291 hp and including an oil cooler for the transmission. If that’s not enough power for you, opt for the Vortec 5300 and you’ll pick up 302 hp in a 5.3 liter unit plus active management technology for fuel consumption. The transmission configuration on both engines is an electronically controlled four-speed with overdrive.

Inside you’re ready for all circumstances, with three power outlets, climate control over two zones and individual settings for the driver and front passenger. The lighting system includes theater-like dimming and for the backseat navigator a map light is present. Full air bag protection shields the driver and passenger with first and second row outside positions covered by side bags. All are regulated by sensor controlled deployment systems.

Incuded audio in the 2007 Buick Ranier is a combo unit plus a cassette player and XM Satellite Radio can be added. Volume varies according to vehicle speed and the TheftLock system is present. Upgrades will gain a changer in the dash to handle six CDs and MP3 capability. Backseat passengers have their own audio controls and jacks for headphones plus the option for a DVD system.

Both models were also available with either rear wheel drive or all wheel drive, though the all wheel drive system did not have a low range which made the increased traction better suited for wet or snow covered paved roads than off road excursions. One of the most impressive features of the Rainier was its 6700 pound tow rating. Another worthwhile standard feature that really worked was something that was termed ‘Quiet Tuning’, which was basically the inclusion of sound deadening materials that were positioned around the engine, doors and quarter panels to decrease road noise inside the cabin. Enhancing this concept was the addition of an acoustic laminate material over the windshield and front side windows.

The CXL Plus trim was removed from the lineup in 2005, leaving behind the CXL as the lone model. Standard features included 17 inch wheels, power operated leather seats and dual zone automatic climate control. Additional features could be purchased separately as stand alone options or option packages that grouped some of the more popular creature comforts. For the 2006 model year, the inline 6 cylinder was modified to increase horsepower to 291 and a much needed stability control system was added as part of the standard equipment package. The 2007 model saw the addition of the OnStar navigation system.

The Buick Rainier entered the SUV market at the right time and consistently offered more than adequate powertrains and a quiet ride, but its lack of refinement, features and its unreliable handling eventually contributed to its demise as more flexibly designed and full featured vehicles took the lion’s share of SUV sales. The Rainer was replaced for the 2008 model year by the Buick Enclave.

The driver and passenger have full protection from a comprensive system of airbags including a side unit and a sensor system. Car seats are secured in place with the standard LATCH system and rear door have child locks. Overall vehicle security is entrusted to the PASS-Key III system.

Front occupants enjoy manual controls for lumbar and recline adjustments in the standard bucket seats. The base upholstery package is cloth with leather appointments in the CXL with suede optional. Flip and fold seats occupy the second and third row positions. On the list of accessory options you’ll find a liner for the cargo area and an adjustable system of dividers.

Look for a standard audio unit with RDS and volume compensated for vehicle speed in the 2007 Buick Rendezvous. TheftLock is in place and you get an equalizer you can program and six speakers throughout the vehicle. Upgrades will get you a box with touchscreen navigation as well as DVD entertainment in the back and XM Satellite Radio.

The Rendezvous also marks Buick’s foray into the SUV arena. The vehicle is based on the minivan platform shared by the Pontiac Montana and the Pontiac Aztek.

General Motors launched the Rendezvous in 2002. Since its launch, the carmaker was been promoting the Rendezvous as a car with the features of a luxury sedan, the ability of an SUV and the convenience of a minivan. However, the hype fizzled out soon after, and Buick had to replace the Rendezvous with the Enclave in the 2008 model year. Experts blame this on Buick’s failure to combine and perfect those traits in the Rendezvous. Nevertheless, one can’t deny the rock-solid engineering, useful flexibility and striking appearance that came with the Rendezvous.

The SUV from Buick comes with three varied engine specifications in its 2002, 2005 and 2006 versions. The 2002 version comes with a 3.4-liter V6 engine generating 185 horsepower and 210 pound per foot of torque. In 2005, you will find a more refined 3.6-liter DOHC V6 offering 245 hp and 235 lb of torque. The 2006 edition offers a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 201 hp and 216 lb of torque. One aspect that remained unchanged despite the power train variation is the four-speed automatic transmission system.

