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 Reason GM is Bankrupt - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Waldo - February 22 - 9:20 pm

  I just dumped mine. In 4 years: wheel bearing twice (the electronic controls for AWD are in the bearing assembly - a lousy design), heated seat burnt out, spare tire safety mechanism rusted shut (could not get spare out one night), and the best of all - valve lifter bolt sheared out of aluminum head. In the same time frame all I did was change the oil in a Honda Accord. A guy in my office also has 2003 and has had even worse problems including head gasket.

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  Rendezvous - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Hippie - February 22 - 10:00 am

  From the first moment that I rode in a friends Rendezvous, I knew that this was my next vehicle. It was very stable and handled like a dream. Unlike most SUVs, it rode like a car. All the compartments in it are very user friendly and well thought out. This was a car designed with busy people in mind, that have active lifestyles. Hats off to the design team! For once the car manufactures listened to the comsumers.

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  2002 Buick Rendezvous - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By James H. Packard - February 13 - 2:00 am

  I have had the Rendezvous for about a year now and its been fantastic. The only problem was with the cd player and it was replaced. The mileage has been very good for a vehicle of this size. The ride quality has been great. This vehicle replaced a Ford Escape and the change was well worth it.

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  Keep Your Warranty - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By BG - February 12 - 10:39 am

  I purchased my Rendezvous in 2007. I needed something big enough for my family but wanted good gas and nice appearance. I dont drive much at all but have already had to replace front lower control arm, front strut bearing on right and later on the front bearing on left. Front rattles and back hatch handle is broken. Interior stains very easily. Not yet at 50,000 miles.

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  A great buy - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By mjlens - February 8 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is an eye catcher. The interior is an eye catcher and adds to a very comfortable ride. Easy handling in city and country driving. The fold up and pull out of the 2nd row seats give more storage space than I have seen in many suvs. The Rendezous rides with the same comforte as the Buick Century that I Own. It also has the power when you need it. I am very glad that I researched and compaired this vehicle with other suvs and decided on this one.

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  Not a bad grocery getter - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Josh Hughes - February 7 - 6:17 am

  This vehicle has been very reliable. We purchased it with just 11,000 miles and now have over 105,000. The only work that has ever been done is routine maintenance. We have blown a few fuses with various electronic equipment, but they are easy to replace ourselves. From a style standpoint, we have gotten a few jabs over the years from our younger friends who think it looks like a van. This was our first Buick, and although they have a reputation for being popular among the over 60 crowd, you cant beat the reliability.

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  looks good doesnt work - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By another gm sucker - February 6 - 12:36 pm

  dont buy one. trust me. only 66k on mine and ive had everything fail. Bearings, steering, premature brake failure, ABS, AWD system, and even the heater died. Some was covered by warranty, other stuff I had to fight for under my extended warranty which they mysteriously lost

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  Great Ideas but toexpensive to maintain - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By AWeaver - January 30 - 10:42 am

  In 2002 while looking for a SUV for my wife, we looked at all of them. Most required her to pull herself into them, and the Rendezvous allow her easy ins & outs. I expect normal maintenance on all my vehicles however in my 52 years of driving I have never had to replaced a A/C condenser or manifold gasket in my vehicles like we Rendezvous owners have. GM knows they made a mistake on both, and as much as she likes this Rendezvous I will never buy another Buick, and may not consider a GM vehicle after owing over 20 of them.

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  wonderfull - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By kennyalfa1 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I love this car GM is Back

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  Rendezvous - the experts are crazy! - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By edavis - January 19 - 10:00 am

  I’ve had this car for 10 days, but I looked at other SUVs and vans. I will give an update after more use. Experts are wrong in panning this vehicle for handling and power. It is’t underpowered in any significant way. I easily passed two cars going 65 mph on a two lane road. Road testers realize almost few are interested in racing and slaloming down the highway. Look at the features real people use. I want to drive it everywhere, so I suppose our LeSabre is feeling sorry for itself. Interior room is good, not quite like our old van, but still very good. This is the compromise we were looking for. Why pay more for a foreign SUV which is inferior? This should be a real hit.