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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  Luxury SUV at 1/2 the price - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Alfred - February 10 - 11:07 am

  I never thought I would buy an American car until I saw the great quality ratings and how little this cost compared to a comparable RX330 or Acura MDX. This was a steal for the same quality and comfort!

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  More GM junk - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By ken kondrat - February 10 - 6:25 am

  We bought this vehicle because it has enough head room for me to drive it. I am 67" and I do not fit in many vehicles GM makes. The full size pickups have less head room. During warranty they changed 3 front wheel bearings, stereo speakers and 2 starters. Now at 88,000 miles the intake manifold gasket is bad and I am getting quotes from $400.00 to $1200. A piece of Mexican made junk!

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  Standard of Quality - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By Bill Chaky - February 8 - 9:15 pm

  Great looking. Great driving. Many features that no other SUV offers for the price. Looking forward towards many years of driving pleasure.

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  comfortable car - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Joe01545 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  pretty much as advertised. plenty of up front room. good performance with biger engine. poor gas,14.1 cty 18.4 hywy.

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  Love my CXL - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By Julie - February 7 - 4:55 pm

  This is one of the best handling cars that I have ever owned. The Rendezvous CXL is very comfortable when driving in town or out on the highway. Huge amount gadgets for the price.

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  Just what we needed! - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By jfm - February 5 - 11:54 pm

  This vehicle has the people and cargo carrying capacity we searched for in a mid-size SUV that could get good gas mileage (first tank I got 28 mpg)! It is comfortable and quiet to drive. 2nd seat passengers like the ride and the rear AC flow.

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  Love my Rendezvous - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By Young Buick Driver - February 1 - 12:57 am

  Just bought an 07 Rendezvous about 6 months ago and I love it! Great for hauling the family. A little slow, but extremely comfortable and functional. Great vehicle GM!

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  Worst car ever owned - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By melissa - January 30 - 2:10 am

  This is the worst and most unsafe car I have ever owned or driven! Heard this was a flop from GM. The car rocks like a boat when driving and on highways the car is pushed when passing of a truck or bigger vehicle. Computer system in this car is a nightmare! Constantly in the shop! Biggest and costliest mistake!

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  Love the Rendezvous - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By bobbyolashuk - January 27 - 9:06 pm

  We purchased the Rendezvous and absolutely love the vehicle. The riding comfort is unbelievable. The performance thus far has been great.

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  Have owned 3 years with very few problems - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By adelphi - January 24 - 7:03 pm

  I bought my Rendezvous used in 5/2004 for $17K and have had only one problem. The left front bearing went and was repaired under warranty. It has been a very reliable car, and is superb in the snow. I currently have 66,000 miles on it and no problems. I recommend buying a used one with an extended warranty. The gas mileage is very good for a truck this size. I get about 19/20 mpg average. None of the truck chasis SUVs can come close to the comfort and handling of this SUV. Its not perfect, but its a steal if bought used. Go ahead and compare it to the Pilot, even MDX, its that good.