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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  Buick reliability - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By RLA - January 5 - 10:51 pm

  I have only owned this vehicle a short time. It is pleasant to drive, and very comfortable. The radio works well, as do the power windows seat and other amenities. Not purchased for going off road. I do not desire an off road vehicle, I already have one. This is a very nice family vehicle. It was reported that the standard V6 does not have adequate power. I have been out on the interstate with this one and it runs fine, its not a race car but thats not what I purchased. If I wanted a sports car I would buy one.

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  SUV compromise - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Chris Bernhard - January 5 - 9:21 am

  the interior, and driving my fathers 1993 Regal with 175,000 miles sold me. Buicks seem to last forever. Quality on them are only second to Cadilac.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By sam0616 - January 1 - 2:48 pm

  This is by far the best care/SUV I have ever owned. I have previously owned a Dodge Shadow, Subaru Imprezza, Infiniti G20 and Nissan Maxima. I traded the maxima in for this. I have never before felt like driving everywhere as I do with this car. It gives me the security and safety of driving an SUV and the smoothness and stability of driving a car. I love the roominess without the bulky look of a truck or corny look of a minivan. The gas mileage is just as good, if not slighly better, than my Maxima, which is very impressive. Overall, I think this is a best bet for someone looking for the feel of a minivan, ride of a car and look of an SUV.

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  A Great Crossover Car - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By amers521 - January 1 - 12:57 pm

  My husband and I were searching for a family car and after test driving a variety of other SUVs we found the Rendezvous to be the best value. It was not only much more comfortable than any other SUV we test drove, but had a lot more cargo room and passenger room. We had a wonderful experience at the dealership purchasing our Rendezvous and couldnt be happier with our choice!

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  sleek and fun - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By lisaloo - December 31 - 2:00 am

  This is my first SUV to own but I have driven several of my friends cars . This beats all of them in ride quality. Talk about comfort ! I love the Onstar and the wireless phone, feel much safer knowing I can press a button and get help if I need it. Sound system is great, and the steering wheel controls are just awesome. Yes, its a little pricey on gas but nothing major.

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  Finishing Touches - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Pete B - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Rides and Handles extremely well, very pretty to look at too.

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  Fantastic car - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Ray Walters - December 20 - 10:55 pm

  I have purchased many new cars but have never been so totally satisfied with any car as I have with this Rendezvous. Of course we would always want better mileage but, other than that, this car is a ten all the way. The Navigation system, On Star, built in cell phone, heads up display, back-up sensor, foldup seats, etc - all make this car of the future here today.

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  Best SUV for the money - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Craig - December 18 - 2:02 pm

  I had an audience, as I rolled my new 36" flat screen up to the back of my Buick. No one thought it was going in! We rolled the huge box, and slid it in, ALL the way, and closed the hatch! Try that with ANY SUV this nice, priced under $28K brand new. It wont happen. - The sight lines, the great engine performance, and 22.5 MPG for the first 50K that weve driven it, are unmatched with anuthing else weve looked at. - We were the first ones in our town to own one, now there are HUNDREDS! The fact that SO MANY other SUVs came out with room for 7, AFTER they saw how these sold, tells you a lot.

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  No problems - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Colen - December 15 - 1:31 am

  Very impressed so far. 5000 miles, no problems. Almost bought a Saturn VUE, but with the incentives from GM, a extra 2 grand gets you a much more refined vehicle. With traction contol and 4 snow tires All wheel drive is not necessary.

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  I Love It! - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Sardone - December 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned two Jeep Grand Cherokees in the past and was very close to buying another. I saw the rebate for the Rendezvous and decided to take a test drive. Although I wasnt sure I was ready to own a Buick because Ive always equated this brand with old folks, I was extremely impressed with the ride and the features. I dont regret my decision to buy one!