Positioning:
Premium mid-size SUV, offering comfort and capability
Competitors:
Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, Chevrolet TrailBlazer
Distinguishing Features:
Body-on-frame construction, available powerful V8 engines, comfortable and quiet ride
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission, Transfer Case, Drivetrain
Chassis:
Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels, Tires
Electrical:
Ignition, Starting, Charging, Lighting, Instrumentation, Body Electronics, Multiplex/CAN Communication
Body:
Exterior, Interior, Glass, Seats, Doors, Hood
HVAC:
Air Conditioning, Heating, Ventilation
Safety Systems:
Supplemental Restraint System (Airbags), Seat Belts, Cruise Control, Engine Immobilizer
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid types and capacities
Schematics:
Wiring diagrams, vacuum diagrams, hydraulic schematics
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete overhaul and diagnostics)
Compatibility:
Windows (Vista32/64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000) and Mac
Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader, Winzip
Printability:
Printable (individual pages or sections, enlarged images)
Media:
Digital (no physical paper type)
Engine Options:
4.2L Atlas I6, 5.3L Vortec V8
4.2L Atlas I6 Horsepower:
205 hp @ 4600 rpm
4.2L Atlas I6 Torque:
270 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
5.3L Vortec V8 Horsepower:
285 hp @ 5200 rpm
5.3L Vortec V8 Torque:
325 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SFI)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
5 Stars
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
5 Stars
NHTSA Driver Side Impact:
5 Stars
NHTSA Rear Passenger Side Impact:
5 Stars
IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal Offset:
Good
Traction Control:
Standard
Stability Control:
Optional (StabiliTrak on some models)
Airbags Front:
Standard dual-stage front airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional side-impact airbags
Seat Belts:
Front seat pretensioners, adjustable shoulder belts
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional premium sound systems (Bose), optional in-dash CD changer
Navigation:
Optional factory-installed navigation system
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking assist system
Onstar:
Optional OnStar telematics system
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (conventional oil) / 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (synthetic oil, consult manual)
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 12,000-15,000 miles or 1 year
Spark Plug Replacement Atlas I6:
90,000 miles (long-life)
Spark Plug Replacement Vortec V8:
100,000 miles (long-life)
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 (all engines), meeting GM spec GM6094M
Coolant Specification:
GM Dex-Cool® (OAT - Orange) Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3
Common Issues:
Water pump leaks (especially on V8), transmission shift solenoid issues, occasional electrical gremlins (body control module), potential for front suspension wear (ball joints, bushings)
Brand History:
Buick is a long-standing American automotive brand known for its focus on comfort, quietness, and premium features.
Model Origin:
The Buick Rainier was a mid-size SUV introduced for the 2004 model year, based on the GM GMT360 platform shared with the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, Oldsmobile Bravada, and Saab 9-7X.
Production Years:
2004-2007
Manufacturing Location:
Moraine, Ohio, USA