3 Star Reviews for 2002 Buick Rendezvous

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.09/5 Average
226 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

Who woulda thought -- a Buick SUV? More accurately, the Rendezvous is one of a new breed of crossover vehicles that combines the look and utility of an SUV with the comfort of a touring car. The Rendezvous is based on the Pontiac Aztek, itself based on GM's minivan family consisting of the Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana and Oldsmobile Silhouette.

Pros:
  • Available third-row seat that folds flush with the load floor, independent rear suspension, optional rear parking assist.
Cons:
  • Down on power compared to the competition, minimal off-road capability.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 226.00
  • A Mistake - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
    By -

    Bought used but shouldnt have, Luckily I got the extended warranty because 2 months later the transmission went out (While crossing the Bay Bridge into San Francisco- what an adventure!) Took a month to fix. No trouble for a while but then the something computer module which controls nearly everything went and it overheated. Spent tons of money to replace heads and the dealer (Covert Buick in Austin TX) and apparently they did not fix correctly. Its back in the shop after having it back for only 2 weeks. I should have just bought another car. The car is comfortable and I like driving it but it is the second worst car Ive ever owned (The first worst was a Renault LeCar) Dont buy it!

  • My worst car Ever!!!! - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
    By -

    This by far has been the worst car I have ever purchased. I constantly have overheating issues. Replaced expensive Head gasket.And now my engine needs to be replaced!! Every other month Ive had some type of problem with this car and the repairs are not cheap.dont recommend this car to anyone, I am a mother of four kids, the best feature or this car was the seating capacity. Very unreliable car. I havnt owned this car for a full year and Ive already spent way too much money for repairs.

  • Engine needs to be better - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
    By -

    After 2 years and 24,000 miles the head gasket started leaking. I notice coolant on the floor of garage. I do remember seeing a slight oil leak (oil on the floor) too, but when I inspected the engine compartment and the undercarriage I could not determine what the source was. The dealer who repaired it sent the head cylinder out for testing and it was out spec but not by much. They machined out the defects in the cylinder. The repair was done as a warranty repairs.

  • Our 2002 CXL - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
    By -

    After years of driving Buick Regals we decided to try a 2002 RDV.Being used to the power of the 3800 and SC3800 engines we are disapointed with the under powered 185 hp 3400 V-6.The 3800 Buick should have been used. Its nice looking from the front but from the rear it isnt so great. The worst problem is that in the past month we have had lots of electrical problems and will soon be on our 3rd BCM.Its soon to be out of warranty and if we keep it we will be purchasing a GM extended warranty as we dont trust its reliability.

  • watch out - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
    By -

    Had this car for 2 wks then it overheated, dealer thought it was a sensor wrong.2 wks later it did it again. If you go on forums this is a common problem for GM vehicles. there was even a class act against them from the Dexcool antifreeze. It eats away the intake mainifold gasket People looking to purchase these vehicles need to know about it. Min $800 to fix and hope that when your car overheated you didnt warp the head. Luckily The Sharpest Rides repaired it at there (part only)cost even though there was no more warranty.

  • Unreliable - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
    By -

    I wish i had looked at the vehicles review before I purchased this thing! I have had this thing a lil over 2 years, and we have gone through ALL 4 wheel bearings!! We have problems with the anti-ock break system, and already had to replace Manifold!! VERY EXPENSIVE!!!! I am definately happy I have AAA, we have had this thing towed many times, and with 3 children that is NOT FUN!!! These people really better not wonder why theyre goin outta buisness, cuz the repairs on this thing run my family 2 carpayments!!!! Its ridiculous! Please never ever buy this car!!!!! It looks nice, but its NOT!!!! By far the worse vehicle Ive ever owned!!!!!

  • MOST UNRELIABLE CAR EVER - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
    By -

    In the past year I had the versatrak AWD rear differential kick the buck ($8000 repair) then 2 months ago the transmission blew ($3000) then the torque tube, a part of the drive shaft acted up ($1500). Before all this all the head gasket leaked ($1500) and the wheel bearings have all been replaced ($300 each). So basically this car has sucked out all our savings. GM has way over priced all its parts especially the rear differential - $6000 for part alone. I didnt think any car could be this bad but GM has proven otherwise. I will never buy any GM product ever again. They deserve the mess theyve gotten themselves into, because of all the overpriced lemons theyve sold.

  • ORIGINAL MONEY PIT - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
    By -

    I bought this used in nov 2005 without researching it. BIG MISTAKE! Thankfully, I bought the extended warranty. I have had everything replaced that everyone who owns this car has, A/c condenser, etc. I took the car for a routine oil change (not at dealer) and he pointed out a "lower intake valve" problem, to which the dealer said "no problem with it." I definitely got my moneys worth with the warranty, but now that its expired Im having problems with my ABS system, computer, and rear suspension knuckle. Parts and labor? $1800! I owe 2 1/2 more years on this pile...and the Kelley is ABSOLUTELY AWFUL! Its worth 1400-3600 trade in. Pitiful...do not buy this car.

  • Buick bombed on the Rendezvous - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
    By -

    The worst vehicle I have ever owned. In 11 months the trasmision,air conditioning, fuel pump, body control module and the oxygen sensor has all needed work. With the total bills costing well over 5,000 dollars. All I can think is 3 more years until its paid for. Dont buy one of these vehicles unless youre buying mine (its almost new again).

  • Rendezvous Junk - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
    By -

    When we bought it we were so excited, then the repair bills started, rear aluminium bracket, 800 dollars, then brakes, then rotors, then engine manifold and head gaskets. Spent over $4000 in repairs in one year. GM put out over 3 million 3.4 engines with defective gaskets knowingly and did not recall, very unethical company. They also knew about defective wheel bearings, this has hurt their sales in Canada big time. They are not an ethical company anymore and most of us GM folks have switched brands. Had a 4x4 as well and drove GM for years. Have to switch brands.

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