Overview & Reviews

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.

• Available third-row seat that folds flush with the load floor, independent rear suspension, optional rear parking assist.

• Down on power compared to the competition, minimal off-road capability.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 226.00

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  Mechanical Nightmare - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By juliaom - October 28 - 11:55 pm

  Do not buy this Buick RDV. Now at 114,000 miles but everything breaks, first the AC, other repairs, then window motors, head gaskets rebuilt, now AWD disable light on, dealer said new hub and sensors needed for $600. Has cost me close to $8000 since 2004. Now excessive rust on front of Hood, visibly accelerating. Service Mgr said I should write to Buick, as repairs have been excessive. Buick rep said too bad, its not under warrenty. Never again will I buy GM.

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  AC problems - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By JN - August 23 - 5:51 am

  Bought this Rendezvous used when it was 2 yrs old. A/C didnt work and dealership hid that fact. Had electrical problems and had to pay to have them fixed. Then stereo blew and couldnt use CD player at all! Low price as a used minivan but many problems!

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  Rendezvous Has Mechanical Defects - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Kathlyn Garcee - February 25 - 8:46 pm

  I loved the vehicle, and still do with the exception of major problems occurring at 51,000 miles. Needed intake manifold gasket replaced as well as new head gaskets. $1,680. Then 2 days later found a crack in the A/C condenser. Condenser needed to be replaced. GM finally paid the cost of the condenser ($400+/-) and we paid the labor ($423). Even though other Rendezvous were having manifold gasket and head gasket problems they refused to help us with the repair costs. 51,000 miles is to early to have these types of problems. I do like the interior design and feel when driving this vehicle. Due to the mechanical defects, I would not recommend anyone purchase this vehicle.

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  2002 Rendevous CXL AWD - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Theresa - January 6 - 4:01 pm

  Comfortable car as long as you dont need it to run! Loved it when I bought it. Was my dream car, first car I owned with heated leather,sunroof, power everthing..planned on keeping it until at least 110k..only got 84k out of it. Had it 4 1/2 years and racked up over $9,000 in repairs, A/C broke, intake gaskets, coils, computer cellinoid, hubs etc. same as everyone else. Final breakdown was the transmission going at 84,000 miles. $4900 to repair... After being stranded twice and endless repairs finally traded it on a Japanese car. Will never buy a GM product again.

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  2000 Mile - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By ducksrus - November 7 - 10:00 am

  The car has performed well and been without mechanical of assembly problems. One trip of 1000 miles taken, ride slightly more uncomfortable than Park Ave. Air cond a bit weak in 90 degree temp. Overall it performs well and handles well on highway and city. Be cautious of considerable blind spot on right side, this may not be uncommon in the SUVs but it takes somme adjustment. Seats are a bit weak for this type of vehicle.

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  All U, but no S in this SUV - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By byebyebuick - September 2 - 10:00 am

  The 3.4L engine is the same as the several hundred pounds lighter GM minivans, and the mismatch shows badly at the first steep hill ascended. Even worse, the stress of occasional uphill driving upon the under-powered engine causes excessive heating and strain on the engine and transmission. The result in my case was a blown transmission after 14000 miles. And this was AFTER a complete engine replacement due to an improperly installed radiator causing three overheats and a blown head gasket. Surprise! For 2005 GM is putting a new engine/transmission in the Rendezvous. Perhaps worth a second look at that point.

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  Stranded - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By kerap - August 28 - 3:11 pm

  Drove my Rendezvous with about 80k on a 4 1/2 hour journey into Northern Michigan--an hour away from our destination the "Hot Coolant" light came on. Blew a head gasket--now What? Have had a wheel bearing replaced under recall, rear hatch replaced under recall, now a $1500 head gasket, have had problems with a/c, hard to find tires. Great fun to drive and comfortable, but would I buy another...um....Not a chance!

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  Could Be Great - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Business Mom - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Bought RDV instead of mini-van and regretted it almost right away. RDV has great luxury items--air compressor, sound system, leather seats, terrific consoles--but actual hauling space is limited. Third row seat only usuable for small children or if middle seats are removed. The blind spots are AWFUL!! The huge side mirrors, dark glass and back window frames make seeing on the sides a hassle. The gas mileage is poor for city driving and the electrical system is haunted by poltergeist. Im trading this car in for a minivan and I dont think Ill miss it.

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  No major problems until warranty expired - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Marisa - July 4 - 1:54 pm

  Our family purchased this vehicle with 15,000 miles left on the warranty. Within a few thousand miles after warranty expiration, right and left wheel bearings and air condintioning needed repair. Approximately every 3 months since then (over the past 4 years), a major malfunction has occurred, which usually consists of the car not starting for a variety of reasons, including major fuel line corrosion. I dont understand how this vehicle has been reviewed so highly. Most people Ive talked to with Rendezvous have had similar experiences. Our mechanic feels so bad for us that he frequently undercharges for his services.

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  Known Problems Cost Money - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By ldig - April 11 - 7:56 pm

  Ive owned my 2002 Rendezvous since the summer of 2001. I absolutely loved my Rendezvous up until last year. Once I reached about 50K, its been problem after problem. The A/C condenser went, engine antifreeze gasket leaks, and we had to replace the transmission and the cars computer. In addition, there were other costly repairs, like excessive tire wearing (never in an accident). Weve had to get two wheel alignments and four new tires twice in the past 18 months. Also had the AWD light come on, and of course that was broken. Another major hassle is a blockage in the igintion. Insert the key, and it hits an obstruction which is a metal piece which is suppose to retract, but doesnt.