Overview & Reviews

At its debut for the 2002 model year, the Buick Rendezvous midsize crossover SUV was touted as a cross between a luxury sedan, an SUV and a minivan. But in reality, the Rendezvous didn't offer the level of interior design and driving excitement that luxury car buyers expected. And although Buick's crossover could seat up to seven and had the requisite fold-flat third-row seat, it was too small to appeal to minivan buyers, and it didn't have much of a styling advantage over them anyway.

An optional all-wheel-drive system made the Rendezvous a less costly alternative to true SUVs for buyers needing a snow vehicle, but otherwise this Buick wasn't particularly rugged. Over the years, the Rendezvous fell behind the rest of the crossover SUV crowd, which exploded into a very competitive market dominated by the leading import brands.

Rather than update the Rendezvous, Buick decided to halt production midway through the 2007 model year. For used car consumers who can accept the Rendezvous' faults, it could still prove to be an affordable, practical choice for a family vehicle. But we think the vast majority of shoppers would be better served by other, more refined crossovers, including Buick's own Enclave.

Most Recent Buick Rendezvous
Sold from 2002 through the first half of 2007, the Buick Rendezvous was typically offered in two basic trim levels, CX and CXL. There was also a high-line Rendezvous Ultra model in 2004 and '05. Since Buick considered the Rendezvous a premium crossover, even the base CX trim came with a decent list of standard features, including keyless entry, power accessories, air-conditioning and a CD player. The Rendezvous CX came with a five-passenger seating arrangement.

You could pick up a third-row seat on the CXL as a standard or optional feature, depending on the model year. This was also your ticket to leather upholstery, power front seats, automatic dual-zone climate control, wood-tone cabin trim and alloy wheels. In addition to a more powerful engine, the Ultra model came with second-row captain's chairs (dropping seating capacity to six), satellite radio and a head-up display. These items were moved to the CXL's options list when the Ultra was discontinued.

But Buick stopped short of its competitors when it came to high-end amenities. Key safety features like ABS and front-seat side airbags were moved to the options list after the '02 model year, and items like stability control and side curtain airbags were never available. Buick did at least offer a DVD-based navigation system (starting in 2004) and a rear DVD entertainment system (starting in 2003) as options.

Although the Rendezvous' interior design and materials were better than most General Motors fare of the time, it wasn't quite up to import-brand standards. It was, however, one of the roomier crossover SUVs on the market, with plenty of passenger room in the front and back. It wasn't quite a minivan substitute, though, as the third row was best left to the kids. Cargo room was generous, too (with a maximum capacity of 109 cubic feet), though Buick's packaging of the third-row seat made for an uneven load floor.

Three different engines were offered on the Buick Rendezvous, and all were paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. For 2002 and '03, the only choice was a 3.4-liter V6 with 185 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque. Acceleration was sluggish, but fuel economy was above average for this class. In 2004 and '05, you could get either this engine or, on the Ultra model, a more sophisticated 3.6-liter DOHC V6 good for 245 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque. For 2006, Buick replaced the old 3.4-liter with a more vigorous 3.5-liter V6 rated at 201 hp and 216 lb-ft of torque. It still wasn't a very refined engine for this class, but acceleration was improved. The 3.6-liter V6 remained optional for '06, but was discontinued at the end of the model year.

All-wheel drive (AWD) was standard on all 2002 Rendezvous models, but lower-cost front-wheel-drive versions were added the following year. Oddly, AWD was discontinued altogether for 2007, making the Buick Rendezvous the only crossover SUV not to offer any kind of all-weather capability.

In road tests we found the Rendezvous similar to most other Buicks in its driving characteristics, which is to say it focused on comfort at the expense of road feel. The vehicle's handling was sloppy, with considerable body roll around most corners. Neither the 3.4-liter nor the 3.5-liter engine was particularly competitive when it came to response or refinement, and the four-speed automatic's wide gear ratios didn't take full advantage of the power reserves. Although Rendezvous models equipped with the 3.6-liter V6 still had this old-tech transmission, they felt much stronger during passing and merging maneuvers. The 3.6-liter's power delivery was smoother and quieter as well.

Consumer reviews of the Buick Rendezvous have generally been favorable, as owners are pleased with its combination of interior space, ride comfort, fuel economy and overall value. Resale value has never been a strong point for the Rendezvous, so if you're in need of an affordable family vehicle, it might be worth a look on the used car market. We'd advise you to zero in on 2004-'06 models equipped with the 3.6-liter V6.

User Reviews:

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  Sows EAR - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Jack - February 2 - 4:16 pm

  My 3rd Buick and my Last. This could have been a great car if reliability had been there. Head gasket replaced at 55k and 175k, air conditioning condenser, power steering pump, 3 wheel bearings, 4th gear on transmission failed, rear ball joints replaced. All of these identified by service bulletins but cost me just more than $10,000 in repairs with no relief from GM except the first head gasket. Last jab is being left no residual value on resale. GM makes the mistakes and the customer pays. What a disappointment. GM should learn that reputation not just made on successes but how you handle the failures. In this case GM made the customer pay. Losing market share GM? Wonder why? You shouldnt!

