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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  Please Dont Purchase - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Nikki Smith - July 25 - 11:59 am

  We bought this car in March for room. We traded in a Toyota Camry for it. The day after we drove it home, the air conditoning went out , and took 3 days to fix. Then on Memorial Day weekend , it went dead on me in another town, and we had to find a ride home. That was another couple of weeks without the ca,r and the dealership couldnt find out what was wrong with it. 2 weeks later, it left me on the side of the road again with a 2 month old. By the time of my 3rd payment, I hadnt actually had the car 3 weeks. No one could find out what was wrong, and the dealership wouldnt take it back. Still having problems. A bad experience.

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  Worried about Relliability - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Family man - May 24 - 3:54 pm

  We bought our Rendezvous instead of a minivan because of the looks and minivan functionability. In many respects this is an acceptable vehicle. It it definitely underpowered and this shows up in fuel economy in hilly terrain. In a car that is less than three years old, we have had electrical problems that have left us stranded. Since my wife carts our two children in it most of the time, this lapse in reliability is a serious issue for us. The first time the dealer said is was a dead battery. Then, 2,000 miles out of warranty it was the computer ($500 out of pocket). Now, they think it is the ignition switch (around $200). It seems like a systemic problem that GM is not acknowledging.

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  Horrible vehicle - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Mary Scott - March 4 - 1:02 am

  We have had nothing but one problem after the other. The First year we have had the front end aligned 5 times & purchase new tires, A/C motor replaced, reinstalled front fender assembly 2 times (plastic push pins), heater core replaced, back hatch recall. The dang thing will not move on snow or wet ground. It has spun me around backwards while going down the road 2 times. No power, bad mpg. Bad road & wind noise. I get a horrible back ache if I drive it over 2 hours. My Oldsmobile would hold more in the trunk than this thing will in the back seat and cargo. Cannot see out of it. I never park where I have to back up. Big mirrors that are useless except for blind spot. Dangerous vehicle

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  bad brakes on 2003 cxl - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By joe cosentino - February 12 - 2:00 am

  at 20,000 miles I just had the second set of brakes installed. Also the hubs for the all wheel drive needed to be replaced at 19,000 miles. back hatch opens when a bump is hit on the road. hatch will not go all the way up (keep hitting your head) lift shocks were changed at 3000 miles but they do the same thing as the originals did

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  What was I thinking? - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Chad - February 5 - 3:19 am

  Bought it fully loaded for $34K. In two years the trade-in value is $13K. YIKES! This vehicle is a horrible value, and way under powered. Only 185hp. Can you say slug? Third row is useless. We have to have people go in from the back and climb over the seat. Not too functional. And when the seat is up, you can only fit a couple of bags behind the seat. Have been trying to work some magic and trade it in for a 2005 Odyssey. But I really dont want to eat $6K on the trade! Looks like I will have to hang in there for a little longer and try to get it even. Please do not buy a Rendezvous! Do your checkbook and your family a favor and buy something with lasting value and function!

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  9000 mile 2005 Rendevous bad apple - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Virginia Rhem - January 25 - 4:35 pm

  I had looked forward to this new SUV and with only 9000 miles, it is in shop every other week. New tires at 4000 miles, rear door hatch broke, key assembly broke, noise in steering that GM says is something non-repairable, many more problems. Dealership where purchased horrible to deal with. Found another one who has been more helpful....But I am so disappointed.

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  Bad news - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By byeGM - December 30 - 11:51 pm

  The vehicle is comfortable, but we have had nothing but huge repairs bills Bearings in front wheels went out at two different times-huge expense! Computer unit went out on vacation, leaving us stranded. Air conditioning had to be replaced. Back up system stopped working about 6 months in. Had to replace tires and brakes way before the time with most cars Best mileage EVER was 21-we usually get 19 on the highway Insult to injury-were trying to trade it in now and are being offered only $8000-$9000 for a car listed at $35 thousand when we purchased.

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  New Experience - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By longo - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this 2004 Rendezvous for 2 weeks now and Im extremely disappointed. As a matter of fact For a car with a sticker price of $38,400 the car is horrible. The ride is noisy & sounds like youre sitting in a hollow drum. The fuel gage fluctuates dramatically, leaving you unsure of how much gas you have.I guess you have to be on flat ground to tell for sure) The power steering pump was defective from day one and has yet to be fixed. Ive been told repeatedly that there is nothing wrong with the fuel gage. I would not recommend this car to anyone, its not worth the money

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  Dont buy it! - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By D.B. - August 1 - 2:00 am

  This expensive SUV is a dog with a jerky GM transmission, shoddy interior construction, high body repair costs, wrose-than-usual SUV rear blind spots, and a "tippy" high center of gravity. I inherited this from a relative, had to have a deep, long scratch on the drivers side repaired (total cost over $5K), and then traded it in (in excellent condition after repair, with low mileage) for $3000 less than Blue Book. Why do you think theyre giving $5000 rebates on the 2005s? Nobody will buy these things, and I wouldnt be suprised if they are discontinued soon. Its an Edsel, folks!

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  TRACTION TROUBLE - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By THOMAS STOKES - January 10 - 2:00 am

  THEY HAD TO PUT ROTORS AND BRAKES ON AFTER FIVE DAYS THEN 3 OTHER TIMES,AND ,THE WEEK BEFORE I CALLED SERVICE DEPT, I WAS TOLD NOT TO WORRY ABOUT TRACTION LIGHT GOING ON A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER BRAKES LOCKED UP,ENGINE SHUT DOWN PUT VECHICLE INTO SPIN ALMOST KILLED ME AND MY WIFE,VERY POOR GAS MILAGE,NO ENGINE POWER,TRANSMISSION TROUBLE,NEEDS IMPROVEMENTS