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 decided on one... - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By kencal2000 - July 13 - 10:00 am

  After weeks and weeks of researching suvs and pinning it down to the Honda Pilot and the Rendezvous...the Buick won out. I love the exterior styling and the luxury features inside and all the other bells and whistles that Buick has to offer that the new Honda cannot compete with as yet. Just wish that the power was a little more... So far 550 miles on it and no complaints otherwise.

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  Great Vehicle Fun to drive - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By laurie - June 22 - 1:10 pm

  This vehicle handles great and has great comfort features. The third row seat is really nice because it folds down flat. This vehicle has the feel of a luxury vehicle yet the look of a small SUV. This is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned and would definitely recommend it to others.

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  Have a Rendezvous! - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By by crg/Ga. - June 17 - 10:07 pm

  This was my 1st new car & I can say nothing bad about this beauty! Its comfort is impeccable, its class is luxurious, I love this car. I have had it now for 4 yrs., and I would buy this car again! I have had so many comments about how beautiful it is, from day one. I have had wonderful service from it, and I have taken very good care of mine. I keep up with all service on it. Thats the key. It takes me everywhere safely! Love it!

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Glenn - June 15 - 5:15 pm

  Very comfortable on a long trip. Fuel economy is very good for this type vehicle.There is plenty of room for passengers and luggage and whatever else one needs for trips. Car can be driven for long periods without driver fatigue. I have the CXL option and this gives me everything I need in the vehicle. The visibility out of the car is also very good. The car is also easy to drive and park in the city. The vehicle is very quiet and this makes conversation easy and pleasant. We looked at vans, sedans, and Suvs and found the Buick Rendevous to blend the best of each of these vehicles into one vehicle.

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  New Buick - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By DAN HERMAN - June 5 - 5:25 am

  Thi is our first Buick. It is a lot roomier and better riding than we expected. It is quiet and gets very good gas mileage for an SUV.

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  I cant believe GM built this - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Guy - June 4 - 5:18 pm

  We have had Mercedes, BMWs and Lexus. Most recent a Lexus RX330. The Buick is every bit as good and is more comfortable. We needed more room and didnt want to give up MPG. Guess what? The Rendezvous is bigger and gets better MPG. 15% better. We stopped by the dealer just to take a look and were sold and bought it that day. Sold by the vehicle, not the salesman who was very low pressure. Buick should do a better job of getting the word out on this one.

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  Rendezvous less than 1000 miles - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Norman Landry - June 2 - 2:00 am

  We purchased a buick because of ride,price, reputation of dealer and friendliness of sales person. We had also driven the following SUVs: Merceades; Vue;Lexus; Highlander; Murano;CUV and Element. Vehicle has less than 1000 miles- so far so good!

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  50,000 mile review - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By pjk - May 27 - 8:59 pm

  Ive had my Rendezvous now for 52,000 miles. Had very little problems. I drive 21 miles each way to work, very hilly rough terrain. I live in PA, very tough on vehicles. Salt on the roads all winter. Large pot holes. One day last winter I counted twelve small cars and small SUVs on the side of the road with serious suspension problems after one of our major highways fell apart in Jan. My Rendezvous has a tough suspension, stainless exhaust and large 16" wheels. The activated charcoal cab air filter is great for keeping deisel exhaust etc. out of your lungs. The OnStar is a lifesaver I will not do without. The galvanized metal body does not rust. No problem with half ton loads

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  What a vehicle! - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Danny - May 27 - 10:59 am

  This vehicle I purchase was a steal. I am so happy with the 06 CXL AWD.I had a Ford Windstar 03 and was eager to trade it in. I was in love my Windstar but with 18 gal compare to 26 it makes a big difference.The Rendevous is of course is shorter in length than the Windstar. But the Rendevous makes up for all the sassy design and features. If youre looking for the crossover vehicle with comfort class and price, then go check out the Rendevouus. Once you go for a test drive you will be driving it home the same day. Happy Motoring !!!!

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  Ready Rendezvous - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Bill Jones - May 27 - 6:55 am

  Driven throughout the midwest in scorching heat & freezing cold, no probs either way. Handled fantastically- smooth, quiet, dependably. Wife uses it to travel to different hospitals, during clinicals,(shes a nurse)with confidence + its sharp looking. We definitely will check out the new Rendezvous when we shop for our next vehicle.