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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  Heavy Rear Door - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By JERRY - September 26 - 10:18 pm

  Turning radius fantastic. Removable center seats, great. Rear door opening OK. Rear door closing, you got to be kidding. It is very heavy with no power or air shock assist. Only bad feature to the vehicle

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  Buick Rendezvous 2002 - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By leshammond - September 26 - 5:00 am

  Great exterior design. Best sound system ever. Love head up display. Some electronic and other repair issues.

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  my evaluation - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By jtiger - September 24 - 10:06 pm

  great riding,all amenities,needs more engine power,eye turner

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  Tear in my Beer - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Sharon - September 22 - 1:42 am

  This was my first SUV purchase and I was very happy The ride is smooth and enjoyable to drive. The vehicle is large and adequate to fit our family of six our dog.

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  Dawns 2002 Buick Review - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By DDoerr - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I have only had the vehicle for a month, but I thoroughly enjoy driving it. I went from a minivan to the SUV. It acts like a minivan (smooth, easy to manuever, 7 passenger seating) but it looks tougher (not a "soccer mom" vehicle). The Buick is very sleek and Ive received NUMEROUS compliments on it.

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  1.5 years old - Favorite car I ever had! - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Realtours - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Love it! Everything - enough said.

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  Buick Climber - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Saratoga-Flash - September 11 - 10:00 am

  A solid people mover just made for the highway with lots of great gimmicks GPS, XM Satellite, On-Star in an SUV that is getting a real 27 per gallon on cruise control interstate driving. Hope next year is as satisfying as the first. Still wish Buick had stood up to GM and put the 3.8 V6 in it instead of the sad little 3.4 from Pontiac. Had four 3.8s and they all ahve gone 250,000 for fun without even pushing oil. Ohn Well!

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  Carols review - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By carolw - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Overall I am very happy with my Reneavous. Great gas mileage. Navigation system is very helpful. Easy to park for a 7 passanger vehicle. Third seat folds and unfolds easily. Back seat is very roomy for three children. DVD player is a godsend on a long ride with the kids.

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  2002 Buick Rendezvous CXL AWD - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Jan - September 6 - 8:21 am

  I loved my Rendezvous! However, it was a mechanical nightmare! The major parts of the air conditioning system had to be replaced...the transmission went at 50,000 miles...the chrome factory rims began to pit and lose air, destroying my brand new tires. The radio faded in and out. Power window on drivers side went. Lastly the plastic roof console hinge broke off and I had to rig it back up so that it didnt hang and obstruct my view. I had to replace the rims and tires. V

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  Buick Rendezvous Great Value - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By MB - September 5 - 8:27 am

  This is our second Rendezvous. Both have been excellent autos, no issues with either. Well designed, very comfotable, easy to get in and out of, roomy, quiet, nice driving, very reliable vehicle, typical Buick quality and value. Now that they will no longer be produced, we will go with the new Buick Enclave as our next new car purchase.