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2006
Buick Rainier

Starts at:
$30,580
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New 2006 Buick Rainier
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Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
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NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr CXL RWD
    Starts at
    $30,580
    16 City / 22 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr CXL AWD
    Starts at
    $32,580
    15 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2006 Buick Rainier 2006 Buick Rainier 2006 Buick Rainier 2006 Buick Rainier 2006 Buick Rainier 2006 Buick Rainier 2006 Buick Rainier 2006 Buick Rainier 2006 Buick Rainier 2006 Buick Rainier 2006 Buick Rainier 2006 Buick Rainier 2006 Buick Rainier 2006 Buick Rainier 2006 Buick Rainier 2006 Buick Rainier

Notable features

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

Expert 2006 Buick Rainier review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
As the 2004 model year began, a midsize luxury sport utility vehicle dubbed Rainier joined the Rendezvous “crossover” model in Buick’s lineup. Built with full-frame construction, the Rainier can carry up to five occupants.

Rainiers come with rear- or all-wheel drive. All are built on General Motors’ short-wheelbase midsize SUV architecture, which is also used for the Chevrolet TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy. An electronically controlled rear air suspension is intended to produce a comfortable ride.

An inline-six-cylinder engine is standard, and it gains 16 horsepower for 2006. A 5.3-liter V-8 is optional. Woodgrain trim is standard on the instrument panel, doors and center console. Side curtain-type airbags are available.

Though it is intended primarily for driving on regular pavement, the all-wheel-drive Rainier offers offroad capability, according to Buick, and is said to be “very capable on . . . an unpaved, two-track road.”

Exterior
For 2006, a new front grille and tri-shield emblem are installed. Sculpted wheel flares and shoulders are meant to enhance the Rainier’s appearance.

Clear headlights have offset high/low beam fixtures. Fog lamps with chrome surrounds are standard. Two-tone front and rear fascias are body-colored over gray, with the gray portion extending into the rocker panels. The Rainier features 17-inch wheels, power rack-and-pinion steering and Bilstein shock absorbers.

Interior
Perforated leather upholstery is standard, and heated front seats are optional. The monochromatic interior features chrome accents and dark woodgrain trim. Standard steering-wheel controls operate the stereo. With the 60/40-split rear seats folded, the Rainier has 80.1 cubic feet of storage space.

The instrument panel features green-needle gauges that are reminiscent of those in the Rendezvous. Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard, and the Rainier is equipped with GM’s OnStar communication system. A navigation system, DVD video system and XM Satellite Radio are optional.

Under the Hood
A 291-hp, 4.2-liter inline-six-cylinder is standard, and a 300-hp, 5.3-liter V-8 is optional. A four-speed automatic is the sole transmission.

Safety
Optional side curtain-type airbags incorporate a new rollover sensing system for 2006. All seating positions have three-point safety belts, and all-disc antilock brakes are standard. GM’s StabiliTrak electronic stability system is also standard.

2006 Buick Rainier review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
As the 2004 model year began, a midsize luxury sport utility vehicle dubbed Rainier joined the Rendezvous “crossover” model in Buick’s lineup. Built with full-frame construction, the Rainier can carry up to five occupants.

Rainiers come with rear- or all-wheel drive. All are built on General Motors’ short-wheelbase midsize SUV architecture, which is also used for the Chevrolet TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy. An electronically controlled rear air suspension is intended to produce a comfortable ride.

An inline-six-cylinder engine is standard, and it gains 16 horsepower for 2006. A 5.3-liter V-8 is optional. Woodgrain trim is standard on the instrument panel, doors and center console. Side curtain-type airbags are available.

Though it is intended primarily for driving on regular pavement, the all-wheel-drive Rainier offers offroad capability, according to Buick, and is said to be “very capable on . . . an unpaved, two-track road.”

Exterior
For 2006, a new front grille and tri-shield emblem are installed. Sculpted wheel flares and shoulders are meant to enhance the Rainier’s appearance.

Clear headlights have offset high/low beam fixtures. Fog lamps with chrome surrounds are standard. Two-tone front and rear fascias are body-colored over gray, with the gray portion extending into the rocker panels. The Rainier features 17-inch wheels, power rack-and-pinion steering and Bilstein shock absorbers.

Interior
Perforated leather upholstery is standard, and heated front seats are optional. The monochromatic interior features chrome accents and dark woodgrain trim. Standard steering-wheel controls operate the stereo. With the 60/40-split rear seats folded, the Rainier has 80.1 cubic feet of storage space.

The instrument panel features green-needle gauges that are reminiscent of those in the Rendezvous. Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard, and the Rainier is equipped with GM’s OnStar communication system. A navigation system, DVD video system and XM Satellite Radio are optional.

Under the Hood
A 291-hp, 4.2-liter inline-six-cylinder is standard, and a 300-hp, 5.3-liter V-8 is optional. A four-speed automatic is the sole transmission.

Safety
Optional side curtain-type airbags incorporate a new rollover sensing system for 2006. All seating positions have three-point safety belts, and all-disc antilock brakes are standard. GM’s StabiliTrak electronic stability system is also standard.

