than parent company General Motors Corp.'s other mid-size SUVs — Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy and Oldsmobile Bravada — being sold since 2002 model year. The Rainier joins Buick's crossover SUV, the Rendezvous, in showrooms. But while the Rendezvous with all-wheel drive can handle mild off-road duty, the Rainier shares a rugged, truck-based platform, powerplants and basic dimensions of the more off-road-oriented and towing-capable Trailblazer and Envoy models. With a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price, including destination charge, of $35,945, the Rainier has the most expensive starting price of the bunch. Luckily, the Rainier's outer appearance is distinctive enough that it's not immediately recognized as a TrailBlazer, Envoy or Bravada sibling. And the others don't come standard with seats that are finished with perforated leather, the way the Rainier does. For $1,500 extra, the five-passenger Rainier can be powered by a 290-horsepower, 5.3-liter V8, too. This engine, which generates 325 foot-pounds at 4,000 rpm, is available on the 2004 TrailBlazer and Envoy only in their longer-wheelbase models. The first thing I noticed inside the Rainier test model, with V8 and all-wheel drive, was how quiet the interior seemed. I didn't hear anything from the cars and trucks around me in traffic. And I didn't notice wind noise at highway speeds nor much tire noise from the standard, 17-inch Michelins. The V8's strong power sound did come through readily, however, on sudden acceleration. Frankly, it was pleasing and confidence-inspiring. Shift points were subdued 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 after I stomped on the gas pedal while the Rainier was at a standstill. Buick officials said they sought to give passengers 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. In fact, the Rainier windshield and front door windows are fitted with extra laminate in the glass in order to reduce noise intrusion. This is something not found in the sister GM SUVs. Another 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 disturbances and didn't share much vibration with the riders. There was nary a truckish bounciness in the test SUV. On many roads, in fact, it wasn't unusual for passengers to feel unfettered and sort of like they were riding in a regular Buick car — except, of course, they sat up higher from the road. Ground clearance under the Rainier is an SUV-like 8 inches and there is a bit of a climb up to get inside. Buick reports the Rainier's step height is 18.2 inches vs. 16.4 inches in the Rendezvous. There's an independent, double-A arm configuration in the Rainier 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 seemed to be air released from the air suspension when I stopped by the side of the road and got out to check items in the cargo area. There, I heard a loud noise coming from the rear suspension, sort of like someone releasing bodily gas. Thank goodness no kids were riding with me. I can only imagine the laughter. I noted the strong towing capacity of the Rainier — 6,200 pounds with the base 275-horsepower, inline six-cylinder and 6,700 pounds with the V8. Indeed, a company official said Buick hasn't had major towing capability since the old Buick Roadmasters were deleted from the product lineup years ago. The Rainier comes standard with frontal airbags and offers optional side airbags for the driver and front-seat passenger. Sales are expected in the 25,000 to 30,000 annual range, said spokesman Larry Gustin.
