Full Test: 2004 Buick Rainier

[NFS4]

Swing and a miss!!

http://www.edmunds.com/new/2004/buick/rainier/100317743/roadtestarticle.html?articleId=101373

Of course, there are plenty of SUVs that can haul this much cargo. Most of them aren't as whisper quiet as the Rainier, but in exchange you get vastly superior driving dynamics, a longer list of safety features, a more cohesive cabin design and, more often than not, better build and materials quality. To us, that's a fair trade. Building a good luxury SUV isn't just about making it quiet. It should also be elegant and refined on the inside. It should handle with confidence out on the road. And it should protect its passengers with all the latest safety equipment. Until GM understands what's required at the $40,000 threshold, the Rainier must resign itself to the back of the pack.

 

[RagingBITCH]

Downs: Substandard build and materials quality, sloppy handling, lacks key safety features, not enough storage space.

Apparently a standard feature on all new GM trucks and cars!

 

[krunchykrome]

Buick is going down like Oldsmobile.

 

[murphy55d]

It's fugly, too.

 

[BigSmooth]

Dressed-up TrailBlazer != Luxury SUV.

 

[TitanDiddly]

Rainier? Mt. Rainier?

 

[JulesMaximus]

It should handle with confidence out on the road. And it should protect its passengers with all the latest safety equipment. Until GM understands what's required at the $40,000 threshold, the Rainier must resign itself to the back of the pack.

And it shouldn't look like a Buickified Chevy Trailblazer.

 

[beatle]

Wow, and @ $43k... I don't know how they'll sell any of these.

 

[UNCjigga]

Originally posted by: PhasmatisNox
Rainier? Mt. Rainier?

LOL, basically we can surmise that one day these SUVs are going to explode.

 

[UNCjigga]

Originally posted by: beatle
Wow, and @ $43k... I don't know how they'll sell any of these.

Yeah, hey I'm curious, who 'pwns' the $40,000 SUV segment (single model, not total sales figures of cloned models!)

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

It should handle with confidence out on the road. And it should protect its passengers with all the latest safety equipment. Until GM understands what's required at the $40,000 threshold, the Rainier must resign itself to the back of the pack.

And it shouldn't look like a Buickified Chevy Trailblazer.

Actually, it's a Buickified Oldsmobile Bravadafied Chevy Trailblazer

Same sheetmetal from the windshield back and the exact same interior. Who does GM think they're fooling?

Oldsmobile Bravada

 

[BigSmooth]

Originally posted by: Jigga

Originally posted by: beatle
Wow, and @ $43k... I don't know how they'll sell any of these.

Yeah, hey I'm curious, who 'pwns' the $40,000 SUV segment (single model, not total sales figures of cloned models!)

Depends on what exactly you mean by "SUV", but I'm pretty sure the Lexus RX330 tops the segment in terms of sales.

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: BigSmooth

Originally posted by: Jigga

Originally posted by: beatle
Wow, and @ $43k... I don't know how they'll sell any of these.

Yeah, hey I'm curious, who 'pwns' the $40,000 SUV segment (single model, not total sales figures of cloned models!)

Depends on what exactly you mean by "SUV", but I'm pretty sure the Lexus RX330 tops the segment in terms of sales.

Yeah, the RX330 buggers 'em all handily. Quiet, relatively quick, fuel efficient, excellent interior, excellent build quality, Toyota reliablity and excellent resale value.

 

[Bekker]

My cous had a Lexus and got rid of it because it was way too small inside. She now drives a G45 I think. Her hubby drives a Saab. My bro has a new Encore and say what you will, it is a fine set of wheels. My guess is that many of you would actually drool to have one if you saw and drove one. The high price quoted as list may not mean much. The one my bro got listed at very close to $40k but he got it for about $31k with all the rebates and such. His only complaint is that he is tall and does not have enough headroom since he got a sunroof.

Personally, I would take any of them, from Lexus through about any. Guess I will just have to wish.

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: Bekker
My cous had a Lexus and got rid of it because it was way too small inside. She now drives a G45 I think. Her hubby drives a Saab. My bro has a new Encore and say what you will, it is a fine set of wheels. My guess is that many of you would actually drool to have one if you saw and drove one. The high price quoted as list may not mean much. The one my bro got listed at very close to $40k but he got it for about $31k with all the rebates and such. His only complaint is that he is tall and does not have enough headroom since he got a sunroof.

Personally, I would take any of them, from Lexus through about any. Guess I will just have to wish.

G45?
Encore?

 

[bbrontosaurus]

Originally posted by: Bekker
My cous had a Lexus and got rid of it because it was way too small inside. She now drives a G45 I think. Her hubby drives a Saab. My bro has a new Encore and say what you will, it is a fine set of wheels. My guess is that many of you would actually drool to have one if you saw and drove one. The high price quoted as list may not mean much. The one my bro got listed at very close to $40k but he got it for about $31k with all the rebates and such. His only complaint is that he is tall and does not have enough headroom since he got a sunroof.

Personally, I would take any of them, from Lexus through about any. Guess I will just have to wish.

Hrmm...if I had to guess:

G45 = Infinti FX45?
Encore = GMC Envoy?

 

[Bekker]

Yes. I am drunk. Actually, I am unsure of the model number on the Infiniti as I have not seen it .. she has just told me it is a red two door, not a SUV, and I can drive it anytime if I come visit. Now, how do I sneak off from my wife, get her car, and go have fun? I know the Envoy, but sometimes when your wife and grandchildren are arguing too loudly, your brains get scrambled. Mine do that easily enough anyway!

Bekker