Buick Rainier takes its name from the 14,410-foot mountain in Washington and from the royal family of Monaco. One of the Rainier's designers told us that Mount Rainier "reflects majesty with ruggedness and independence," while the late Grace Kelly and her husband's family symbolize "quality, sophistication and elegance."

The Buick Rainier is based on the GM360 platform, a mid-size, truck-based SUV also marketed as the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, and Isuzu Ascender. It's a solid platform featuring a frame that incorporates hydroformed steel members for optimum strength and rigidity. This strong frame helps Rainier tow up to 6,700 pounds.

Rainier features unique styling cues to differentiate it from the other GM models, including a distinct grille, hood, front quarter panels and rear hatch door. Its large, oval-shaped grille helps soften the boxy SUV architecture. The upper section of the chrome grille provides a bold background for the Buick name, with a large Buick tri-shield badge set in the midst of the grille's vertical bars. The Rainier's face also includes wide, three-element headlamps, with separate fog lights and side marker lights in the lower front fascia. A creased hood lends an elegant strength to the Rainier's appearance.

Rainier's stance is enhanced by Buick-exclusive, eight-spoke brushed aluminum wheels. Six-spoke aluminum wheels with a polished finish have been added as an option on 2005 models. Just as the front grille alerts you to the fact that this SUV is a Buick, the rear view includes a prominent chrome eyebrow bearing the Buick name as part of the license-plate holder. The rear liftgate features a separate glass hatch to offer quick access to the cargo area. Lifting the rear hatch requires some initial effort, however.

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