Overview & Reviews

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.

• Usable third-row seats that fold flat, comfortable ride, lots of options available.

• 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 11 through 20 of 171.00

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  American, but not quality - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By KEN - October 9 - 11:16 am

  Made in Mexico. Issue with anti-freeze leak, plastic manifold gasket, $700 repair. Wheel bearings sealed, can not be greased, $300 each to replace. Why buy American with poor quality and maintenance issues? The front driver door out of alignment several times. Gas mileage gets worse, replaced computer chip after one year, did better, but now worse.

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  Rendezvous smelling like a lemon... - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Rick Olsen - May 14 - 10:00 am

  My experience with this vehicle has gone from good to very bad, such that I wouldnt recommend it. After 1 month the engine developed a pinging noise upon acceleration. The dealer has made every attempt to correct it, but is at a loss as to what the problem could be. The GM rep. was consulted who stated this engine noise is a characteristic of these engines, even though the dealer has never had or heard of this problem before. Its GMs stance to not fix it or do anything about it, likely because there so-called engineers couldnt even engineer there way out of a paper bag. I would have thought a company like GM would at least stand behind there products.

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  A GM Fan No More! - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Chad - May 6 - 3:42 pm

  I bought this vehicle beacause of the rear cargo space and I did like how it drove compared to the Chrysler Pacifica. However as far as reliability, this vehicle is not what I would have expected for a Buick. I put on alot of miles and am beginning to be nickeled and dimed on this SUV. I cant say that I will be buying another GM soon. Im looking to trade this one away. But oh yeah, thats right, it doesnt hold its value neither. Guess Im out of luck.

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  Not completely happy with RDV quality - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Tracey - December 2 - 12:20 pm

  I just bought my 2003 Rendezvous on October 8. It has been in the garage 2 times in 2 months. Had to have the fuel tank gauge sensor replaced and also the Intake Manifold was just replaced due to leaking back into the engine. So much for the 110 point GM Certified Inspection. I have also been having issues with starting the veh as the ignition doesnt want to release once the vehicle is started, it sometimes continues to crank. I was told that this is normal in GM products manufactured since 2003. Not sure that we will ever buy a Buick product again.

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  Made in Mexico - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By unhappy in ohio - October 30 - 1:59 am

  Rides wonderful except for noise in rear end when going over joints on highway. Dealer cant fix, big outer mirrors easy to use, plenty of room in front and second row, third row useless except for lepricons. Sometimes it doesnt know who is driving forgets to reset seat and mirrors. Has some problems cropping up, noise from front wheels, suspect bearings.

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  OK, would not purchase another - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Niki Whitt - February 18 - 1:16 am

  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.

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  Shame on GM - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Sposse - May 24 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is severely underpowered considering the poor gas mileage I get with it. The interior is nice and spacious. The passenger rear door often doesnt close properly and hasnt since the day I bought it. GM says its an air pressure issue?!? Finally, I had the roof rack rip off at 40 mph loaded within owners manuals specs. Again GM claims no responsibility.

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  A good idea gone bad - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By mayormcmisery - January 6 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle does what its designed to do, but not with the enthusiasm that GM touts. Our Rendezvous is a good people (mainly children) hauler and performs admirably in snowy conditions. Unfortunately, it is plagued with numerous rattles and mechanical defects due to poor workmanship. It stickered at $37,470 and is now worth $16,000 with only 27k on the odometer, 1 1/2 years old, and in excellent shape. Driveability is only marginal, as trying to maintain highway speeds with its anemic engine can produce a sore foot if the cruise control isnt used. The weak engine and high profile contribute to abysmal economy...17mpg average.

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  GREAT VEHICULE, BUT? - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By DAVIDOFF - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Problem at 300km:solenoid (transmission)

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  2003 RVD - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By occking - August 17 - 10:00 am

  Underpowered. Too much brake dust in front wheels. Does not get mileage as advertised (at least for the CXL) Does not take rough roads well Love the satellite radio (main reason I got the vehicle) plus that it has a fold away rear seat and the vehicle is somewhat shorter than GM products with third seat