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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  Mechanical Nightmare - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By juliaom - October 28 - 11:55 pm

  Do not buy this Buick RDV. Now at 114,000 miles but everything breaks, first the AC, other repairs, then window motors, head gaskets rebuilt, now AWD disable light on, dealer said new hub and sensors needed for $600. Has cost me close to $8000 since 2004. Now excessive rust on front of Hood, visibly accelerating. Service Mgr said I should write to Buick, as repairs have been excessive. Buick rep said too bad, its not under warrenty. Never again will I buy GM.

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  07 Rendezvous CXL - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By JT - October 21 - 8:24 pm

  After 24k miles,one of the best cars we have owned. We had 2 good Chrysler vans. This CXL replaced a noisy, cheapo, gas-guzzler Honda Odyssey ”XL”- no luxury features even available! Liked a rented Rendezvous on Florida vacation. Later compared it to the Lexus SUV -cramped and boring. The Buick is larger inside and $20K cheaper. Quiet, luxurious, versatile and 22.5 mpg thrifty. Comforts of the car are on par with our Avalon sedan. 7 people can ride if needed & with the middle seats out, we carry 3 dogs and luggage for trips. It has been great in the snow even in our hilly neighborhood. Love the car. Sad that GM made the dumb decision to discontinue & replace it with a bulbous gas guzzler.

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  Roomiest small SUV, luxury ride - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By kd - October 17 - 5:05 pm

  Ive put about 45,000 miles on my Rendezvous and overall it has been a good vehicle. I avg. low 20s MPG which consists of about 50/50 city and highway miles. The upholstery could be better, very east to stain. One of the most comfortable riding cars I have owned and would beat any SUV for luxury ride. The 3.4L engine is great around town, but lacks a bit of torque in the mountains - not a big deal though. The cargo space is amazing for a small SUV, probably nothting better in its class for a small, maneuverable SUV. I now have 80K miles and it still runs well and everything is intact. No major work. Overall, very pleased with ownership of this vehicle.

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  2004 Buick Rendezvous - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By jayfinn3 - October 16 - 7:08 pm

  After few weeks owning this Buick I am totally in love with this vehicle. Gets 19.8 miles on average and I dont drive highways. All wheel drive is great. OnStar works great and lots of head room for 64 person. It is fun to drive and has soft ride. This is not off road AWD

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  Good value - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By pa - October 15 - 9:14 am

  Ive had this car for 4 years. Ill be honest, it is a boring car. Yes, the interior is plasticy (which, after 4 years, has certainly worn down to the point of needing some sort of paint repair) and the exterior isnt exciting either. But, with that said, it has been a very reliable car. Ive had one repair in 90K miles which Im sure is pretty rare. The third row has been very convenient for the extra- people situations that pop up (and yes, adults can fit back there). You feel safe in this car.

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  Nice - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By brian - October 14 - 10:19 pm

  Bought this SUV 5 months ago from an estate with 21000 miles on it. Handles well in the snow and is a comfortable ride. There is room comfortably for a family four, a tight fit with five. Drove from Milwaukee to UP averaged 23-24mpg. So far no problems as Im at about 30000miles.

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  Happy Owner - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By M Van Tiem - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I researched several different SUVs and decided on a Trailblazer until I laid eyes on the RDV. This SUV has plenty of room for 2 adults and 2 kids, very comfortable seating, lots of storage areas, and the extras are very well thought out. The gas milage is a little less then the sticker says, however, mush beter then other SUVs in its class. All the controls are well placed for convienance and ease of use.

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  Falling Fast - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By MJ - October 6 - 9:47 am

  We bought this vehicle used with 26K miles on it in Nov. of 05, and liked it quite a bit originally. Unfortunately, the longer we have had it, the more cheaply made it seems. Not a lot of problems mechanically with this car through the 3 years I have owned it, but little stuff: windows always squeal, leather strap to close hatch broke within a couple months of owning, rear wiper has never worked correctly. Tires lose pressure. Now I feel the tranny is slipping, and warranty expires in 3 days. Was told at the dealership they cant find anything wrong, and I cant trade this in, because I cant afford the negative equity

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  West C - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Meatloaf - October 3 - 2:00 am

  This car has a very smooth ride along with comfortable seating. The third row seat is great. I have bucket/captain chair seating in all three rows. It looks luxurious throughout with the leather. I dont see any "cheap" looking materials, as I have read elsewhere. And it is peppy also. All I need now is a roof rack/pack for the suitcases. I a am looking forward to a trip with this beaut! Oh, and lest I forget, my wife can pour out the heat on Her side while I stay cool, hopefully, on my side with the dual controls for heat/cooling.

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  Too costly to repair! - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By 2002 Rendezvous - October 1 - 11:38 am

  I bought my Buick used with 17,000 miles on it. I have had all the bearings replaced. And the air conditioner condenser replaced twice in two years. The brakes do not last and other stuff I cant remember. The glove compartment hinge broke and they wanted the whole glove box replaced. The windshield fluid freezes up when it gets below zero even though I used special winter fluid. Now the service engine light is on and it wont pass the EPA check, so I have to trade it or buy a new sensor at $400 +. My next car will be a Toyota, Honda or some other reliable car that my friends rave about. I can no longer afford to "buy American" Are you listening, GM?