New Car Profile of the 2004 Buick Rainer Mid-Size Sport Utility Vehicle

Description: Mid-Size Sport Utility Vehicle
Base MSRP Range: $35,295-$38,295
Invoice Price Range: $31,942-$34,657

This SUV looks big but refined and decidedly like a Buick, due to a rounded prow that prominently displays the Buick signature of an oval grille in chrome inset with vertical bars and Buick's tri-shield insignia.

Rainier's agile nature and smooth ride quality are the result of a rigid ladder-frame chassis with one-piece steel rails running the length of the wagon.

For locomotion, Rainier presents V6 and V8 engine choices. Standard is the 4.6-liter in-line-six with 275 hp. Optional is a 5.3-liter V8 that runs to 290 hp.

In the cabin, a luxurious environment in monochromatic hues has personal comfort as the theme.

A pair of bucket seats in front stands beside a central console with multiple functions. Legroom for the rear three-person bench is ample. The seatback splits into sections and folds down to fashion a flat floor in the cargo bay with double the space at 85 cubic feet.

Rainier comes with a high content of standard equipment like power windows and locks and mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate system, OnStar telecommunications with a DVD-based navigation system, and perforated leather upholstery with front seats adding armrests and power controls plus memory.