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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  Nice vehicle - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Redcoat - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Nice to drive. Had problem with electric system, but dealer gave me free loaner for one week while being serviced. Somehow the wires got wet causing the entire system to short out. Once fixed, no further problems. Drives and handles well, best mpg is about 18..thought Id get better than that. Easy to manuever in parking lots.

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  New Rendezvous Owner - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Jacklin - May 17 - 12:04 pm

  I just purchased my new 2006 CXL Rendezvous and so far I love this car! We got a great deal on it because it was a former rental with 9340 miles on it. It has everything - leather interior, faux wood grain dash, rear parking assist, power everything, third row seating, satellite radio, OnStar, automatic climate control, etc. This is the most comfortable car Ive ever owned and also the nicest. I considered a Toyota Highlander, Chevrolet Equinox, Pontiac Torrent and Kia Sorrento. After test driving them all I knew the moment I sat down in the car that it was the one for me. As far as longevity goes, well see. But, Im am very happy with my purchase and the dealer I went to.

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  We Love It! - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Marcia L - May 15 - 9:32 pm

  We love our Rendezvous. This was my first American vehicle and so far so good. Weve owned it 10 months now. The ride is smooth and comfortable. Gas mileage is exactly as advertised on the sticker (19 city/26 hwy). Its roomy and comfortable on longer trips. Lots of storage space.

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  I Love My New Car - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By mindala - May 13 - 11:55 am

  I was in the market for a Nissan Murano or a Toyota Highlander, and once I drove the Buick, I was sold. Beautiful interior, and spacious. Drives like a luxury car and has plenty of power for me.

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  New - Used - Rendezvous - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Doug Curtis - May 7 - 5:55 pm

  My wife refused to drive a minivan and I did not want to pay for the gas of a traditional SUV. That leaves a crossover. We wanted to trade our Saab for either a Lexus, Acura, or BMW, but when we looked at the Rendezvous we were hooked. We got a great deal on a year old GM exec CXL AWD with everything on it but the Nav and upgraded engine. It rides better than all the other vehicles we drove, and talk about quite. Only down side is the engine performance. If you really want to get on it, the base engine wont cooperate, but it more than suffices for normal driving. I am getting a combined 23-24 mpg on 87 gas. No complaints there.

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  Finally a family SUV - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By tonyjosie - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I read the rating from the editor and they complain about it not being the best as a van, car or SUV, so I was skeptical. After test driving it and buying one I am confident we have made the right choice for the family. I dont want a car and defiantely not another van, yet the gas mileage on a powerful SUV is terrible. This SUV fits all five of us with room to spare and has all the luxuries of a fancy SUV, yet at half the cost with better gas mileage. Ride is smooth and fun, so dont be fooled, go test drive it. OH, Negotiate the price plus get 0% interest, cant beat that. (2004 Rendevouz)

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  more of an honest review - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By ARTHUR24 - April 26 - 2:00 am

  excellent vehicle. more features than you could imagine. most reviewer are critical of this truck. I would like as the owner not leaser of 3 new trucks in the last 10 years to give more honest reviews, not just their opinion. most reviewer prefer honda or toyota to anything. I can tell you this is an excellent vehicle. it is not perfect but neither is rx330 or mdx.

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  A truly nice & capable vehicle - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By marktv - April 22 - 8:16 pm

  I shopped around for months until I found what suited myself and the family best. I cannot see why Honda and Toyota are priced so much more. The Buick rides nice, looks nice, appears well built, and Im averaging 24 mpg city/hwy. Sure, it has things that can annoy the owner. What vehicle doesnt? But, they are too minor to mention. Consumer reports called the interior cheap, but I found the Toyota Sienna had a much more cheap feel. I think CR really has an anti GM bias. The Rendezvous doesnt do anything excellent, but for me it does everything very well I bought a prior rental with 9850 miles and saved thousands. GM still has a problem with depreciation.

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  Car of my dreams - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By donaj - April 19 - 10:00 am

  We test drove all the mini and midsized suvs before discovering Rendezvous. What a great surprise when we finally drove it. We did not want 3 seats, so were delighted to have the choice and all the goodies that are standard blew us away. I couldnt believe there was an affordable SUV that rides like a luxury sedan, get great mileage and looks as good as anything on the road.

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  Buick Rendezvous - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Christopher Ordner - April 15 - 4:59 pm

  Get great gas mileage and perfect features for my family of six. I have owned my Rendezvous for five months and not found one thing to complain about when it comes to its functionality. No comfort complaints either. As a matter of fact, since I have purchased my Rendezvous I have seen six new Rendezvous owners around my neighborhood.