Like the Envoy there's plenty of room inside to get comfortable, but surprisingly a 7-occupant version is not available. As far as hauling gear the rear seat folds 60/40 opening up 2,269 L (80.1 cu ft) of luggage space. Even with the seats upright 1,127 L (39.8 cu ft) is still better than average.

Although there is plenty of room inside Buick's new SUV for 5 and their luggage, a 7-occupant version is not available. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

Regarding better than average, Buick sits in an admirable position within GM's ranks as the most reliable brand according to J. D. Powers and Associates 2003 Vehicle Dependability Study ranked by nameplate. Not only does it rate well within GM, but annihilates the majority of its competition in third place out of thirty-seven automakers, only beaten by Lexus and Infiniti. It fairs well in J. D. Powers' 2003 Initial Quality Study (IQS) too, placing fifth. While Buick deserves praise for its placement in these well respected surveys, it would be tough to argue a case for an initial quality or reliability edge over its Chevy, GMC and Oldsmobile siblings that are virtually identical to the Rainier.

Buick sits in an admirable position within GM's ranks as the most reliable brand according to J. D. Powers and Associates 2003 Vehicle Dependability Study. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

The Rainier's biggest question mark comes down to price. When I had initially previewed the truck in this website, I estimated it to start at about $44,000. While I thought even that was a little steep, I couldn't have expected it to come in at $49,245. That makes it more expensive than a host of vehicles offering similar base power, 5-speed transmissions instead of 4, and more standard features, plus the advantage of being created as premium vehicles instead of gussied up from lower brands. In my preview I was low with regards to its fully loaded price too, expecting $54,000 and find out the 2004 model tops out at $58,330. I don't know about you, but that seems like a lot of money for what in the end is a glorified Trailblazer, air suspension or not.