2005
Buick Rainier

Starts at:
$33,785
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New 2005 Buick Rainier
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Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr CXL RWD
    Starts at
    $33,785
    16 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas L6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr CXL AWD
    Starts at
    $35,610
    15 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas L6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2005 Buick Rainier 2005 Buick Rainier 2005 Buick Rainier 2005 Buick Rainier 2005 Buick Rainier 2005 Buick Rainier 2005 Buick Rainier 2005 Buick Rainier 2005 Buick Rainier 2005 Buick Rainier 2005 Buick Rainier 2005 Buick Rainier 2005 Buick Rainier 2005 Buick Rainier 2005 Buick Rainier 2005 Buick Rainier

Notable features

Available 300-hp V-8
Rear air suspension
RWD or AWD
Available DVD player and navigation system

The good & the bad

The good

Performance of V-8
Manageable size
Air suspension ride comfort
Quietness
Stability

The bad

Five-passenger capacity
Fuel economy
Step-up height
Instruments
See all specifications

Safety review

Based on the 2005 Buick Rainier base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
3/5
Frontal passenger
4/5
Nhtsa rollover rating
3/5
Side driver
5/5
Side rear passenger
5/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
6 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
3 years / 36,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
5 model years or newer / up to 75,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12,000 miles bumper-to-bumper original warranty, then may continue to 6 years / 100,000 miles limited (depending on variables)
Dealer certification
172-point inspection
See all CPO program details

Consumer reviews

83% of drivers recommend this car
4.4 / 5
Based on 12 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.6
Interior 4.3
Performance 4.6
Value 4.3
Exterior 4.3
Reliability 4.3

Most recent

  • By Aidan from Albuquerque New Mexico
    Owns this car
    April 28, 2025

    I bought my 2005 Buick rainier new in 2005 a custom order

    I bought my 2005 Buick rainier new in 2005 a custom order with the 5.3 V8 engine the only thing I have had to do to this car is regular maintenance now I have put 210,000 miles on it and the car still has no problems everything still works on it including On star and it is still getting about 15 MPG for in town commuting
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Rockriver42 from Rockford
    Owns this car
    January 16, 2020

    The best car that have had, will keep it tol I am

    Great car for towing and my v8 is a screamer, it has 140000 miles and runs like new. Love the car and was sorry that Buick quit making them
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    7 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By 2010Mountaineer from Fall River MA
    Used to own this car
    June 23, 2019

    Good for the money

    I currently have a 2010 Mountaineer and I have driven older Mountaineers. The Rainier has a lot of body roll which my 05 Explorer did not have, It is low on Interior room and not the smoothest ride, The 5.3L V8 had tons of power and It is a quick car with this engine. Value is good because you can find a used one for $3000-6000 and they have better reliability than the same year Explorer.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    7 people out of 9 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Cat Idahored from Boise, Idaho
    Owns this car
    March 24, 2018

    Best Mountain rig I have ever owned!

    This all-wheel drive is so quiet I find myself Whispering when I'm driving it! It has been a very reliable vehicle and I feel very safe driving it up into the mountains and on back roads. I am so happy I own this vehicle!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    7 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Sherry from Fa.leetwood, P
    Owns this car
    December 14, 2017

    Nicest car I've ever owned.

    Very comfortable and just a joy to drive. Handles great ! Feels like a luxury car. Still enjoying finding all the bells and whistles!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Personafan from Milwaukee,WI
    Owns this car
    April 6, 2017

    Winter champion, MPG is pretty bad though.

    Overall, great car. Been through so much with this car. The MPG is the only reason I can't really give it 5 Stars.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 3.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By RichardWV from Fairmont, WV
    Owns this car
    March 22, 2017

    Hidden Gem

    Few people know that Buick made this SUV, but it is a top-of-the-line (best version) of the GM Trailblazer/Envoy SUV. Air shocks make it extremely comfortable to ride in - my friends with Mercedes are always amazed how nice the ride is. The ones with the V-8 engine are a joy to drive - plenty of zip to for the interstate and any other quick accelerating you want to do. The straight 6 is adequate, but not as fun and the same mileage as the V-8. The AWD handles the snow and winter slickness very well here in the hills of West Virginia. Not as many cup-holders as newer cars, but a great adults car.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Nothing but Buicks! from Dallas, TX
    Owns this car
    September 10, 2009

    Who says American vehicles are not great!

    I bought my Black 05 Rainier V8 used from the original owner. Awesome vehicle! It now has over 100K miles and you never would know it. I did have the airbags replaced recently on the rear suspension the truck would not stay up. Rides great now. The truck gets a lot of looks and comments. :) It tows great as well!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Buick Lover from Syracuse, NY
    Owns this car
    April 7, 2009

    Another Great Buick

    This is the third Buick I've owned and all have been great. Little to no repairs and very reliable. I've had the Ranier for 2 years and it is a pleasure to drive. Very comfortable with plenty of room. Great performance whether in thecity or on the highway. My next car will be a Buick again!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Bargain Hunter from Hayward, Ca
    Owns this car
    June 22, 2008

    Wow! Beautiful vehicle

    I think this vehicle handles exceptionally well and has a smooth ride. Acceleration power is sufficiently responsive. Mine is loaded with all the extras and so far isn't too difficult to figure out. The stereo programming buttons are a little confusing but after less than one day of driving, i think i've found most of them. Some may find all the buttons confusing. anything else i've had a problem figuring out is only by lack of experience (Onstar, bluetooth). This is a beautiful vehicle and even has a compressor built in in the rear side panel to inflat the tires! Comes with manuals w/instructions for every feature including onstar.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By 1st time Buick owner from Hartford, CT
    Owns this car
    March 30, 2008

    More bang for the buck

    Lots of high end features. Higher ride like a SUV but rides comfortable like a car. Might not have purchased new because of the original sticker, but it makes for a really great ride now. We bought as a certified vehicle, so that gives us an additional sense of well being on the purchase of this vehicle. Love everything about it. Very classy. Strong & even acceleration. Mine has adjustable pedals also, which is great for my wife's 5 foot hight. They are 2 driver save positions, so she is programed in to have the pedals & seat adjust automatically when she gets in. Dual heat/air controls for both front passengers saves alot of arguments also. It even lets you know when you need an oil change. For a 2005 this vehicle came equipped with alot of extra features!!! no complaints. Always heard that Buick made a solid vehicle and now I am inclined to agree. Feels solid on the rode, with a quiet ride .Very pleased with our purchase.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Aj from Georgia
    Owns this car
    October 6, 2007

    The Money Taker

    I bought this vehicle and heater coiled busted antifreeze in front and back left me standing on side of road, vehicle was 2.5yrs old 47K miles Buick or dealer would not help with repairs, had it in prior for check engine light they could find problem. I prefer companies that have customer service and stand behind their products.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 1.0
    1 person out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
See all reviews

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2005 Buick Rainier?

The 2005 Buick Rainier is available in 1 trim level:

  • CXL (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2005 Buick Rainier?

The 2005 Buick Rainier offers up to 16 MPG in city driving and 21 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 2005 Buick Rainier reliable?

The 2005 Buick Rainier has an average reliability rating of 4.3 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2005 Buick Rainier owners.

Is the 2005 Buick Rainier a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2005 Buick Rainier. 83.3% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.4 / 5
Based on 12 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.6
  • Interior: 4.3
  • Performance: 4.6
  • Value: 4.3
  • Exterior: 4.3
  • Reliability: 4.3
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