Safety review

Based on the 2006 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
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
4 years / 50,000 miles
Powertrain
4 years / 50,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
4 years / 50,000 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

Consumer reviews

4.5 / 5
Based on 12 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.9
Interior 4.5
Performance 4.6
Value 4.5
Exterior 4.7
Reliability 4.4

Most recent

  • Impressed

    Love the car..I'm a mechanic by trade and the car was actually givin to me for free because it had some engine noise due to a Walmart oil change so I just replaced the v8.didnt think I would like it as much as I do.hit a deer and just bought another for replacement parts.its dependable ok on gas considering it a V8 all wheel drive.interior is nice and roomy tows a trailer great love the air ride..one of the best Cross over suv I have ever owned.
    • 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 4.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Very comfortable and powerful BUICK

    This car meets my expectations to comfort, interior design and the power it has. The ride is smooth and size has been right for what I need a car for. I would buy this model again.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    6 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • I love my Buick

    I have had this car for 8 years. I love it. It is so comfortable. I could get 8n it load my family up and go anywhere. The comfort is amazing.
    • 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 4.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Best vehicle I've owned

    I bought my Rainier when it had 6,800 miles. I only recently sold it with 236,000 miles on it. I tried to find a low-mileage Rainier as a replacement, but apparently everyone who owns one keeps it until it has high mileage. The Rainier was very reliable for me. The only major thing I ever had done was replace the air suspension components. It cost around $1k to do, but was well worth it to keep the excellent ride it always had. It was truly a great vehicle to own and drive, and I'm surprised more people didn't buy one.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • 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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  • Good vehicle; poor dealership support

    The 2006 Rainier is a well-made car; the interior is very nice and well-designed. I've had a few things go wrong with it (including recalls), but the worst part is taking it in to the dealership where I live. They are horrible.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 3.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • loved it

    one problem i hit a pothole and ran over a piece of tire in the road and the frame cracked and ins, company totaled it!!!! had only 90.000 on it was a 2004
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Buying a second one

    My wife and myself purchased a 2005 Rainier in 2008, and between the two of us drove it 140,000 miles. It had 198,000 miles on it when it was in an accident that totaled it. We are buying another for one reason, it is a great car. With good maintenance, The V8 was trouble free for 180,000 miles, ended up needing to change starter at 181,000, The water pump at 190,000 Other than tires, and some other odds and ends it was the best vehicle I have ever owned. We are in the process of purchasing a 2006, because we liked the vehicle so much. We Loved the sound BOSE radio, that is on most of these with a sunroof or the DVD player. It was quiet on the road, I did not have to yell at her to speak at 70mph. It rode like a dream, and the AWD went through the snow like nothing was there... Overall it is a great vehicle, wish they would bring them back.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Great Value for a used vehicle

    I bought the V-8 version of the 06 Buick Ranier. Drives like a dream. Doesn't feel bulky and is easy to maneuver. Love the leather, heateed seats. Great for Michigan winters. It looks and feels like a luxury vehicle without the luxury pricetag. The inside in roomy and can handle large furniture, etc. My has towing capability which I may need in the future. Would recommend.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Most comfortable car

    Feel like I'm seating on my sofa at home when driving. I couldn't hear anything from the outside when all the windows closed. Everything is automatic include lights, stereos system, mirror curb, driving. These automatic are convenient and I couldn't complain about anything.
    • 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?
    Yes No
  • Great little SUV

    This vehicle has been reliable, fun to drive and I get better mileage than they are rated. No bad points at all. Quality built.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Sad to see you go...

    The Rainer was the best Mid-Size SUV the GM motor company has produced to date, and its sad that this was the last year of production. Comfort: Compared to the Envoy and Trailblazer of the current year and past, the Rainer has extra driver and passenger room all around. Being a normal 6'1 foot "big guy", this SUV fit me quiet well. The Envoy and Trail blazer were smaller in the cockpit compared to the Rainer and back seat. Compared to other manufactures of cross overs and current Mid-size Suv's i have yet to find one that is comparable in internal size comfort for my legs and shoulders. Currently i have three Car Seats acrossed the back, it's a tight fit, but it fits. Three Adults in back is tight too, as most Mid-size Suv claim to be 5 seaters they are really 4-Adult seaters. Performance: The stability track is great, the 4.2L I-6 has some strength, the all-wheel drive has got me in and out of just about everything so far (i live in the north, it snows here alot!), and the handling is excellent for an SUV but watch out for that Cross Wind... Exterior: What can you say i like the look, Chrome is everywhere and who doesn't like chrome? Interior: Buttons are all were they are supped to be. You got all the gadgets and gizmos which make impressing your friends easy. The wood trim is a nice touch. The only grip i have about the interior is the cup holders. There is a cup holder position in front of the shifter in the middle console. This cup holder is useless, If you put something in it's place you have to take it out before shifting back into park, or you pinch you finger putting into park and be unable to get your drink out with out smashing it. Come on people don't you ever got to Burger king? Over all: The Rainer will take you for a ride you and your passengers will enjoy and be pleased to have driven for so many miles. Four person Families are perfect for this SUV, the luxuries are a nice touch with a smooth ride. In the end you many just feel teary eyed to let her go.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • "Most comfortable car I have ever owned"

    Wow, what a dream to drive! With standard luxuries, a clean design and lots of room for the whole crowd, this is one of the best SUV's on the market today. My 2006 Rainier handles well, is fun to drive and had a competitive price. It may very well be the best car I have ever purchased. The New Buick's, they're worth taking another look at, if you are planning a quality purchase.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2006 Buick Rainier?

The 2006 Buick Rainier is available in 1 trim level:

  • CXL (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2006 Buick Rainier?

The 2006 Buick Rainier offers up to 16 MPG in city driving and 22 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 2006 Buick Rainier reliable?

The 2006 Buick Rainier has an average reliability rating of 4.4 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2006 Buick Rainier owners.

Is the 2006 Buick Rainier a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2006 Buick Rainier. 91.7% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.5 / 5
Based on 12 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.9
  • Interior: 4.5
  • Performance: 4.6
  • Value: 4.5
  • Exterior: 4.7
  • Reliability: 4.4
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