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:

• 

  Thought Rendezvous was a great deal - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By 2005 rendezvous cx - September 3 - 10:09 am

  Now there is a unusual sound that comes from the engine and the car shakes if we drive over 75mph. This vehicle is now we realize made for the first time in 2002, it doesnt have a long history of good record like lasting long. We still own a 96 regal and a 01 century and both of them drive superb. We heard great things about the Rendezvous from friends but they already returned theirs because he was on a lease. The sound for the bass in the newer Buicks are horrible, which includes the 05 Rendezvous. Seems like a great car in the beginning but not really good.

• 

  All U, but no S in this SUV - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By byebyebuick - September 2 - 10:00 am

  The 3.4L engine is the same as the several hundred pounds lighter GM minivans, and the mismatch shows badly at the first steep hill ascended. Even worse, the stress of occasional uphill driving upon the under-powered engine causes excessive heating and strain on the engine and transmission. The result in my case was a blown transmission after 14000 miles. And this was AFTER a complete engine replacement due to an improperly installed radiator causing three overheats and a blown head gasket. Surprise! For 2005 GM is putting a new engine/transmission in the Rendezvous. Perhaps worth a second look at that point.

• 

  Stranded - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By kerap - August 28 - 3:11 pm

  Drove my Rendezvous with about 80k on a 4 1/2 hour journey into Northern Michigan--an hour away from our destination the "Hot Coolant" light came on. Blew a head gasket--now What? Have had a wheel bearing replaced under recall, rear hatch replaced under recall, now a $1500 head gasket, have had problems with a/c, hard to find tires. Great fun to drive and comfortable, but would I buy another...um....Not a chance!

• 

  1st year - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Buick Lover - August 27 - 4:52 pm

  Wonderful driving experience, only. Quality is questionable when purchasing a first year car. A lot of bugs to work out, e.g. window relay switches bad, sensors, bad, tracks on bucket seats, bad, brakes, very bad, engine bad, transmission recalled, problems with airconditioning unit within first two years of ownership. Car drives very well, just poor quality parts.

• 

  Paint it Yellow - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Sassy - August 10 - 6:44 pm

  What a lemon! Back hatch lock broke, the handle to close the hatch broke, the pumps that raise a lower the back hatch have broken several times. Switch has locked up several times, overhead sunglasses compartment has been replaced twice because it has fallen down and just hangs there. Battery didnt even last the first year. The front end doesnt stay aligned, 2 new tires, now it looks like we will have to put on another 2 tires. The upholstery is stained, not scotchguarded at all. I thought Buick was top of the line, well, the one we got is at the end of the line. Will definitely not buy another GM product, will go with Honda or Toyota. Had to buy extended warranty just to stay afloat

• 

  Could Be Great - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Business Mom - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Bought RDV instead of mini-van and regretted it almost right away. RDV has great luxury items--air compressor, sound system, leather seats, terrific consoles--but actual hauling space is limited. Third row seat only usuable for small children or if middle seats are removed. The blind spots are AWFUL!! The huge side mirrors, dark glass and back window frames make seeing on the sides a hassle. The gas mileage is poor for city driving and the electrical system is haunted by poltergeist. Im trading this car in for a minivan and I dont think Ill miss it.

• 

  Never Buy a Used Rendevous - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Pat Z. - August 8 - 1:16 pm

  I bought 2002 with less than 28000 miles on it. One year later with 38000 I have had to replace/repair to the tune of over $3500. The gas tank sensor, drivers power window motor, cooling system gaskets, ignition module, a/c sensor module and rear chassis springs and finally the main computer (this is the only repair covered by Buick). I am a 58 yr old woman and the SUV was serviced regularly at the Buick garage, My Buick dealer has been great thru all of this.Supplying me with a loaner etc. Buick however, did nothing! I am trading this piece of junk in on anything that is not a Buick.

• 

  I love this car - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By kathyi - August 8 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. It could be a little faster when I need to accelerate suddenly. Its comfortable and eas to drive.

• 

  Great Buy - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By Momma P - August 6 - 12:59 pm

  Afer having a baby, my husband and I knew that the Pontiac G6 that we owned was too small for a now family of 3. We looked and looked to find a SUV in our price range and found that all of the ones we were interested in were out of our range. We decided to take a look at roomier cars with the dealer that sold us our G6 and he informed us on a great buy with the Rendevous! We ended up paying roughly $30 more per month than what we were currently paying and got a roomier car all at once. The other little SUVs did not have nearly the space and were charging doulbe the price. We love our new car!

• 

  Best crossover SUV - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Had2Move - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Overall it is a great car. Traded in my 2000 Pontiac Montana for it. Got tired of driving the big, typical mini-van. Handling of the Rendezvous is great and enjoy driving it. Just big enough to move around the family comfortably without feeling your driving a house! It also looks prestigious inside and out. Gauges are a little hard to read. Little constrast of grey on silver.