Another key factor that proved to be quite a letdown for the Rendezvous was its interior design and materials. GM could have spent more time on it as Buick intended the Rendezvous to give other SUV leaders a run for their money. However, you can’t ignore that the passenger room in the front and back along with the 109 cubic feet of cargo space gives the SUV a spacious feel.

The dull interior design and poor styling have all contributed to the downfall of the Rendezvous. Even more baffling is that Buick discontinued production of the crossover SUV midway through the 2007 model year, without making a sincere attempt to come up with an improved version of the Rendezvous. All those shortcomings notwithstanding, the Buick Rendezvous has been able to place among the most preferred family vehicle.

The FWD models can tow 2,000 lbs.; 3,500 with the trailering package. You’ll get 136.5 cubic feet maximum for cargo with seating for seven.

Both the driver and passenger are covered by two stage airbags. All rows are covered by side bags. With OnStar standard and the LATCH system incorproated for child seats, the Terraza emphasizes safety at all levels. Keyless access and ignition via the remote compliment a deterrent alarm system that includes a mechanism to kill the engine to thwart a thief. As an added caveat, the CXL can be outfitted with a Mobility Prep Package that prepares the vehicle for handicapped use by bringing the floor down, removing its coverings, and taking out the second row.

Crank up your tunes on the 2007 Buick Terraza’s eight-speaker combo audio system with MP3 capability and enjoy volume control tied to vehicle speed. Real audiophiles can opt for a six-disc changer in the dash or one with an integrated navigation system that is touchscreen based. Both the CX Plus and CXL can carry a DVD system to the rear and include equipment for XM Satellite radio.

The 2007 edition of the Terraza features a 3.9L V-6 engine coupled with variable valve timing and variable intake technology delivering 240 horsepower and a 240 lb. of torque. The engine is also equipped with a Hydra-Matic 4T65 automatic overdrive transaxle.

If you turn the clock back two years, you will find that the vehicle hit the market with a 3.5L High Value V6 engine that generates 200 hp and a 220 lb. of torque. In 2006, the crossover sport van tried to reinvent itself with a 3.9L LZ9 V6 engine capable of churning out 240hp and 240 lb. of torque.

General Motors introduced the vehicle to keep its luxury minivan segment alive and kicking after the Oldsmobile Silhouette made its exit in 2004. During that time, GM was also manufacturing the Chevrolet Uplander, the Pontiac Montana SV6 and the Saturn Relay. The Terraza was developed alongside those vehicles in Doraville, Georgia.

The Terraza has combined all the features required to offer its buyers a smooth, quiet and luxurious ride. However, this vehicle doesn’t seem to work with consumers who are looking for a sportier car like the crossover SUVs. The minivan market bore the brunt of that sudden shift of allegiance. The sales of the Buick Terraza dropped so drastically that General Motors had no other option but to quit the minivan market. Most likely the two-year time span was too short for Terraza to make an impression. The Terraza made way for the Buick Enclave in the 2008 model year; however the time hasn’t really come to write the obituary for the Terraza. Who knows, GM could spring a surprise with a redesigned Buick Terraza in the future.

RWD from $32,285 and an AWD from $34,305. In both you’re getting rear volume of 43.7 cubic feet behind the back seat with a turning distance of 36.4 feet from one curb to the other. Buick puts a Vortec 4200 V6 under the hood producing 291 hp and including an oil cooler for the transmission. If that’s not enough power for you, opt for the Vortec 5300 and you’ll pick up 302 hp in a 5.3 liter unit plus active management technology for fuel consumption. The transmission configuration on both engines is an electronically controlled four-speed with overdrive.

Inside you’re ready for all circumstances, with three power outlets, climate control over two zones and individual settings for the driver and front passenger. The lighting system includes theater-like dimming and for the backseat navigator a map light is present. Full air bag protection shields the driver and passenger with first and second row outside positions covered by side bags. All are regulated by sensor controlled deployment systems.

Incuded audio in the 2007 Buick Ranier is a combo unit plus a cassette player and XM Satellite Radio can be added. Volume varies according to vehicle speed and the TheftLock system is present. Upgrades will gain a changer in the dash to handle six CDs and MP3 capability. Backseat passengers have their own audio controls and jacks for headphones plus the option for a DVD system.

