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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  Perfect - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By ziebab - May 20 - 12:43 pm

  Bought used with 24,000 miles. It has been the perfect SUV for us. Tried out a Ford Escape after we test drove the Buick, not even close, plus the Escape was more money. My wife loves the Rondezvous. Lots of room all around, easy access to everything, great vision, comfort, reliablity, ride is slightly rough but not a big deal. No major problems, just the usuall maint. One ignition problem but covered by warranty. We are at 65000 miles, just put on a new set of tires, running great and still looks like new. Too bad they discontinued them, would buy another one when the time comes.

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  Yomoffs Review - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By yomoff - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I rate the following as great features: Good riding, steering, visibility, AC, comfort, ease of loading passengers and baggage, opening of cargo space, towing small trailer, storage, sound system, On-star and no hands cell phone.

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  Chronic problems - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By BooToBuick - May 15 - 10:57 pm

  Boo to Buick. Was thrilled with the Rendezvous for the first year. After that, all downhill. Like many others, the seat cloth stained very badly, rear hatch strap broke, sunglass compartment fell off. Im now about to replace the rear differential for a 2nd time, the front end shimmies badly, and the air conditioning appears to be failing. The car has less than 50k on it. I have an extended warranty and these issues have all been addressed. BUT, its a real pain dealing with these nuisances on a car that, at the outset, seemed so well-built. The gas mileage on the highway is actually pretty good but in town, watch out!

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  Good SUV, best in its class - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Rendezvous driver - May 13 - 4:01 pm

  I hated it when I bought it, its more of a woman car, so I gave it to my wife and she loves it. Then I started driving it and Im actually liking it. I bought it 2 years ago and now ~42k on it. Had a deer accident going 70 mph. I thank god to be driving a Rendezvous, very well maintained, very stable, the deer was split in half. Went to the shop for 2-3 months, came back never the same car. But I can tell you, its very reliable. After the accident the fuel economy became poor average 20 mpg, I used to avg 23 - 24. But Im pleased with it. Very spacious and comfortable. Im 300 lbs and 6,1" but it would be better to have a lot more driver leg space. Back sensor excellent

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  Fix me almost perfectly - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Army Wife - May 10 - 10:00 am

  I fell in love with the Rendevous when it was first introduced. I was so excited when my husband and I found a used 2002 CXL AWD with just over 11000 miles on it this last summer. We stole it off the lot, with the price we ended up paying for it. I do wish it had a bit more power when going up hills. The comfort and convenience is top of the line. I like the heads up display and AC auto features

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  Great comfort - hard on the pocketbook - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By LDL - April 24 - 1:56 pm

  Where do I begin - purchased this vehicle 7 months ago - in that time have replaced a head gasket, only to put a new engine in and ABS sensor board and brake line rusted (just replaced). Over $4000 on this vehicle already - practically new - wonderful to drive, comfort level way up there just to bad that it has cost me so much to keep running in such a short time.

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  Never Again!! - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Karma - April 22 - 11:55 am

  Bought this Buick brand new for my wife and just traded it in. Took a huge loss but was glad just to get rid of it. Ball joints, transmission, engine gaskets,etc. Left us stranded on the road at least 6 times. Would not start after you shut it off. Dealer said it was a switch but I told them it was the fuel pump. Changed switch 3 times and still the same hunk of junk. Traded it in with only 40,000 miles on it. Lift gate latch had to be replaced and the windows wouldnt work. Trash, trash, trash. Never again GM, never again. I should have learned my lesson after the Jimmy I bought. I will drive a Kia before I ever by a GM!!!

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  Ds Review - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Dennis - April 20 - 9:32 pm

  Wifes car and she loves it. Very reliable and fun to drive. Fuel economy is in the 20s. Dash layout is very pleasing and easy to use. She drives 60 miles a day to work and back wich gives her a good feeling as to the ride and dependabilty of the auto.

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  What a mistake - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By jb - April 12 - 8:50 pm

  Mechanically the worst car I ever owned. The only saving grace was that I purchased the 100K mile warranty. Otherwise it would have cost me thousands in repairs after 60K mile warranty expired. Front wheel bearings (known issue), intake manifold (known issue), excessive inside tire wear (alignments did not help), heater blower (3 times), sheared bolts and head replacements.

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  Great Car, Great Handling - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Happy Driver - April 11 - 9:19 pm

  Great overall vehicle. AWD is handy feature. Quiet, smooth ride for all passengers. 3rd row seat has just enough leg room/head room for 510" person. Lower clearance, although not great for huge snowfalls, is nice for disabled parent to enter/exit. Good storage.