Segment:
Mid-size Luxury SUV
Positioning:
Positioned as a more refined and comfortable alternative to mainstream SUVs, offering V8 power and a premium experience within the GM lineup.
Key Competitors:
Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Lincoln Aviator
Engine Options:
Available with GM's robust Vortec inline-six and V8 engines, known for their power and durability.
Ride Quality:
Emphasis on a comfortable and quiet ride, distinguishing it from more truck-like SUVs.
Luxury Appointments:
Available premium features such as leather upholstery, heated seats, enhanced sound systems, and wood trim.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission operation (4-speed automatic)
Chassis:
Suspension (independent front, solid rear axle), steering, brakes (ABS, traction control), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Lighting systems, power outlets, accessory operation, instrument cluster, warning indicators, fuses and relays
Comfort And Convenience:
Climate control (manual and automatic), audio system, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), seating adjustments, interior lighting
Safety And Security:
Airbags, seat belts, child restraint systems (LATCH), door locks, anti-theft system, tire pressure monitoring system (if equipped)
Driver Information:
Instrument cluster displays, trip computer functions, warning messages and indicators
Routine Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire inflation checks, wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement
Do It Yourself:
Information on basic maintenance tasks, owner checks
Towing:
Towing capacity, trailer wiring information, trailer brake controller considerations (if applicable), towing safety practices
Emergency Procedures:
Jump starting, tire changes, dealing with overheating, brake failure
Troubleshooting:
Explanation of warning lights and indicators, basic diagnostic information
Depth:
Comprehensive owner-level information, focusing on operation, basic maintenance, and safety. Does not cover in-depth repair procedures or diagnostic codes.
โ๏ธ Engine Specifications
Engine 1 Variant:
4.2L Vortec Inline-6
Engine 1 Displacement:
4157 cc
Engine 1 Horsepower:
275 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
275 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Engine 2 Variant:
5.3L Vortec V8 (LM4)
Engine 2 Displacement:
5328 cc
Engine 2 Horsepower:
290 hp @ 5200 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
325 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Emissions Control:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, catalytic converters
Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic overdrive
Transmission Controller:
Electronic
Optional Transmission:
N/A (All Rainier models used the 4L60-E or variant)
Transmission Features:
Tow/Haul mode, driver-selectable gear ranges (where applicable)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Wheelbase:
113.9 inches (2893 mm)
Length:
193.4 inches (4912 mm)
Width:
74.7 inches (1897 mm)
Height:
70.0 inches (1778 mm) (approx.)
Seating Capacity:
5 or 7 passengers (optional third row)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 41.8 cubic feet
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 16.9 cubic feet (with 7-passenger configuration)
Curb Weight Est Min:
4,600 lbs (approx. for 4.2L RWD)
Max Towing Capacity:
Up to 6,500 lbs (with 5.3L V8 and proper trailering package)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars (2007 model year, as per available data for similar GM SUVs on this platform)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars (2007 model year, as per available data for similar GM SUVs on this platform)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
5 Stars (2007 model year, as per available data for similar GM SUVs on this platform)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
4 Stars (2007 model year, as per available data for similar GM SUVs on this platform)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Optional StabiliTrak Stability Control System
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, optional side-impact airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts in all seating positions, pretensioners for front seats
Child Restraints:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Optional Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Audio System Options:
Available with AM/FM stereo, CD player, cassette player (early models), and premium Boseยฎ audio system options.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system.
Rear Parking Assist:
Optional Rear Parking Assist system.
Onstar:
Available OnStarยฎ in-vehicle safety and communication system integration.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Consult manual for severe conditions.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles
Engine Coolant Replacement:
Initial change at 5 years or 150,000 miles, then every 2 years or 60,000 miles thereafter (for Dex-Cool coolant).
Transmission Fluid Service:
Check at every oil change. Replacement interval typically around 100,000 miles, but can vary based on driving conditions. Consult manual for specific guidance.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 quarts (4.3 L) for 4.2L I6, 5.5 quarts (5.2 L) for 5.3L V8 (with filter)
Coolant Type:
GM Recommended DEX-COOLยฎ (Orange coolant)
Common Concern 1:
Rear main seal leaks (common on GM inline-six and V8 engines of this era).
Common Concern 2:
Cooling system issues, including radiator leaks and water pump failures.
Common Concern 3:
Potential for fuel pump issues over time.
Common Concern 4:
Minor electrical glitches or sensor issues are not uncommon in vehicles of this age.
Brand Context:
Buick, established in 1899, is one of America's oldest automotive brands, historically known for its comfortable, stylish, and quiet vehicles.
Platform Sharing:
The Rainier is based on GM's GMT360 platform, shared with the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, Oldsmobile Bravada, Saab 9-7X, and Isuzu Ascender.
Production Period:
The Buick Rainier was produced for a relatively short period, from the 2004 to 2007 model years, serving as Buick's entry into the mid-size SUV market during that era.
Manufacturing Location:
GM's Moraine, Ohio, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, assembly plants (alongside its platform siblings).
๐ Awards & Recognition
Trophy Awards:
While specific awards for the Buick Rainier are not widely publicized, its platform siblings (like the TrailBlazer) received general praise for their V8 power and SUV capabilities in their debut years.
Consumer Reports:
Consumer Reports ratings for the Rainier varied over its production run, with general commentary on its comfortable ride but mixed reliability scores compared to some Japanese competitors.
