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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  Great SUV - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Sam - December 9 - 10:38 pm

  I have been really happy with this car. It gets around 23-25 mpg on the highway at speeds of 70-80 mph. The around town mileage has been 21.5 mpg. It rides great and the seats are really nice. It is a CXL with sunroof and every other option minus DVD and navigation but the Garmin nuvi 550 takes care of that. Ive just travelled 7,000 miles in the last 3 months across the country, no problems at all. I highly recommend this car.

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  rendevouz review - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By dorene1 - December 8 - 10:00 am

  This is a very comfortable and utilitarian vehicle. It is both smart and friendly, and goes very well with daily family hauling. It is not powerful, but does what it needs to do in most situations. It has eliminated the tired feeling I used to have after a day of driving our other, larger SUV, and gives the impression of a car-like drive. Although the design is not as rugged as many SUVs, the high ceiling allows a feeling or roominess not felt in other midsize SUV vehicles.

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  Super Safe Ride - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Chris - December 7 - 6:43 pm

  Super stable, rides on rails. Wife just rolled it upside down into a pine tree after hydroplaing in snow melt. Though totaled out, frame absorbed entire impact and vehicle crumpled in right places to absorbe roll-over. We have a duplicate on hold pending insurance payout. Like previous comments, it may start out as wifes car, but it will grow on you.

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  Quirky Electronics and Tire Eater - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Jerry Philpot - December 7 - 8:20 am

  Generally a good vehicle, smooth ride, mpg not great though. Electronics pretty quirky, wouldnt stay aligned. The fixed seat belt fasteners in the front seats intruded into your hip space. Ride was typical GM ..Smooth on the straight, very loose and floating when cornering.

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  Run away as fast as you can! - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Alconik - December 1 - 5:30 am

  My wife and I loved the Buick when we got it. Great for our 3 boys. Very nice inside and out, then it got some mileage. If you plan on putting more than 75000mi on this car, do not buy a Rendezvous! Great car up to 75k after that: ABS-Traction Control( caused accident as it went out during hard braking), driver window, door locks, power mirrors, switches and engine blew at 103k. Replaced engine and now it is totally impossible to fill coolant at home. Also, it gets horrible gas mileage, worse than my 94 Mustang Cobra! Do not buy a Rendezvous!

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  Great Vehicle-Certainly Worth Purchase - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Mom of 3 - November 19 - 11:12 am

  I bought this vehicle new in 2002 & it now has 84,000 miles. Only had to replace wheel bearings (just recently) and am having fuel line replaced (recall). Other than that, just regular maintenance. My family loves this vehicle and it is still as much fun to drive as the day I bought it.

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  Love My Vous! - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Sunpuppy - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Comfortable and stylish SUV. In my opinion, its a sleeper in the SUV world--great vehicle for the money. Looks like a Lexus, but much cheaper and still great quality. I enjoy driving it, and have plenty of room for my two golden retrievers. Two crates can easily fit in cargo area. So far, Ive gotten 18.7 mpg for city driving. You can tell GM and Buick are working hard to build better quality vehicles and keep their customers happy.

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  2002 Rendezvou - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Kuwik368 - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I really like this SUV. I went from an Avelanche to this, thinking I wouldnt like it at all. Im glad I traded! I cant wait to drive it daily. It is a very smooth ride, the sound is great. This Rendezvou has many "fun" options that I never had before on any other vehicle before. I plan on buying another when time to trade.The only thing I really dont like about it are these things: 1) It doesnt feel secure when its raining and you hit a large spot of water. 2) I very much liked having 2 visors per front seat. One for the front view and another for the side view.

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  Love My Rendevous - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Getenchanted - November 3 - 10:00 am

  This car gets better gas milage than I had expected. I love the comport and luxury of the vehicle. It has the space and usages of a minivan but is enough of a SUV to be interesting and fun. I love mine.

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  I Really Like This Buick - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By paul cameron - October 30 - 9:03 pm

  I have owned this Rendezvous for 3 yrs. It is an excellent vehicle. Even 3 yrs old there are no rattles or decline of quality. Have not had 1 single mechanical problem of any kind. Totally dependable. With 3rd row seating down can fit 4 suitcases and 4 sets of golf clubs in the Rendezvous for a golf trip. Perfect! Gets 26 mpg on the hwy. Being a Minnesota vehicle I use both air and heater and the heating/cooling systems work perfectly,quietly and quickly.