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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  Most fun car to drive - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Sallie Herman - November 22 - 5:05 am

  This car is so reliable, comfortable, no back strain, and so easy to load with the hatchback at waist level. Large storage compartment, and comfortable seats for passengers. Added phones in passenger seats for comfort in listening to music. Great visibility in the front windshield, in fact that is why I purchased this car. The vista is great when traveling to beautiful places, panoramic view. My whole family loves this car, and I am a 76 year old grandmother, and everyone wishes they owned this car. I wish I had bought the wine colored car, instead of the gun metal, which many people have. That would have been a little a fun color for me.

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  My Buick Rendevous - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By melissa jacobs - November 20 - 8:34 pm

  Im very happy with the truck. I wish it had front sensors too. The drivers mirrors on the outside of the truck are a great size. Im really able to see whats coming up on me. I love the OnStar in it. I would love to get another one when my time is up. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone, plus I already get a lot of compliments on it now.

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  Awesome Car - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By none - November 20 - 3:25 pm

  We bought this Rendezvous because of the price, and the fact that this is not our first Buick. The Rendezvous has many features with the CX base. The ride is very comfortable with a lot of leg room. There is also a lot of cargo room. You can fit many boxes in the car if you are moving. There isnt that much wind noise in the car even if you drive fast. The car also is high in the back and lower in the front to prevent the car from tipping over. The gas mileage is great. We drove from Connecticut to Maine and it took about 1 full tank of gas.

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  You have to drive it, to believe it - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By Nate Spencer - November 14 - 8:08 pm

  This is my wifes car. She says it drives like a luxury car. Its very good on the highway and we drove it from Friendswood, Texas to Chatham, Ont. Handling and acceleration is good. Its comfortable and no blind spots looking out the back. We have 2nd row buckets seats. You need to drive it. we average 415 miles per tank of gas. You need to drive it.

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  I love my Rendezvous! - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Rendezvous - October 29 - 10:29 pm

  This is my favorite auto Ive ever owned including the Lexus. My Rendezvous is the most comfortable, well designed, and reliable car Ive had. I also love the design. I now have about 150,000 miles on it, and am thinking about trading it in for a new one but I love this one so much Im hesitant. I wont buy anything else. Ive never owned a bad Buick, but this Rendezvous is really over the top in excellence. You have already achieved perfection with the engine and design, now just add a little bling. I would be happy to test one out for you!

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  Best vehicle weve bought in years - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Paul Cesarini - October 16 - 8:06 pm

  We opted for a fully loaded CXL model (though without the XM radio or heads-up display, since our daily commutes are only a few miles). For us, its the ideal blend of a roomy, family-friendly vehicle with all the benefits of an SUV and a minivan, but virtually none of the drawbacks. Unline the Highlander and competing vehicles, the Rendezvous has a third row seat capable of comfortably holding two adults. Ive even sat back there, myself. The leather and wood grain interior is worth the extra cost. We got all the safety features, though we skipped the AWD. FWD + traction control + ABS is fine. We previously had a Saturn VUE, but Im glad we traded it for the Rendezvous

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  buying our second - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By giraffe - October 9 - 10:00 am

  two older folks drove from baltimore to florida in 19 hours straight without a moments discomfort, or should i say in complete comfort.freat for older people getting in or out. when you get out, you dont have to "straighten out".

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  My Favorite SUV - Rendevous - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Nancy Smith - September 19 - 6:06 pm

  When SUVs became so popular I thought I would enjoy one. My husband drives a Silverado Pickup and I like to drive it. We had a Cadilac for 2 years. I test drove a buick Rendevous and my husband and I agreed it was the vehicle we wanted. We could get in and out of it so much easier than the car and it is very comfortable and fun to drive! We are 76 years old and want another Rendevous when it is time to trade!

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  Pleasant surprise - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Andrews T - August 28 - 9:08 pm

  This vehicle has been a pleasant surprise. After 14k and two trips of at least 500 miles each way, Ive been impressed with comfort, mileage (26+ W/ 87 Octane). Around town driving is 23+ w/ 87 octane. Storage space is great and the seating options provide a family w/ a 2 year old latch options for car seats in both 2nd and 3rd rows. Went w/ base model as it provided best value for money. Have had no major issues. Tire pressure monitor gave false reading (reset myself aftering checking) and oxygen sensor was replaced under warranty. Excellent experience. Surprised by quality and behavior of vehicle under load and spirited driving.

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  My Rendezvous - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Rolland Belcher - August 28 - 12:58 pm

  I drive the intersates from Nebraska to Texas twice a year and back. I have had nothing but the best experience dirving the 2004 Rendezvous.