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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  Surprise SUV - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By Guy - March 15 - 9:45 pm

  My wife fell in love with it. I was lukewarm at first. I have been converted, it is a great all around vehicle. We have owned 7 different SUVs and this is the best riding ever. 5,000 miles and not one problem. GM got this one right and now they are set to discontinue it and replace it with a totally different vehicle.

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  Almost perfect - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Vernl - March 14 - 6:23 pm

  Bought the first year. Loved the interior room. Big storage in console and wifes pocketbook fit underneath. All cars should have the heads-up display. Never would have ordered it but it came with the car and we loved it once we had it. Unfortunately, instrument cluster failed twice and had to be replaced. Third time vehicle caught fire and was totally destroyed. Bad Buick design or incompetent dealers mechanics? Who knows? Replaced it with the Acura MDX which isnt nearly as good. Wish wed bought another Rendezvous!

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  My Wife Lindas Car - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By Brians Wifes Car - March 11 - 10:55 am

  Fun to drive and relaxing too. My wife loves being up above the traffic so she can see well in her trip to work and for her many trips on the Garden State Parkway. We did not want a 3rd seat and its great that Buick offers that option. It gives us more storage room. Love having dials and switches that we can actually read vs a "symbol". I own a LaSabre and really like Buicks quality. I am very, very dissapointed that they are discontiuing this car. I think they should have advertised this more. Oh well, we are very happy to own the Rendezvous and think others would also.

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  Do yourself a favour dont buy the RDV - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By AP - March 4 - 10:01 pm

  First GM vehicle and confirms why I always steered clear in the past. GM deserve their loss of market share, It this is the best they can do then they should give up now. Japanese and Europeans have them beaten on all fronts. All this topped off with appalling customer service, cant wait to get rid of this lemon.

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  2006 Rendezvous - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Brian - March 1 - 1:54 pm

  Very nice vehicle! I traded in a Chevy Trailblazer for the Buick to improve fuel economy and have been pleasantly suprised on how much cargo space this vehicle has! The vehicle has great power around town and the high seating position offers great visability for driving. The fit and finish on the vehicle is very good but I am very disappointed about the lack of space for tall drivers. I am 64 and although there is sufficient headroom, the legroom is much less than the Trailblazer and the drivers side door sticks to far in and hits my left leg. I also hit the parking brake with my leg as I enter and exit the vehicle. What I would give for a split bench seat!

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  Spare Tire and Jack - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By bob kambic - February 25 - 11:43 am

  The spare tire is impossible to put back once taken from under the auto. The spare hangs by a crank cable system similar to other GM SUVs. However, directly under the spare is both a suspension strut and a part of the frame. So the tire is in a small keyhole. I used the spare and could not get it back into the keyhole. My neighbor and I by laying on the ground under the car were able to push and pull the spare back into the key hole. They should make every GM engineer who designed this do it every day.

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  A piece of Junk - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By KimmyO - February 24 - 7:47 pm

  In the one year I have owned this lemon it has continually been in the shop. First, my best mileage is only about 12.5-13.5 mpg, no matter if I am driving around town or on the highway. Dealership says nothing is wrong and nothing they can do. Now, lets talk about the problems with this piecd of junk. The left front struts had to be replaced in the first three months. Gears in the steering mechanism were replaced in month 4. In the 6th month, the transmission went out. Month 9, the power steering unit had to be replaced. I am not a bad driver nor drive in a reckless manner. I am a 65 year old lady who does not know where to turn.

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  Unbelievably Unsafe - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By Shocked - February 24 - 9:50 am

  We were absolutely shocked to learn that this vehicle is the only GM vehicle (including all other Buick models) that includes rear seat seatbelts that do not "lock" unless or until it becomes necessary. Subsequently, small children have the ability to "hang" and "dangle" from the seatbelts. Should the seatbelts reliably "lock" when needed (not proven), children are at risk for severe injury if they are not sitting upright or if the belt literally "snaps" them backwards. Utterly ridiculous and absolutely unsafe for children. We returned our vehicle within days of taking delivery. All research indicates that even the slightest slack in the belt increases substantially the risk of head/neck injury

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  Id do it again - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By annee - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I went to buy a cadalic and landed buying a Buick Rendezvous. I sure to like it. I feel safe, comfortable and secure when I drive it. It is a comfortable ride and also has alot of safty features.

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  Good Auto - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Gee Wizz - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I also own a Aztek, in fact bought the Buick because of my good experience with it. I like the Buick looks, ride and quietness. I primarily use it for longer highway driving trips. AWD is a comfort feel when I go to unfamilar places. I get many comliments about the looks of the vehicle. I have no problems or repairs to report in the 21,000 miles Ive driven. I like its smaller size & car-like handling. A little underpowered,but thats not an issue with me.