2003 Buick Rendezvous Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.04/5 Average
171 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

With just one year of production under its belt, Buick is already making some substantial content changes to its Rendezvous model line. Instead of offering standard all-wheel drive on its upscale CXL model, both the lower-level CX and the CXL will now come with front-wheel drive, with Versatrack all-wheel drive available on both models. Other formerly standard items that are now optional this year include: four-wheel disc brakes, ABS, side airbags, all-speed traction control and luggage rack crossbows. On the upside, both models get dual-zone climate control. The CXL also benefits from an optional DVD-based entertainment system and optional XM Satellite Radio for extra enjoyment.

Pros:
  • Usable third-row seats that fold flat, comfortable ride, lots of options available.
Cons:
  • Paltry engine, swell-looking but cheap-feeling interior materials, options add up, no off-road ability, not as storage-space-friendly as a minivan.

User Reviews:

Showing 101 through 110 of 171.00
  • Rendezvous is a hit - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
    By -

    The Rendezvous is a very responsive and comfortable car to drive in the city and on the interstates. Seats are comfortable and the controls are ergonomically great for short and long trips. Lots of room and very good gas mileage.

  • Excellent choice - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
    By -

    Using it over a year now. Made our first 15,000 mile with nothing but sheer pleasure and enjoyment of the vehicle. Tested in the Mountains of Virginia and other "challenging" vacation trips. Versatrak AWD works perfect - very intelligent and fast in deep snow in the mountains as well as heavy rain in the city. Very driver- friendly vehicle, very popular among females.

  • Love It!! - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
    By -

    The car is wonderful and fun to drive- get so many compliments.. love the room and the ride is terrific- just like a nice car. could not be happier!!! They are now showing up everywhere!!

  • Horrible vehicle - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
    By -

    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

  • OK, would not purchase another - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
    By -

    We have had our Buick in the shop SEVERAL times - for everything from brake problems, to a water leak, to a leak in the seal around the fuel tank. Im not sure if all the problems are with the car or the mechanics at the dealership. Buick has been of no help what so ever. I loved the look and feel of the car when we bought it but after all the trouble, I will never buy another.

  • Buick has a way to go. - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
    By -

    I want to like this car, but Im having problems getting excited about it. That in a nutshell is the good and bad of the Buick Rendezvous. I also own a BMW 325 convertible and when I drive that car I feel like I own the road. Im king of the hill and a lot of people look at me with a glimmer of envy in their eyes. When I drive the Buick the only thing Im King of is the radio and if people bother looking at me I feel like the only thing I see in their eyes is a look of pity and curiousity at the kind of person who would buy this funny looking SUV.

  • What was I thinking? - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
    By -

    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!

  • Not a winter vehicle - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
    By -

    The Rendezvous is a nice vehicle. Not flashy, not particularly cool, but nice. The storage in the front console is roomy and holds just about anything. The storage under the console is nice for CDs or maps. The one drawback for me is the drivability in the snow. This is the base model with traction control, although what traction its controlling is beyond me. Im used to 4wd or awd vehicles, so this one is an adventure. I would not recommend it for anyone who has to drive in ice/snow conditions.

  • Bought It - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
    By -

    My wifes lease vehicle.I liked it so much I bought it after the lease ended.Paid $5000. less than the residual/buyout price.I have been driving an Audi A6 @.7tt. This certainly pales in comparison power wise.I like the console and storage spaces, driving position and overall driving comfort. Not fun but very competent.

  • Better than I thought - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
    By -

    I purchased this SUV for my wife and she totally loves it. I have grown to appreciate it as well except for the sqeaks from the dash that the dealer says they cannot hear?? I bought this one with almost every option available. It would have been simpler to purchase a CXL that has the same options standard!

Buick Rendezvous Reviews By Year:
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