2005 Buick Rainier Reviews, Pricing & Specs

$34,470 to $36,295

Original MSRP

expert review

3.5

avg user rating

Quality and comfort with a dash of upscale luxury are Buick trademarks, and these characteristics are carried through to the 2005 Buick Rainier, a mid-size SUV with two rows of seats and loaded features. More luxury cargo hauler than off-road adventurer, the 2005 Rainier is hardly as imposing a figure as the mountain for which it's named, and probably more resembles the elegant Prince of Monaco. The one CXL trim is available in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive and is standard with a 4.2-liter, 275-hp V6 engine and 4-speed automatic. New in 2005, the 5.3-liter V8 boosts its horsepower by 10 up to 300-hp. The interior gets a bit of a restyling as well, due to complaints about how cheap and slap-dash the materials looked. Faux wood trim gets replaced by real wood on the steering wheel and shifter, and there are more chrome adornments. Though mid-sized, this SUV has only two rows of seats, thereby increasing legroom and storage capacity. An overhead console, as well as an optional cargo organizer for the trunk add versatility. The rear seats do fold up to increase space, but depending on how far the driver's seat is pushed back, they may not fold up all the way. ABS brakes, automatic load-leveling, and front airbags are standard and there is an option for side curtain airbags, though many owners feel these should be standard. QuietTuning is a highly touted feature of the 2005 Rainier, as it helps to reduce wind and road noise considerably. Drivers attest to the quiet ride which adds to the overall comfort. Though the AWD is helpful in rough weather, this SUV isn't so much made for rugged activty as it is for hauling stuff around in comfort. As such, all the standard luxury features are a big hit with owners. Handling is easy and the V8 power is nice, though if you want to save on gas, the V6 is adequate. Cupholders are poorly placed next to the shifter and dismal gas mileage is a disappointment, though to be expected with an SUV.

Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team

While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2005 Buick Rainier

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by Cedric H

Jul 13, 2022

Although it’s a decent car there isn’t A/C and the fuel gauge is not working properly. And they also took the sound system out as I was buying the vehicle. I feel like I was overcharged for the vehicle in its entirety. Jul 13, 2022

by Steve F

May 03, 2010

It's a fun and smooth ride. It has a bose sound system, 6 cd changer, heated leather seats with a sun roof! It's a bad ass ride. The smoothness of the ride can't be beat! I'd recomend this car to anyone!May 03, 2010

2005 Buick Rainier Pricing

Original MSRP

$34,470 to $36,295

Price range

N/A

Average price on CG

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Buick Rainier price trends

Trims & specs

2005 Buick Rainier CXL RWD

Original MSRP: $34,470

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: rear volume control

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.73 · Locking differential: rear

In Car Entertainment

Video system: DVD player

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Roof

Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Suspension

Air Suspension: rear · Leveling: self leveling suspension

Telematics

Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent

2005 Buick Rainier CXL AWD

Original MSRP: $36,295