The pickup & passing power of the V8 as well as the smooth quiet ride - Anyone for a roadtrip?!
Least favorite feature:
Lack of decent cupholders and the side mirror button could be in a better spot - more small storage areas for sunglasses etc
Advice to buyer:
If you need a truck that can tow, give an exceptionally quite and smooth ride and you like to travel by car (truck) this is it hands down! Drive one you will be impressed
Detailed review:
I have spent 5-6 months researching and driving just about EVERY midsized SUV out there and Buick has done just about everything you should do in an SUV. I LOVE how QUIET it is - even at highway speeds. The ride to is VERY SMOOTH! Those who think it should corner better or be less squishy - buy a sports car or a Quad bike. This is a truck that doesn't drive hard like a truck. I got the V8 and couldn't be happier. You cant find a truck this size that has the pulling power of a V8 or the highway jump for a SUV. I wouldn't even think about the V6! As for gas milage - its 4000 lbs - if you don't like it get a GEO! Anyone who buys a truck and is concerned about gas milage shouldn't buy one! The foreign SUV's may give you more value for the money but don't have the GRUNT of the V8 - the interior room, quietness or plushness of this truck! I would NEVER buy a Ford Explorer - Just a hunk of junk compared to this Buick. (By the way I owned a Explorer and towed a Snowmobile and the truck could barely climb a hill or pass a Fully Loaded Garbage Truck on the highway. And the fit and finish on the Ford is Crap! Just about everythig from the shock on the hatch - the seatbelt strap holder - the door handle cover - switches for the HVAC and radio ALL CAME LOOSE OR FELL OFF! Quality is NOT JOB 1 at Ford!)
The radio controls and steering wheel controls are VERY EASY to use - love the heated seats (back and all) The view of the road is great and room in all seats is excellent (I am 6')Cargo room is excellent and the seats fold flat for extra room. OnStar is awesome! 6 disk changer in dash is great and sound is crystal clear! Everyone who has been in our truck (it's really my wifes!) has been overly impressed. Those who own Rendezvous will be purchasing a Rainier in future. And those who own the big Yukons etc. will be looking at the Rainier in the V8. I am glad i am the FIRST on the block to own one - because anyone who drives one will be getting one soon! My wife couldn't be happier and after our first snowfall (2 days ago) I passed everything on the road - even the snowplow with ease and traction is excellent with the AWD. I can rest assured that when my wife is driving in bad weather that she is in good care with this truck! If price bothers you then haggle! - I got almost $10,000 off list with REBATES and option packages (not that you need a lot of options as it comes with just about everything you need!) and dealer haggling. Buick dealers want this truck on the road because the more it gets seen the more it will sell!
Also considered:
2005 Nissan Pathfinder
2005 Lincoln Aviator
2005 Dodge Durango
Vehicle purchased:
2005 Buick Rainier
About This Reviewer...
Name:
M Davis
Location:
Oak Brook, Illinois
Other vehicles owned:
2001 Nissan Maxima
1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
2003 Audi A4
Review submitted:
December 13, 2004
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