🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Buick Model: Rainier Year: 2007 Codes Platform Code: GMT360 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Mid-size Luxury SUV Positioning: Positioned as a more refined and comfortable alternative to mainstream SUVs, offering V8 power and a premium experience within the GM lineup. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Lincoln Aviator Key Features Engine Options: Available with GM's robust Vortec inline-six and V8 engines, known for their power and durability. Ride Quality: Emphasis on a comfortable and quiet ride, distinguishing it from more truck-like SUVs. Luxury Appointments: Available premium features such as leather upholstery, heated seats, enhanced sound systems, and wood trim. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Main Coverage: 2007 Buick Rainier Engine Options Covered: 4.2L Vortec I6, 5.3L Vortec V8 Drivetrain Options Covered: RWD, AWD Page Count Estimated Page Count: Approx. 350-400 pages (typical for this class of vehicle) Manual Type Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission operation (4-speed automatic) Chassis: Suspension (independent front, solid rear axle), steering, brakes (ABS, traction control), wheels and tires Electrical: Lighting systems, power outlets, accessory operation, instrument cluster, warning indicators, fuses and relays Comfort And Convenience: Climate control (manual and automatic), audio system, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), seating adjustments, interior lighting Safety And Security: Airbags, seat belts, child restraint systems (LATCH), door locks, anti-theft system, tire pressure monitoring system (if equipped) Driver Information: Instrument cluster displays, trip computer functions, warning messages and indicators Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire inflation checks, wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement Do It Yourself: Information on basic maintenance tasks, owner checks Towing: Towing capacity, trailer wiring information, trailer brake controller considerations (if applicable), towing safety practices Emergency Procedures: Jump starting, tire changes, dealing with overheating, brake failure Troubleshooting: Explanation of warning lights and indicators, basic diagnostic information Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive owner-level information, focusing on operation, basic maintenance, and safety. Does not cover in-depth repair procedures or diagnostic codes. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: PDF Print Quality Printability: High-resolution, suitable for printing on standard home/office printers. Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine 1 Variant: 4.2L Vortec Inline-6 Engine 1 Displacement: 4157 cc Engine 1 Horsepower: 275 hp @ 6000 rpm Engine 1 Torque: 275 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm Performance Engine 2 Variant: 5.3L Vortec V8 (LM4) Engine 2 Displacement: 5328 cc Engine 2 Horsepower: 290 hp @ 5200 rpm Engine 2 Torque: 325 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI) Recommended Fuel: 87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline Emissions Control: On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, catalytic converters 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-speed automatic overdrive Transmission Controller: Electronic Optional Optional Transmission: N/A (All Rainier models used the 4L60-E or variant) Features Transmission Features: Tow/Haul mode, driver-selectable gear ranges (where applicable) Fluid Specifications Transmission Fluid Type: Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 113.9 inches (2893 mm) Length: 193.4 inches (4912 mm) Width: 74.7 inches (1897 mm) Height: 70.0 inches (1778 mm) (approx.) Interior Seating Capacity: 5 or 7 passengers (optional third row) Cargo Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row: Approx. 41.8 cubic feet Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row: Approx. 16.9 cubic feet (with 7-passenger configuration) Weights Curb Weight Est Min: 4,600 lbs (approx. for 4.2L RWD) Max Towing Capacity: Up to 6,500 lbs (with 5.3L V8 and proper trailering package) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact Driver: 5 Stars (2007 model year, as per available data for similar GM SUVs on this platform) NHTSA Front Impact Passenger: 5 Stars (2007 model year, as per available data for similar GM SUVs on this platform) NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat: 5 Stars (2007 model year, as per available data for similar GM SUVs on this platform) NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat: 4 Stars (2007 model year, as per available data for similar GM SUVs on this platform) Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Traction Control: Standard Traction Control System (TCS) Stability Control: Optional StabiliTrak Stability Control System Passive Features Airbags: Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, optional side-impact airbags Seat Belts: Three-point seat belts in all seating positions, pretensioners for front seats Child Restraints: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system Tire Pressure Monitoring: Optional Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System Options: Available with AM/FM stereo, CD player, cassette player (early models), and premium Bose® audio system options. Navigation: Optional factory navigation system. Driver Assistance Rear Parking Assist: Optional Rear Parking Assist system. Connectivity Onstar: Available OnStar® in-vehicle safety and communication system integration. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 7,500 miles or...
Jump starting, tire changes, dealing with overheating, brake failure
Troubleshooting:
Explanation of warning lights and indicators, basic diagnostic information
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive owner-level information, focusing on operation, basic maintenance, and safety. Does not cover in-depth repair procedures or diagnostic codes.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Format:
PDF
Print Quality
Printability:
High-resolution, suitable for printing on standard home/office printers.
Up to 6,500 lbs (with 5.3L V8 and proper trailering package)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars (2007 model year, as per available data for similar GM SUVs on this platform)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars (2007 model year, as per available data for similar GM SUVs on this platform)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
5 Stars (2007 model year, as per available data for similar GM SUVs on this platform)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
4 Stars (2007 model year, as per available data for similar GM SUVs on this platform)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Optional StabiliTrak Stability Control System
Passive Features
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, optional side-impact airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts in all seating positions, pretensioners for front seats
Child Restraints:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Optional Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System Options:
Available with AM/FM stereo, CD player, cassette player (early models), and premium Bose® audio system options.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system.
Driver Assistance
Rear Parking Assist:
Optional Rear Parking Assist system.
Connectivity
Onstar:
Available OnStar® in-vehicle safety and communication system integration.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Consult manual for severe conditions.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles
Engine Coolant Replacement:
Initial change at 5 years or 150,000 miles, then every 2 years or 60,000 miles thereafter (for Dex-Cool coolant).
Transmission Fluid Service:
Check at every oil change. Replacement interval typically around 100,000 miles, but can vary based on driving conditions. Consult manual for specific guidance.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 quarts (4.3 L) for 4.2L I6, 5.5 quarts (5.2 L) for 5.3L V8 (with filter)
Coolant Type:
GM Recommended DEX-COOL® (Orange coolant)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3
Known Issues
Common Concern 1:
Rear main seal leaks (common on GM inline-six and V8 engines of this era).
Common Concern 2:
Cooling system issues, including radiator leaks and water pump failures.
Common Concern 3:
Potential for fuel pump issues over time.
Common Concern 4:
Minor electrical glitches or sensor issues are not uncommon in vehicles of this age.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Context:
Buick, established in 1899, is one of America's oldest automotive brands, historically known for its comfortable, stylish, and quiet vehicles.
Model Evolution
Platform Sharing:
The Rainier is based on GM's GMT360 platform, shared with the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, Oldsmobile Bravada, Saab 9-7X, and Isuzu Ascender.
Production Period:
The Buick Rainier was produced for a relatively short period, from the 2004 to 2007 model years, serving as Buick's entry into the mid-size SUV market during that era.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
GM's Moraine, Ohio, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, assembly plants (alongside its platform siblings).
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Trophy Awards:
While specific awards for the Buick Rainier are not widely publicized, its platform siblings (like the TrailBlazer) received general praise for their V8 power and SUV capabilities in their debut years.
Ratings
Consumer Reports:
Consumer Reports ratings for the Rainier varied over its production run, with general commentary on its comfortable ride but mixed reliability scores compared to some Japanese competitors.