Buick Rainier

The Buick Rainier was a mid-size SUV sold by the Buick division of General Motors. Introduced for 2004 to replace the Oldsmobile Bravada, the Rainier was the first truck sold under the Buick marque (the unibody Rendezvous might also qualify, as it is classified by the EPA as a light truck) since the 1920s, and was the first body-on-frame V8-powered Buick since the 1996 Roadmaster. It is also the first rear-wheel drive Buick since the Roadmaster. The Rainier was only available in a 5-passenger configuration, yet was one of only four GMT360 SUVs to offer a V8 engine in this configuration along with the GMC Envoy Denali, Saab 9-7X 5.3i, and Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS. Both rear and all-wheel drive models were offered. An upscale CXL trim added a better Bose stereo and XM Satellite Radio.

Most of the Rainier's body styling was a direct transfer from the Oldsmobile Bravada, with a new front fascia bearing a resemblance to other Buick models.

Buick also debuted the QuietTuning sound insulation on the Rainier. Buick's QuietTuning involved designing a vehicle with sound dampening features like triple door seals, acoustic laminate glass, and thicker sound-absorbing pads on the hood and firewall.