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  Buick Rendezvous Overall Review - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By Rendezvous CX - November 9 - 3:30 pm

  We have been very unhappy with this vehicle. The fuel economy has been terrible, average 16 mpg with a mix of highway and city driving. My husband is 64 and when he is driving my children have no room for their legs in the back seat. A car seat is out of the question behind him. We have the split reclining middle row, not sure if this is why. But, my kids absolutely hate this car. Numerous problems, serviced the next day after purchase and should go in again but am to busy and because this is a lease Im leaving with the noisy turns, poor gas mileage, poor leg room for children and the interior roof coming apart in the back. Rear seat belts end up under the folding seat, hard to get.

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  Paint it Yellow - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Sassy - August 10 - 6:44 pm

  What a lemon! Back hatch lock broke, the handle to close the hatch broke, the pumps that raise a lower the back hatch have broken several times. Switch has locked up several times, overhead sunglasses compartment has been replaced twice because it has fallen down and just hangs there. Battery didnt even last the first year. The front end doesnt stay aligned, 2 new tires, now it looks like we will have to put on another 2 tires. The upholstery is stained, not scotchguarded at all. I thought Buick was top of the line, well, the one we got is at the end of the line. Will definitely not buy another GM product, will go with Honda or Toyota. Had to buy extended warranty just to stay afloat

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  Never Buy a Used Rendevous - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Pat Z. - August 8 - 1:16 pm

  I bought 2002 with less than 28000 miles on it. One year later with 38000 I have had to replace/repair to the tune of over $3500. The gas tank sensor, drivers power window motor, cooling system gaskets, ignition module, a/c sensor module and rear chassis springs and finally the main computer (this is the only repair covered by Buick). I am a 58 yr old woman and the SUV was serviced regularly at the Buick garage, My Buick dealer has been great thru all of this.Supplying me with a loaner etc. Buick however, did nothing! I am trading this piece of junk in on anything that is not a Buick.

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  Why did I buy this car? - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Judi - June 25 - 10:28 pm

  This is not a good SUV for a short person. The huge side mirrors block view from all angles. The overhead tailgate is unbelievably difficult to close. Tailgate interior strap broke last week, and tonight, the overhead interior glasses case clasp broke and is now hanging interfering with the rear view mirror. The third row seats are extremely difficult to return to a sitting position. Overall, very poor interior design.

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  I call this the Buick death trap - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Laura - April 10 - 3:25 pm

  My car has had one problem after another. Do not buy one. I call it the death trap because I will drive down the freeway anywhere from 30 to 70 miles and my car will shut off. No warning signs! The worst part is it stops like I have slammed the brakes, eveything in my car goes flying. So there my car will sit from 70mph to 0 mph in a matter of seconds. You cant steer it off the road, you just have to pray no one hits you. GM can not fix it, so I guess I have to wear my seatbelt, and I am thinking of getting a bumper sticker letting people know my car will stop instantly to prevent accidents.

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  More GM junk - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By ken kondrat - February 10 - 6:25 am

  We bought this vehicle because it has enough head room for me to drive it. I am 67" and I do not fit in many vehicles GM makes. The full size pickups have less head room. During warranty they changed 3 front wheel bearings, stereo speakers and 2 starters. Now at 88,000 miles the intake manifold gasket is bad and I am getting quotes from $400.00 to $1200. A piece of Mexican made junk!

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  Worst car ever owned - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By melissa - January 30 - 2:10 am

  This is the worst and most unsafe car I have ever owned or driven! Heard this was a flop from GM. The car rocks like a boat when driving and on highways the car is pushed when passing of a truck or bigger vehicle. Computer system in this car is a nightmare! Constantly in the shop! Biggest and costliest mistake!

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  WarrantyExpires... so does this car - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By DisgruntledBuickRez - November 15 - 10:00 am

  Was a great car until the warranty expired.... Summary of our ownership experience between 36000 and 47359 miles: * Left Front Wheel Bearing $400 * Right Front Wheel Bearing $400 * Condenser for Air Conditioning $820 (hard to believe but true) * Fuel Pump (died on the road) $400 (estimated; theyre working on it now... And I still have 3 1/2 years of payments left. This feels ugly. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR WITHOUT AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. I have only read a few of these reviews and there are others with many of the same problems. Buick acknowledges the AC Condenser and wheel bearings are "known problems" meaning lots of failures, but wont hel

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  Not a good option - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Denise - September 25 - 7:45 am

  Lets just say this vehicle has been in the shop more than it has been out. Right now it has a major mechanical problem and it has less than 100,000 miles. The Chevrolet dealership is baffled as to what the problem is. This problem affects the headlights and brakelights, so this is a major safety concern to me. They basically just turn off along with everything else in the dash while your driving.