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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  Best & most suv for the money - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By davkun - January 23 - 5:40 am

  Nobody else gives you independent rear suspension, all wheel drive, just about every option under the sun, a third row seat that stows away and lots of room for under $30K. I like the way it rides, handles and I know I have AWD, ABS, even front and side airbags, and ONSTAR if the need arises. I can take the family with me along with friends. Reading the owners manual tells more about the vehicle that none of the reviews covered, like the limp mode of the engine if it loses coolant.

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  Vehicle Rating - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Faye - January 19 - 7:56 pm

  The one item that I have a concern is I cannot use my lighter to charge my cell phone as it blows the fuse. I was told to get an adapter and put it in before I use the charger for my cell phone. I have friends who have the same SUV, not the Ultra and they have no problems.

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  Love this car - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By michael - January 19 - 12:07 am

  This is my second RDW that I have owned. The other one was a 2003. I love the ride. Its not overpowered, but how fast can you go anyway? The radio system is great. The ride smooth. Whoever rides with me on long trips also comments how great a ride it gives. Bad weather no problem. It just goes right thru it. Anyway in 3 more years I will be leasing another one.

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  Hot and Stylish!! - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Stacie - December 30 - 6:42 am

  I couldnt be happier with my car! There is plenty of room for my two children in the back. I feel like hot momma in my Buick! The ride is wonderful!! I have the fully loaded CXL, it is total luxury! It is fun to drive and very economical. My next vehicle will definitely be a newer version of what I now have!

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  Rendezvous - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Rendezvous - December 18 - 2:29 am

  I was very pleased with the handling and interior quietness of my Rendezvous. I was also very pleased with the gas mileage. I recently drove to Atlanta Georgia from Ohio and averaged 28 miles to a gallon.

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  Great! - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Gerry Caywood - December 8 - 7:37 pm

  We went in to buy a Chevy Trailblazer or an Envoy(By GMC) and this one blew them all away... Better Gas... Better Comfort... Stylish... Everyone in the family loves this car.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Happy - December 8 - 4:39 pm

  I almost bought another Honda CR-V but was shocked that the road noise was not any better than my current one. I wasnt looking for it, it found me and Im so glad it did. This is the best car for the money I have ever seen and is very versatile. I love the ride and power. Me neighbor just retired as a service writer at a Buick dealer and told me this vehicle only needs service - never repair.

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  3rd one in the Family - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Buckeyes1 - November 17 - 5:16 pm

  I was very aware of this vehicle when I began looking for a smaller better MPG SUV for my expanding family. My father and sister had both purchased an 05 and both loved it. I personally did not want to buy the same thing and looked at every other option possible. When the red tag sale started for GM I went pricing out the Equinox, Torrent, Vue, a Liberty, and some foreign SUVs. After all of this I told my Pontiac sales rep jokingly that if the deal was good enough I would consider an Rendezvous. He came back and said we may have what you are looking for. My wife drove it and loved it instantly compared to the others.Long story short we now have three in the family and got the most for our money

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  Laidbackjack of Graysville, Ala. - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Councilman - November 14 - 10:00 am

  My Buick is fun to drive, handles very well, we bought it for the ride (my wife has very painful back trouble), we like the automatic settings of mirrors, seats, etc. We just love it! I really like being able to see my speed refected in the windshield so that I dont have to look away from the road. Everyone, including our passengers like the ease of entry & exit.

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  Still great at 26000 miles - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By rink - November 10 - 7:58 pm

  The vehicle is roomy & very comfortable. It has been almost trouble free. Averaging 18.5 mpg in mixed driving. XM & OnStar are great. OnStar is only $10 per mo. with Verizon Family plan. AWD is great in MN snow. I would recommend as a relatively roomy SUV with good mileage & performance.