DecodedCars2005 Buick Rainier
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- Cxl 4dr SUV AWD
- Engines
- 4.2L 6-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 16 combined · 14 city / 20 hwy
- Length
- 192.5 in
- Curb weight
- 4,628 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 28 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Buick Rainier is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (4.2L 6-cyl and 5.3L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 193 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,628 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 16 MPG combined (14 city / 20 highway), 11% worse than the 2005 SUV - average of 18 MPG, for an estimated $4,200 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 29 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cxl 4dr SUV AWD | 192.5 in | 75.6 in | 70.1 in | 113 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 4,628 lb | 55/45 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rainier 2WD | 4.2L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -11% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Rainier 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -11% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Rainier AWD | 4.2L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -4% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Rainier AWD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 17 / 15 | -10% | $4,450 | 592 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Buick Rainier under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Buick Rainier (this car) | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser | 13 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2005 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2005 Toyota Highlander | 22 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 17 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe | 16 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2005 GMC Yukon | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Buick Rainier.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2005 Buick Rainier is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 Buick Rainier buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Electrical System — 14 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Exterior Lighting — 9 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 5 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 107,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Buick Rainier. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Rainier years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 Rainier | 17 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 5 | 12 |
| 2006 Rainier | 17 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 5 | 34 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Buick. How we calculate this →