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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  Go to the Mountains - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By paladin - June 12 - 3:28 pm

  A well designed and comfortable car. My wife began driving it when new and now I have it. (OK, I did buy another!) We like to travel in the Buick and find the ease of driving a real plus. Access to controls, reaction of the car to my comands and fuel economy is great. We average 25 on the road and 19-20 in town. Recommend this car to you. The only problem has been that my wife likes the 2007 evan better!!

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  All around good vehicle - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By darren8c - June 10 - 12:15 pm

  I love my Rendezvous. We were looking for the interior of a minivan with the exterior of an SUV, so we love our Rendezvous. It has captain chairs for the second row allowing you to easily access the third row. The captains chairs are a must have if you have car seats. I am 60 and can actually fit in every seat in the Rendezvous. Also the AWD is really nice in the Wisconsin winter. You do have to keep up on the maintenance and repair them more than Hondas and Toyotas. If you want luxury, the interior design of a minivan, AWD, and the look of an SUV the Rendezvous CXL AWD is one of your only options, and its a pretty decent one.

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  I am buying a Honda - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By aj - June 2 - 7:55 pm

  I bought this with 45000 miles on it and loved it the first 2 years I drove it. So far I have replaced the brakes 3 times (1 front 2 back) then some wire that cost 1.50 but took the dealer 3 days and hundreds of dollars to figure out why it only started when it was cold.The air compresser in back ran all the time and finally I disconneted it. Coolent problems head gasket problems and now front and rear end problems. After 70000 miles this car was getting fixed every other month. It has "nickel and dollared me to death"

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  my exp. - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By my car - May 30 - 9:39 am

  GM used to mean quality in my family, but this car has been a complete disappointment. Since buying it in 2007 with 13k miles Ive had to spend $6k more in repairs due to persistent inability of car to start including faulty wiring, axle and wheel train replacement of loose or prematurely broken parts, and a brake job. In the 11 years that I owned a subaru, I never had to do any more than change the oil. For this car I had to even subscribe to onstar for peace of mind because the car is so unreliable. Based on the quality of this car I can see how GM got themselves into thier current setuation. Let a free market economy rule!! I am headed back to the Subaru dealership for a new car.

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  Nice vehicle - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By Ann - May 20 - 5:44 pm

  Very nice ride. I bought the 07 CX with the luxury package with 27,000 miles for $13,900. Ive put on 1,000 miles since I bought it. I think I got a great deal. Very smooth ride, I have to be careful on the highway because I dont notice when Im speeding. My husband is 61" and has plenty of head room.

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  Great Veh. Lots room and comfort - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By TC - May 11 - 4:49 pm

  I bought my vehicle new, it has been a great vehicle. During the warranty period the only issue I had was w/ the fuel tank which has been replace at no cost to me. Currently 104,000 miles on it w/ very little repairs other than regular maintenance. Only area that was a concern and bothersome were the plastic window guides which I have had to replace on all 4 windows.

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  The Perfect SUV on a car chassis - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Carol - May 9 - 7:51 pm

  This is the finest vehicle Ive ever owned and Ive even owned other Buicks. Its comfortable like a sedan but holds a mountain of stuff. Steering and handling are perfect. Its a shame its been discontinued. Kinda helps me understand why GM is in the mess its in though.

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  Not what I hoped for - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By King - May 3 - 10:36 am

  We were in the market for and SUV, not really looking at the Rendezvous, but stumbled across it by accident. Exterior not the greatest - quickly outdated. Interior - NICE well appointed. On the positive side - when it runs it runs well. Although no major problems (yet) we have had $3500 in warranty work in the last year. Front bearings have been changed twice - under 100000km. Tired of warranty work required - glad we purchased the Ext. warranty (a MUST).

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  Going for 200k with this baby! - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Salesman - April 30 - 9:23 pm

  This is the 3rd Buick weve owned and were only 50!! All in all its been a family favorite, a workhorse and a great value. I drive about 100 miles a day in the Reno-Tahoe area. Coming from New England this is one of the best cars in the snow Ive seen. Very easy to drive. Lean back, put it in cruise and listen to the BoSox on XM! Grandkids love the third seat. Peole have been amazed at how much you can pack into it with the seats down. Had some warrantee work done which is norm with new models. One of the best cars for a long trip and one of the best Ive owned. Previously owned Volvo, Chevy, Ford, GMC. I plan on putting 180k on this and its doing it just fine.

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  great car - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By D Argo - April 29 - 10:00 am

  This is a great mid size suv that is much easier to drive and park than bigger ones. It carries 7 people when we need it to or 5 people and luggage. It also averages 20mpg in town and still has adequate power.