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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  Great Value - no problems - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By tominny - July 7 - 6:41 pm

  I have owned my 2007 buick Rendezvous for over 2 years and have not had one problem. I got an incredible value when i bought the car as the Rendezvous was at the end of its run. The styling hadnt changed much in the last few years but we liked the way it looked and the interior was very nice. What surprises me is that I consistently get 23 mpg on the highway. This is better than i get with my Nissan Murano which is much smaller??? In local driving i get around 16 which is painful when gas is $4+ a gallon but reasonable when you consider the size and 7 passenger capacity. I have 31,000 miles and am still going strong!

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  Dont buy an 03 Rendezvous! - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Lani - July 6 - 7:07 pm

  Have had this car for a year, replaced engine, battery, power steering hose, engine belt, brakes, tires need air every month, needs new rear shocks and oxygen sensor. AWD DISABLE light is on, who knows how much that will cost. Exhaust Manifold in these cars leaks coolant into engines causing engine problems, so will probably have to have manifold replaced.

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  Design - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Alan Pancake - July 6 - 10:00 am

  We enjoy the car it rides very good. I think the car could have been made a little longer to make more room for the back row seats. I am getting overall gas mileage twenty one miles per gallon.We love the looks of the car. I dont care about off rode performance.

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  2002 Rendezvous CX - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By James E. Smith - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I was pleasantly surprised once I test drove this vehicle. One selling point for me,was watching a Mercedes owner trading in his 2000 Model for a new Rendezvous. I only returned to my dealer for oil changes & tire rotation.Have not found a single problem. Quality seems very high and I highly recommend the Rendezvous. Gas mileage avgs around 22 in city, and have acheived 24 highway. The third seat option, and ease of use, has come in very handy for us. I can seat 6 adults with comfort.When I dont need the 3rd seat I keep it folded down, and use the space in the rear for cargo area. I highly recommend the new Rendezvous.

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  Love my SUV! - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By The Quinns - June 21 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I absolutely adore our Rendezvous. Its ride is incredible and it is the most comfortable vehicle we have ever owned. We were pleased with the gas mileage (about the same as the Mazda MPV we previously owned) and we have used the ABS and AWD several times already in the typical Ottawa winter. The fold down rear seats are also great, especially when the in-laws show up for the weekend. We still fight over whos turn it is to drive!

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  BOUGHT IT NEW - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By JANAL615 - June 20 - 9:58 am

  I had a 2005 rendezvous. Pretty much the same, but much better gas mileage than the 07.With all the incentives offered, how could you not buy one? from $31,000 to $20,000 out the door. It is a Buick, comfortable ride, much beter quality than anything else out there for the money. Its to bad they opted to drop it in 2007, and rather than keep it and improve it, they come out with the enclave, a nice ride, but out of my price range. looking at the 2010 equinox. 32 mpg, i might have to trade the rendezvous in!!

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  Unreliable - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By mama of 3 - June 19 - 9:55 pm

  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!!!!!

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  MOST UNRELIABLE CAR EVER - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Joe - June 16 - 10:30 pm

  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.

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  . Not bad for a Mexican car. . - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By stosher - June 16 - 10:00 am

  .. never thought Id be driving a Get the Money (GM) car. This one is nice. Rides higher than a Voyager but feels better than a Ford (fix or repair daily =) or the dustbuster type minivans. Powers okay.. traction control works great .. stereo is tops. .price is what you want to pay. Onstar® is a good deal for $199/yr. if you drive a lot. 7" ground clearance is nothing; still afraid of curbs and those concrete things in parking lots. Fit and finish is okay; buy that bronze color, it looks the sharpest. Fuel economy gets better the more you drive it. I avg. 20 mpg now in and out of town.

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  Good Uff-da - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By NoDak Dan - June 16 - 10:00 am

  Comfortable to drive, nice to sit high again and see all of traffic, love the head and leg room to drive. Hoping for better gas mileage. Lots of static electricity on the leather trimmed cloth seats. Plenty of room. Automatic starter a plus in cold and hot weather.