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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  A winner for Buick - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By RDVforME - December 25 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding ride. We have been happy for three months now. Everything is riding smooth. Features work great. We got a good deal with the Rebate. Very satisfied.

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  Favorite Ride - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Mark - December 17 - 1:51 pm

  Purchased this vehicle used with 15K on it. (now 72K) Three body computers, head gasket, both front wheel bearings and the radio all had to be replaced under the extended warranty. Still kept the car for our touring vehicle. Love the HUD and dual climate control. This is one of the most comfortable vehicles I have owned. Love the versa trac AWD. I am shooting for 200K. A little underpowered for cross country driving but has been a joy to own (while out of the shop)

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  Great used car value - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By NevadaJim - December 17 - 12:06 pm

  Given that 2007 is the last year for this model, good off-lease and used examples can be a bargain. We purchased ours for $10,000 under original list price. While not a Lexus by any means, it is still half the price for similar comfort and capacity. Great warranty coverage. Our only real complaint is that the 3.5 engine could have been the 3.6 with better power and mileage. Also, the radio stinks. An aftermarket radio is in our future.

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  Rendezvous does a lot of things well - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By bxd20 - December 14 - 12:54 pm

  Bought it new, now has 10000 miles on it. Trouble free. Lots of cargo room with 3rd row folded, way more than any other crossover, approaching minivan versatility. The car is very quiet and comfortable.

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  Why hasnt Buick Enhanced and continued? - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Ken Ruhland - December 11 - 3:40 pm

  All around good vehicle - reliability, comfort, great little amenities, great fuel mileage for type and size of vehicle. Dont understand why Buick did not continue and enhance this vehicle.

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  A year later and I still love it - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Mike Sadkowski - December 2 - 11:28 pm

  I bought the SUV about a year ago and did not have any problems with it. I love the comfort and the smooth ride it offers. The vehicle is roomy and well designed. This is one of those cars that grows on you. When I first bought it, I didnt really care for the exterior design. I purchased the car due to its outstanding reliability ratings, awesome price ($16K with 4K miles), and the driving comfort (less road noise than my parents MDX!). But the exterior design grew on me. I love my Rendezvous. I would buy another, but unfortunately they dont make them anymore. If you find one with low miles and a good price, dont think twice, buy it!

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  Almost there - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Willem - December 2 - 2:00 am

  With a better engine this car would be really fun to drive. The current engine is quiet and smooth, as if it isnt there; well thats almost the case. It should be possible to draw 40 more horse power from a 3.4 liter engine I believe. This is clearly a new generation of Buicks though. Good roadholding and stiffer suspension. Well done, but it needs an engine upgrade. When listening to classical music, the Stereo suffers too much low- mid frequency colouration.

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  Totally cool, great vehicle - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Sylvester - December 1 - 9:09 pm

  I really dont get all of you complaining about the speed of the vehicle. I can always enter onto any freeway going atleast 65-70 mph. My truck pratically drives it self. My truck is way fast. Yes, side mirrors do cause a blind spot. You just have to double check (all the time) & it might be only a problem for short people. Thank you all & have a great safe life!!

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  Rendezvous - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By daniel leblanc - November 21 - 10:00 am

  had a ford windstar and the rendezvous rides much nicer, and has a lot of extras which i find very useful. I have gotten a lot of comments from people about the looks of this vehicle.

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  Buick Rendezvous Overall Review - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By Rendezvous CX - November 9 - 3:30 pm

  We have been very unhappy with this vehicle. The fuel economy has been terrible, average 16 mpg with a mix of highway and city driving. My husband is 64 and when he is driving my children have no room for their legs in the back seat. A car seat is out of the question behind him. We have the split reclining middle row, not sure if this is why. But, my kids absolutely hate this car. Numerous problems, serviced the next day after purchase and should go in again but am to busy and because this is a lease Im leaving with the noisy turns, poor gas mileage, poor leg room for children and the interior roof coming apart in the back. Rear seat belts end up under the folding seat, hard to get.