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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  the best SUV i have ever had - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By bigfootpressure - April 17 - 2:00 am

  its a very reliable SUV

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  BUICK RENDEVOUS - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By DEVONTE EDMONDS - April 10 - 2:00 am

  SMOOTH RIDE AND EXCELLENT HANDLING. GAS MILEAGE PROBABLY LESS THAN ADVERTISED. AN EXCELLENT BUY AT A MODERATE PRICE.

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  Buick Rendesvous - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Bruce Lloyd - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Not even near the milage rating affixed to car.GetS 12-13 local if I am lucky. Trips using cruise,control on flat out desert land for 5 hours I get less than 18 mpg.My 2002 Cadilliac gets 26 mpg on trips. Transmission is about the poorest I have ever driven. Slams at acceleration in traffic at about 4- 8mph. Dealer tells me this is normal, so is my gas mileage. Never again. I am going back to Ford next time Cant get things fixed. It takes 6-8 returns to get anything done.I have a windshield that was damaged by dealer writing on it.Instead of replacing it they keep polishing and removing layers of the surface of the glass. This is not good warranty work.

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  A Great Vehicle! - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Paul Camern - April 8 - 10:01 pm

  Leased my Rendezvous brand new in 2006 and bought out lease in 2009 because I have never owned a more reliable and dependable vehicle than this. Buick hit it out of the park with the 2006 model yr. and wish they were still being built since the Enclave is too big and much more expensive than the Rendezvous. For an Suv it handles very well, its a Buick so it is very well appointed. Gas MPG is remarkable getting 20 mpg in town and 27 mpg on the hwy. Other than oil changes and the 30,000 mile maintenance, I have not spent one cent on my Rendezvous!

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  Fits anyone - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By Tom Worrell - April 3 - 12:17 pm

  Ive had this Buick for six months and just got done driving 1000 miles down the east coast with close to 30 miles per gal. of gas. Im 64" and I still have plenty of head room even with a hat on.The radio and cd are find as far as Im concerned.

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  ORIGINAL MONEY PIT - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By mommamia - March 29 - 4:46 pm

  I bought this used in nov 2005 without researching it. BIG MISTAKE! Thankfully, I bought the extended warranty. I have had everything replaced that everyone who owns this car has, A/c condenser, etc. I took the car for a routine oil change (not at dealer) and he pointed out a "lower intake valve" problem, to which the dealer said "no problem with it." I definitely got my moneys worth with the warranty, but now that its expired Im having problems with my ABS system, computer, and rear suspension knuckle. Parts and labor? $1800! I owe 2 1/2 more years on this pile...and the Kelley is ABSOLUTELY AWFUL! Its worth 1400-3600 trade in. Pitiful...do not buy this car.

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  Great Experience - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By NCC - March 26 - 4:33 pm

  Bought the car new and have put 105K on it. 1 set of tires,1 set of brakes, 1 battery. Thats it. It has never stranded me, never failed to start. Every accessory (its Loaded) still works. Lowest cost of ownership Ive ever had. I like it better than my wifes Lexus RX 330. 17-18 mpg city 26 hgwy.

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  GM Deserves to go under - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Never Again - March 22 - 2:38 pm

  The only other GM product I have owned was a Vega the Rendezvous is much worse. I complained about groaning hydraulics from day one, but CMP Classic said it was normal. Then the AWD quit, just out of warranty. Both GM and the dealer washed their hands of it. Everything has gone wrong with this piece of rubbish, including the drivers lumbar support exploding while I was on the highway. Acceleration (if you can call it that) comes in intermittent bursts the transmission doesnt change down until you floor it, then it kicks down into first - all show, no go.

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  Nicely done, and it turns heads - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By TommyGun - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Didnt want just another SUV. The ads touting its utility and style, its size and comfort got me to look at it. Ive had my fill of mini-vans, but liked to sit up high. SUVs seem pretentious for the most part. This kinda hybrid was just what I was looking for, and Ive always liked the ride of a Buick. Off-road? You gotta be kidding... No one takes an SUV off- road, so that was not a consideration.

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  Wont do that again - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By charlie_m - March 9 - 11:16 am

  Bought in 04 with 25K miles - needed something that would fit a 63 teenage boy. It was great the first year or so, then started nickel-and-diming me. At 125K miles, and nickels and dimes are now up to $1000 repair bills. Poor mileage - gets about 20 mpg average. Cheap interior - coating chips off of radio and climate control knobs No interior release for the rear hatch. Now the exterior release doesnt work. Back seat fold-down handle slips. Cant find replacements anywhere. Replaced both front wheel bearings last year, just replaced rear wheel bearing and cylinder head gasket. Should replace rear suspension knuckles, but Im still recovering from the head gasket replacement.