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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  Delivers whats promised - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By SunnyFlorida - January 26 - 10:00 am

  We are very happy with our RDV. Yes, it could use more power - however, a bigger engine would put the RDV right with the other gas guzzlers. Get 22.5 average - 26.5 on the highway. Use the cruise control - and use slow starts - when possible. City traffic will greatly decrease milage. Can remove all seats to haul large items easily when seats removed. If you are like me and dont haul stuff often, removing seats is minor consideration. Skip AWD unless you live in severe snowy conditions - gas milage will suffer. A very environmentally friendly, spacious and comfortable vehicle. Vehicles such as this will reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

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  Perfectly satisfied - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Alg - January 23 - 10:36 am

  For anyone looking for a good family vehicle, the RDV desreves serious consideration. The only criticisms Ive heard about the vehicle pertain to mileage or power. Well, it is a 3400# SUV, and Im pretty sure that if youre looking for power in a car that size, the MPG will stink, and vice versa. The power has been perfectly adequate (for LA hwys), and our overall MPG is around 22 after 3000 mi. In short, a very nice balance between power and econony. That said, the comfort, quiet, convenience and luxury cant be beaten in this price range. We paid less than $24k, and everyone in the family is thrilled with the convenience and creature comfort so far.

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  My new Rendezvous - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By NikiCST - January 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought this after renting one for a week to go on vacation. I love driving it! I am a Stay-At-Home-Mom, who totes 3 kids all day. I find it very easy to get the kids in and out, and driving around!

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  hate this car - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By blattner4 - January 17 - 2:55 pm

  dont buy this car... have had nothing but problems and have had the car not even 3 years and it has been in the shop 19 times. im on my 3rd flywheel and after replacing the first flywheel they gave me a warranty of 2011. dont buy anything from GM they dont take care of their customers.

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  Buying american - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By ocleite - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Great car, great ride, comfort, room, etc. at a great price after 10% discount and 3500 rebates. It downshifts frequently uphill. Addition of a supercharger to add low rpm torque to this underpowered engine. Alternatively, use a modern DOHC or SOHC engine to provide the some type of performance as the Acura MDX. With either engine, fuel consumption would improve moving the vehicle without much effort. 3rd seat part of the CXLplus Package, should be an individual option. Even the CXL package cars on the dealers lots were loaded with that option.

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  Riding comfort - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By John - January 8 - 9:22 am

  The ride is very comfortable. There is plenty of space with the third seat folded down for luggage or large purchases Home Depot or Best Buy. The gas mileage is fine for an suv, 25 mpg highway and 22 mpg overall. No mechanical service has been required and it is comforting to know we have 50k or 48 months on the warranty.

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  Rendezvous with the family - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Jim - January 6 - 10:30 pm

  Great family car, that fits everyone comfortably. Not a sports car by any means, but fun to drive.

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  2002 Rendevous CXL AWD - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Theresa - January 6 - 4:01 pm

  Comfortable car as long as you dont need it to run! Loved it when I bought it. Was my dream car, first car I owned with heated leather,sunroof, power everthing..planned on keeping it until at least 110k..only got 84k out of it. Had it 4 1/2 years and racked up over $9,000 in repairs, A/C broke, intake gaskets, coils, computer cellinoid, hubs etc. same as everyone else. Final breakdown was the transmission going at 84,000 miles. $4900 to repair... After being stranded twice and endless repairs finally traded it on a Japanese car. Will never buy a GM product again.

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  06 RDV CXL 3.6L - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By coywolf - December 30 - 1:29 pm

  Gave it a 8 for comfort due to the leather on the seats which make the seats firmer than cloth. Vehicle ride comfort is awsome....smooth. Have driven all crazy weather conditions and never been stranded, AWD is ample. Clearance height is less than others, but at least I dont have to climb into it like other SUVs.

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  the best of its class - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Ikes - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I do not wont to stop driving it