It was the first SUV with the Buick emblem, but shared the same truck based platform as the Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy and Oldsmobile Bravada 5 passenger midsize SUVs. Although the Rainier was intended to be the luxury model amongst its brethren with a slightly different exterior style and a few more comfort features, it received only minor changes throughout its lifetime and the continual use of sub par materials, sloppy handling and restrictive design prevented the Rainier from becoming much more than a big mistake.

On a positive note, the Rainier was continually equipped with the same strong powertrain from 2004 until 2007. Initially offered in a CXL and CXL Plus trim, both models came standard with a 4.2 inline 6 cylinder that delivered 275 horsepower mated to a 4 speed automatic transmission. A more powerful V8 engine was optional, producing 290 horsepower, and both engines accelerated well. Both models were also available with either rear wheel drive or all wheel drive, though the all wheel drive system did not have a low range which made the increased traction better suited for wet or snow covered paved roads than off road excursions. One of the most impressive features of the Rainier was its 6700 pound tow rating. Another worthwhile standard feature that really worked was something that was termed ‘Quiet Tuning’, which was basically the inclusion of sound deadening materials that were positioned around the engine, doors and quarter panels to decrease road noise inside the cabin. Enhancing this concept was the addition of an acoustic laminate material over the windshield and front side windows.

The CXL Plus trim was removed from the lineup in 2005, leaving behind the CXL as the lone model. Standard features included 17 inch wheels, power operated leather seats and dual zone automatic climate control. Additional features could be purchased separately as stand alone options or option packages that grouped some of the more popular creature comforts. For the 2006 model year, the inline 6 cylinder was modified to increase horsepower to 291 and a much needed stability control system was added as part of the standard equipment package. The 2007 model saw the addition of the OnStar navigation system.

The Buick Rainier entered the SUV market at the right time and consistently offered more than adequate powertrains and a quiet ride, but its lack of refinement, features and its unreliable handling eventually contributed to its demise as more flexibly designed and full featured vehicles took the lion’s share of SUV sales. The Rainer was replaced for the 2008 model year by the Buick Enclave.

Terraza is equipped with a 3.9-liter V6 engine producing 240 hp and outfitted with a four-speed automatic transmission. The FWD models can tow 2,000 lbs.; 3,500 with the trailering package. You’ll get 136.5 cubic feet maximum for cargo with seating for seven.

Both the driver and passenger are covered by two stage airbags. All rows are covered by side bags. With OnStar standard and the LATCH system incorproated for child seats, the Terraza emphasizes safety at all levels. Keyless access and ignition via the remote compliment a deterrent alarm system that includes a mechanism to kill the engine to thwart a thief. As an added caveat, the CXL can be outfitted with a Mobility Prep Package that prepares the vehicle for handicapped use by bringing the floor down, removing its coverings, and taking out the second row.

Crank up your tunes on the 2007 Buick Terraza’s eight-speaker combo audio system with MP3 capability and enjoy volume control tied to vehicle speed. Real audiophiles can opt for a six-disc changer in the dash or one with an integrated navigation system that is touchscreen based. Both the CX Plus and CXL can carry a DVD system to the rear and include equipment for XM Satellite radio.

The 2007 edition of the Terraza features a 3.9L V-6 engine coupled with variable valve timing and variable intake technology delivering 240 horsepower and a 240 lb. of torque. The engine is also equipped with a Hydra-Matic 4T65 automatic overdrive transaxle.

If you turn the clock back two years, you will find that the vehicle hit the market with a 3.5L High Value V6 engine that generates 200 hp and a 220 lb. of torque. In 2006, the crossover sport van tried to reinvent itself with a 3.9L LZ9 V6 engine capable of churning out 240hp and 240 lb. of torque.

General Motors introduced the vehicle to keep its luxury minivan segment alive and kicking after the Oldsmobile Silhouette made its exit in 2004. During that time, GM was also manufacturing the Chevrolet Uplander, the Pontiac Montana SV6 and the Saturn Relay. The Terraza was developed alongside those vehicles in Doraville, Georgia.

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