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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  Finally got it - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By dispatcher2020 - January 19 - 10:00 am

  Ive loved this suv since it came out. My biggest problem was choosing the color. Decided on the pewter and it is so pretty. Its great to haul stuff and I got the 3rd row seats so its good to transport all my sons friends. Has a good ride and I love the full view. Had a Skylark before and was just impressed with Buicks. I love the look of this suv. I like it as well as the Lexus.

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  Go, Rendezvous - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Jo-Ann - January 19 - 10:00 am

  This is a fun car to drive, easy to handle, plenty of storage, and a great sound system

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  A great Luxury SUV - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By rdor - January 15 - 2:00 am

  This is really a great sporty SUV. I love the quietness, the luxury and sporty look. Not a rattle and it runs great. More than enough power for me. Check out a black two tone one, and the vehicle takes on different sporty look with the dark rear side windows.GM has worked out any bugs and has made a great car. Got over $5000.00 in rebates and invoice price. Payment is less than my three year old Honda van and alot more quiet. Drive this car , you will buy it. GM is back

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  Great Car - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Fandoo - January 14 - 10:00 am

  Astounding!! Real worth of money!!!

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  Great midsize SUV - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By frmby97 - January 12 - 12:16 am

  Our Rendezvous consistently gets 20-24 mpg in city driving, and sometimes as high as 26 hwy. It has a lot of room in the back, as we dont have the 3rd row seat. The seats fold down completely, and you can easily and quickly remove the entire back seat to open up even more room My wife really appreciates all the storage up front, and the steering wheel audio controls are nice also. Complaints: our brakes wear out a little quickly, but it is to be expected on a heavier vehicle in city driving and the cloth seats are wearing out and stain easily. Very pleased overall.

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  RENDEZVOUS FUN - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By ALEASE - January 10 - 10:00 am

  WE HAVE HAD THE TRUCK FOR A MONTH AND ARE VERY HAPPY WITH IT. THE HANDLING IS GOOD AND THE VISIBILY IS GREAT SINCE I CAN SIT UP HIGH AND THE FRONT SLOPES DOWNWARD. THE ONLY NEGATIVE SIDE I SEE THUS FAR IS THE SIDE VIEW MIRRORS ARE LARGE AND THAT HINDERS THE DRIVERS SIDE, SIDE-FRONT VISIBILITY FOR MY HEIGHT(50)

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  Love it - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Denise - January 6 - 11:59 am

  Im 27yrs old and I would of mistaken this for an old person car. I love it. It has awesome space for my family. Its also a great traveling car. This car is easy and great in the snow. I have nothing from the best come from this vehicle. Its not bad on gas, and the cargo space helped out a lot. This seats in the back move easy to give you plenty of space.

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  2006 Buick CLX 3.5L FWD - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By R. Edwards - December 25 - 7:10 pm

  Leased this car in January 2006, and love it. We plan to buy out the lease in Apr. 2009. We have every option but the sunroof. We get about 25 MPH on the road and 19Mph in city driving. The car has more storage room than my 2007 GMC Envoy. The residuals have come down dramatically and we can now buy it at a resonable price. My wife is estatic.

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  Buick bombed on the Rendezvous - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Greg Katzke - December 24 - 3:35 pm

  The worst vehicle I have ever owned. In 11 months the trasmision,air conditioning, fuel pump, body control module and the oxygen sensor has all needed work. With the total bills costing well over 5,000 dollars. All I can think is 3 more years until its paid for. Dont buy one of these vehicles unless youre buying mine (its almost new again).

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  Rendezvous Junk - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Barry - December 16 - 10:01 am

  When we bought it we were so excited, then the repair bills started, rear aluminium bracket, 800 dollars, then brakes, then rotors, then engine manifold and head gaskets. Spent over $4000 in repairs in one year. GM put out over 3 million 3.4 engines with defective gaskets knowingly and did not recall, very unethical company. They also knew about defective wheel bearings, this has hurt their sales in Canada big time. They are not an ethical company anymore and most of us GM folks have switched brands. Had a 4x4 as well and drove GM for years. Have to switch brands.