For many generations, buying a Buick has been a way of saying you've arrived at a certain station in life, an elevated socio-economic plateau. The old Chevy served you well, and while you might still aspire someday to own a Cadillac, you've at least reached the place where you can enjoy some of the finer things, things such as the quiet comfort of a Buick.For one generation, the Buick was the Roadmaster, a car with an image that actually lived up to its name. For another generation, it was the Riviera, a boat-tailed coupe that was part car, part sculpture. Even Regal and Reatta buyers were letting their neighbors and co-workers know that they had stepped up and out of the ordinary. When it was introduced in 2002, the Rendezvous brought a new buyer to Buick dealerships. Two-thirds of Rendezvous buyers are new to the Buick badge, and one-third of Rendezvous buyers are making their first purchase of any General Motors brand. Rendezvous buyers also are much younger than the traditional Buick customer. And now comes Rainier, a truck-based Buick SUV for those who have active lifestyles, perhaps a boat or horse trailer to tow, but who want the perks that only come from Buick.
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