2004 BUICK RAINIER NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2004 Buick Rainier?
With the long, slow death of Oldsmobile arriving at the end of the 2004 model year, Buick inherits the Bravada SUV, now dubbed Rainier. Styling tweaks identify the Rainier as a Buick, and it's the only regular-length, midsize GM SUV to get optional V8 power, but otherwise this is the same rig peddled by GM as the Chevrolet TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy. In addition to the 290-horse 5.3-liter V8, the five-passenger Buick Rainier is available with on-demand all-wheel-drive and a rear seat DVD entertainment system.

Advantages of the 2004 Buick Rainier:

• Optional V8 power
• On-demand all-wheel-drive system
• Smooth ride
• Impressive roster of useful standard and optional equipment

Objections to the 2004 Buick Rainier:

• Live rear axle suspension
• Substandard interior materials
• Twitchy handling at the limit
• Thirsty engines

Editor's Advice:
If strong power and a smooth ride are your primary considerations, the 2004 Buick Rainier deserves a look. But keep in mind that there are several crossover SUVs on the market that handle much better on pavement, are constructed of higher quality materials and possess more brand cachet than does this Buick.