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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  The Best Vehicle I ve ever Owned - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By hamedankookie - December 6 - 4:11 am

  My husband bought this vehicle for me for our anniversary. I love the comfort and space. i have two children and they have plenty of room for them, I also love the fact that the seats will come all the way out. We helped my mom move and took the seats out and we loaded more things into the back of our vehicle than my Uncle did in the back of his Dodge Ram. The gas mileage is awesome for an SUV. I am satisifed with our investement..no doubt..

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  Just like the one my Daddy drove - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By msmucci - December 1 - 6:25 pm

  For the most part I love my SUV. Its very comfortable, the seats are soo soft. It handles well. The gas mileage, well, I get 250 mi to a tank in the city a little more on the hwy. My biggest disappointment was that I was told that I could purchase the 3rd row seat later. However, when I went back to purchase it, I was told that you can not purchase the 3rd row seat after the fact it must be purchased when you purchase the vehicle. I have called Buick, GMAC and many dealerships and this is the case. So if you have a CX model and want the 3rd row seat, you will have to have it installed by someone who customizes trucks.

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  FAVORABLE COMMENTS - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By LEO GAGION - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I HAD GOTTEN AWAY FROM GM PRODUCTS AND HAD BEEN A CHRYSLER FAN FOR THE PAST 15 YEARS. I BEGAN TO LOOK AT THE 2003 MODELS AND DECIDED THAT i WOULD ENTERTAIN THE IDEA OF NUYING A BUICK. I SPENT CONSIDERABLE TIME RESEARCHING AND LOOKING AT THE RONDEVOUS AND DECIDED THAT IT WAS THE VEHICLE THAT I WANTED TO PURCHASE. I AM VERY HAPPY THAT I DID. THE VEHICLE IS A FINE ONE, DEPENDABLE WITH JUST ENOUGH POWER. THE INTERIOR DESIGN IS GREAT WITH PLENTY OF LEG ROOM BOTH FRONT AND REAR. I HAVE THE THIRD SEAT AND IT IS GREAT FOR THE GRANDCHILDREN. THE ON-STAR FEATURE IS A VERY WELCOME ADDITION.

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  Nicer than I thought..... - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By John Thorsen - November 13 - 2:00 am

  After 2 minivans (villager and then a sienna), we were ready for a more grown up yet functional car. The rendezvous sold us ultimately due to the 3rd row seat, and the interior room. We had read the reviews here first before deciding, and found the reviews to all be correct. My wife and I love it, the kids think it is cool. It was great in the winter, felt sturdy and "tank like" in a good way. My wife felt secure in it driving in snow and other bad weather, yet it is not too big that it is clumsy or hard to drive. Turning radius and parking is great (our Sienna was HORRIBLE in this department).

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  Buick - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By klos - November 9 - 4:00 pm

  Vehicle is versatile - big enough for people and sports gear and can still fit into any parking space. Fun w/ surprisingly positive fuel economy. I have been nothing but pleased with this vehicle and with my selling dealer. Although I bought and have 0% for 5 years, I will probably purchase another Rendezvous before they stop making them!

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  the ideal car - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By DAVIDD251 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Exilent! Best SUV in history!

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  Adventure - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By potentially happy - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Went on a cross-country family trip and encountered problems; The service engine light stayed on after it was serviced and the fuel gauge and low fuel indicator light stayed on when the tank was full. The lighter and auxillary outlet fuse burned out. OnStar wasnt working either until we took the car to a Buick dealer to find these two outlets are on the same fuse as OnStar! Water collected on the floorboard in heavy amounts after rainfall. We came home from our trip to our dealer to find we had a leak around the air conditioning unit They said it was a bad seal around the unit. We had water damage and corrosion to the electrical system.

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  Great family vehicle - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By BethDale - October 20 - 2:00 am

  This SUV has a lot of interior room. I enjoy the rear cargo area because I can fit a full size stroller in it and still have room for shopping bags or soccer equipment. I love the way that it drives and it is great in the rain. The only downfall that I have experienced is that it is hard to wash the roof for shorter people like myself. Overall, I think this is the best car I have ever owned!

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  Excellence! - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By jeter-jemmott - October 19 - 2:00 am

  My experience with this vechile has been wonderful! It is well put together,it rides, feels and performs well above many others.I find it to be roomy, comfortable and extremely fun to drive. It handles like a car.

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  I LOVE MY RENDEZVOUS!!! - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Gail Nattkemper - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive never owned a vehicle I liked better than my Rendezvous. We also own a Lincoln Towncar and a Toyota Prius and for long trips we take the Rendezvous because of the comfort. It handles well and I love having 3 rows of seats for family outings. It also holds tons of stuff when the last two rows are down. My next vehicle will be another Rendezvous