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Buick Rainier (GMT360) 2003-2007
The Buick Rainier was a mid-size luxury SUV sold by the Buick division of General Motors. Introduced for 2004 to replace the Oldsmobile Bravada, the Rainier was the first SUV sold under the Buick marque (the unibody Rendezvous might also qualify, as it is classified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as a light truck) since the 1920s, and was the first body-on-frame V8-powered Buick since the 1996 Roadmaster. It is also the first rear-wheel drive Buick since the Roadmaster. The Rainier was only available in a 5-passenger configuration, yet was one of only four GMT360 SUVs to offer a V8 engine in this configuration along with the GMC Envoy Denali, Saab 9-7X 5.3i, and Chevrolet TrailBlazer LT (Optional) and SS. Both rear and all-wheel drive models were offered. An upscale CXL trim added a better Bose stereo and XM Satellite Radio.
Most of the Rainier's body styling was a direct transfer from the Oldsmobile Bravada, with a new front fascia bearing a resemblance to other Buick models. Buick also debuted the QuietTuning sound insulation on the Rainier. Buick's QuietTuning involved designing a vehicle with sound dampening features like triple door seals, acoustic laminate glass, and thicker sound-absorbing pads on the hood and firewall.
The Rainier (as well as the Rendezvous crossover and Terraza minivan) were replaced by a new crossover SUV, the Enclave, on the GM Lambda platform for 2008, spelling the end for a rear-wheel drive Buick once again.
However, GM ended production of the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, and Saab 9-7X after the 2009 model year according to the GM Fleet website. The last of those three rolled off the line on December 23, 2008, because of the Moraine plant closing.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the 2004 Rainer an overall Marginal score for front impacts while the 2005 and newer models are given an Acceptable score. In side impacts the Rainer was given an overall Marginal score with side airbags present.
[SIZE="1"]Source: wikipedia.org[/SIZE]
