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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  5 Month Review - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Pazz - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Have had vehicle for 5 months and 6000 miles. Have not had even a hint of a problem. Vehicle has really exceeded my original expectations. Just returned from a 2000 mile trip and averaged 23 MPG. Like the oversized mirrors and large glass area. Great visability. Vehicle handels very well and has great brakes. I feel very safe in this SUV. Vehicle is good looking, has a great ride, is very comfortable and fun to drive. I like it more every day. Although engine HP is low performance is very satisfactory. This is a very practical SUV and a great value for the money.

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  Think foreign - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Theresa - August 18 - 2:12 pm

  I loved my Rendevous but at 97,000 miles I have put 3,000 in repairs, and am possibly looking at another 3,000. I am told the rear differential is bad in this suv and that it is a common problem. I am now looking at spending more on repairs than the vehicle is worth. Very disappointed that GM wont take more responsibility for their design flaws. Might make me consider another American car but not at this point.....EVER!

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  watch out - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By aw - August 16 - 8:46 am

  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.

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  Never Again - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Big Foot - August 15 - 9:45 pm

  I purchased this vehicle Used as a GM Certified car. The warranty means nothing. The vehicle made a moaning noise and there was a technical bulletin that said it required new fluid in the rear($400+). Then the AWD Disabled light came on-a differential valve had to be replaced for $480. Again no warranty. I would never buy another GM vehicle and have owned many but this last vehicle has been a killer with repair costs on a GM certified car-ha ha.

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  I got ripped off, now I am stuck! - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By animalmotel - August 4 - 6:44 am

  I have had nothing but problems with this car. It eats breaks and tires. The doors do not open right, it locks the keys inside. Wipers stop working. And the thing always runs hot. I have already complained to Buick but they did nothing for me. Never buy any Buick ever again. I am now stuck with a car worth nothing and is falling apart.

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  AWD Disable Light - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Repaskyd - July 28 - 11:12 am

  Enjoy this used Buick. Only problem came when the AWD Disable light came on. Internet suggestions were wheel harness connection problems, but it took 3 Dealers to find that GM Part#88896067, a fluid valve in the rear had a faulty temperature sensor, sending out a message that the rear drive was overheating. Had valve replace and it now works fine. Very comfortable to get in and out for an old man.

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  Glad I didnt buy a Pacifica - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By BuickOwner - July 12 - 8:02 pm

  I was looking to buy a pacifica but after driving the Rendezvous I was sold. 3400 v6 in my car really has potential, I can pass with little effort the ride is unmatched. The AWD (versatrak) works Flawlessy. It always kicks in when I need it. Ice and Snow are no problem in fact I took a trip to minnesota to a ski resort. There was quite a bit of snow and ice. My daughter has a 2005 Honda CRV (She hates it.) and the real time 4wd could not handle the weather so my Rendezvous became the transport for 2 families. My Rendezvous Plowed right through the snow with out hesitation. I have never had a problem with it. A/C is the coldest that I have ever had in a car and have no problems with it.

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  nice car poor cheep interior - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Pp - July 11 - 2:00 am

  nice ride has trac control. poor plastict interior look.

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  2004 Rendezvous Good Buy - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Peter Minior - July 10 - 1:25 am

  I own a 2004 Rendezvous CXL AWD and find it a very well constructed SUV, good handling, excellent ride, and quality construction. I have had no mechanical problems just normal maintenance in 37,000 miles of driving. The only dissapointment is that I get 15 MPG local driving and just 18 MPG highway driving. However, the excellent visibility with the sloped front hood and large side mirrors makes the SUV fun to drive. My wife loves this SUV and the relatively low step up height makes it easy to enter and leave this vehicle. GM may be having its financial problems but it hit an affordable home run with this SUV model. The Enclave is a very attractive replacement for Rendezvous but is too large!

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  happy riding - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By tish - July 9 - 10:00 am

  The buick rides like a sedan rather than an suv. Its a comfortable luxury ride all the way. The build is solid. The fuel economy is average or a little better for a suv. The hatchback is a little heavy. I feel its the best suv for the bucks by far.