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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  COMFORT - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By PAPAS - September 27 - 10:00 am

  - THE ONLY REASON I PURCHASED THE VEH. IS BECAUSE OF THE COMFORT AND SPACIOUS ROOM. THE ONLY PROBLEM I HAD WAS WITH THE TRANSMISSION AT 200MILES (SELONOID)

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  Keeps me broke - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By DJ - September 13 - 2:36 pm

  This car is the fanciest I have ever owned. Plus the costliest. I like the ride and comfort, leather, heated seats and all the bells and whistles but when things go wrong, its expensive. In the almost three years Ive owned this car, Ive put a crankshaft sensor, O2 sensor, 6 tires, brakes all around, 2 wheel bearings, and now I need the AC fixed - condensor, two rear "knuckles", and the motor for the AWD. A recall on the wheel bearings was a joke. The mileage perimeter was 65,000. miles and I purchased it with 64,000. so six months later, the recall was toast. Now I hope it lasts til I can pay it down enough to get another car. I was offered $2500 trade and I still owe $9700 on it

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  Nagging repairs - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Jerry from Wisconsin - September 12 - 3:05 pm

  Bought the 2003 Rendezvous used with 38K on it. Replaced both wheel bearings, had to buy new front rotors, the sunglass visor broke twice, the hinge on the glove box also broke. Also replaced both front door power window motors. Brakes / front wheels make noises when coming to stop. I am trading in soon. No more GMs for me even though my nephew works at Firestone and said GMs are best American vehicles.

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  Very Satisfied - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By zeke - September 9 - 5:56 pm

  This car had 18,000 miles on it when purchased. It is one of the best cars Ive owned so far. We took it to CA and averaged 27+MPG. Only had one small problem, so far, still under warranty. Every one remarks about the ride, and handling. Due to my job, I drive around 20 different cars a day, and if I drive a Rendezvous there is a different feeling about them. I occasionally pull a cargo trailer,and it does a great job, but just slightly under powered. I have the third seat but dont use it. Has plenty of cargo room for me. I purchase it because of the positive reviews that I read.

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  It grew on me - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Eddie - September 6 - 4:07 am

  When I first saw this vehicle I wasnt quite sure what to make of it. Was it a minivan or an SUV and it screamed soccor mom. Im a 43 year old single dad and like to think Im still a little cool. However after driving it, I was sold! Handles well, good pick up, loaded with interior compartments, decent stock stereo, lots of room and very comfortable. The end result, I love it!

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  Too many things gone wrong! - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By unhappy - August 23 - 6:47 pm

  I have had to replace both front hubs at only 52,000 miles, power steering pump is blown at 60,000 miles, check engine light has come on several times for no reason causing diog. prior to inspection, interior parts loose, speakers already blowing. Very inaccurate gas guage which has already caused me to run out of gas.

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  AC problems - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By JN - August 23 - 5:51 am

  Bought this Rendezvous used when it was 2 yrs old. A/C didnt work and dealership hid that fact. Had electrical problems and had to pay to have them fixed. Then stereo blew and couldnt use CD player at all! Low price as a used minivan but many problems!

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  Equal to imports for half the money - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By jjnewlife - August 14 - 1:48 pm

  After driving a friends Lexus SUV I was not expecting much from this Buick. Surprise. We like it much better. Sure the dashboard is plain but we improved it by adding a wood grain kit. After 27,000+ miles our only real issue has been the radio which is junk. Three visits to the dealer have failed to have any effect. Gas mileage is incredibly poor for such a small V-6. We only get about 15mpg in town and 22 on the road. Our Impala with a similar engine gets at least 5mpg better. But, the Buick tows our small boat effortlessly, there is room galore with the seats folded and so far, it has been mechanically reliable. The 100,000 mile warranty inspires confidence.

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  Great Car - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Sam Keifer - August 3 - 7:01 am

  I test drove a number of vehicles and liked the way the Rendevous felt on the road. I have been happy with the fuel economy. 21.5 average and 25.5 on the highway at 70 MPH. Overall, it is a great car. The editors and other people dont rate it like the owners...but drive it youll like it and youll like the price of insurance and the price of the vehicle.

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  Love this car! - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By AC - July 31 - 9:32 pm

  I have owned and leased many cars, but this is the best by far! I will always buy Rendezvous from now on! This is a luxurious vehicle, classy, and reliable! I think that the others who have some complaints about it are isolated incidences. I am at 75,000 miles and I have had zero problems mechanically or otherwise. On top of that, this loaded model gives the driver and my family every accommodation. Heated seats, AWD, heads up display, moonroof, third row of seats, towing capability, comfort, power everything, rear park assist, lots of room and storage. It is sleek and stylish and has zip! Even my loaded CXL model is priced right for resale- not like the pricey foreign competitors. Go USA