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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  A Great Car - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Richard - January 23 - 12:50 pm

  Im on my second Rendezvous and will probably buy a third. I need a 7-seater and I dont like big boats (Suburban, etc.). I was looking for a smallish city car that can seat my whole family, and this is it. The price is about the lowest in class, the quality is good. And its small, which I love. I think only the Hyundai Santa Fe is smaller or cheaper, and Id never buy a Hyundai. It looks stylish on the outside, plenty of space and flexibility inside. Its not overdesigned. Just a good car. Its interesting to me that the customers rating for this car was so much higher than the editors rating. Maybe the editors need to drive it again.

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  Awesome pure outlandish luxury vehicle - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By IMJEWELEE - January 22 - 9:14 pm

  Went to CarMax and they had everything under the sun to test drive and when I saw it, love at first sight! This vehicle is as close to a Lexus as you will ever get! Heated seats, XM radio, sunroof, reclining rear seats, and 3rd row total of 7 people. Out of all the vehicles I have owned, I am 43, this is the best! Cant wait to take this baby to Disney World. I have already sold my friends on this and they want one bad! Heads up is totally boss and the two tone paint and shiny chrome turns heads! God bless America!

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  From BMW to Buick? - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By adamsmith1 - January 21 - 12:49 pm

  I am an owner of a BMW M5 and an Audi S4. But I needed a vehicle with genuine luggage capacity for a vacation. I rented a Rendezvous CXL. I really liked it. My wife really liked it. Even our college-bound son admitted he liked it.The Rendezvous offered very comfortable seats and comfortable ride, quiet and reasonable horsepower, though I always would like more. It provides a great view and command of the highway and there was no difficulty in handling city driving. I had been considering the purchase of a BMW X5 as an SUV but I am now seriously considering a Rendezvous CXL, or Buick’s successor to the Rendezvous, the Enclave. Congratulations to a fine American car.

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  2004 Rendezvous Ultra - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Michael M - January 20 - 8:28 pm

  Great all around vehicle. Fun for outdoor activities and cleans up nicely for an evening out. I think that the Ultras upgraded exterior package really dresses up the vehicle. Very comfortable ride on road trips. I dont see very many Ultras. Any idea how many were actually manufactured?

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  Unbelievable - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By Gabster - January 20 - 10:28 am

  Buick is a step ahead of other competitors, even with GM. I got the CX with all the options available on it. I like the CX because the exterior mirrors are shiny black. The CXL uses body color. I leased this car and was very surprised. It is a luxury SUV with an msrp of $30,000. I leased it for under $400 sign and drive. I have never driven a car that is so refined and drives so smoothly. Another thing going for it is the standard rear park assist. It really helps avoid accidents. Most luxury cars like Benz dont even offer it standard. I cant live without OnStar anymore. I always forget my cell, but I dont need to worry anymore. Leaving my keys in car is a problem too, but no worries anymore. It has features that only the Americans can think of like comfort level and huge compartments. The second row has 2 center pieces that fold away. That means that this car is really wide. It is going to last a long time, will buy again

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  Awesome change - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By LaxMom - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Believe it or not, I traded a Lincoln Navigator to purchase this car. I needed better gas mileage and a shorter car to fit in parking garages. I also wanted an SUV because I didnt want a minivan. I test drove EVERY SUV on the market, and chose the Buick RDV. I LOVE this car. I love the interior comfort, the third row seats, and the size of the vehicle. It fits Lacrosse Sticks for 3 kids which was a "must". The pickup is good on the highway, and the gas mileage is a great improvement from what I was used to. I would recommend this car to anyone!!!

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  Buick Rendezvous 2002 model - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Jacqueline Johnson - January 10 - 11:40 am

  Needs better gas mileage. When they make the tailgate door automatic, I will purchase another Rendezvous. Still waiting for that to happen. They havent changed anything about this SUV since its inception.

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  Great minivan alternative! - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By luv our vous - January 5 - 8:54 pm

  We have a Cardinal Red AWD CXL, and we love it! If youre looking for an alternative to a minivan, the Rendezvous is it! We have had 2 minivans prior to this, but our children are now in college, so the Rendezvous is a perfect fit for our lives now. The AWD is wonderful to have on snow and ice, and makes a real difference in handling. Our only real complaint concerns the very tall front seat headrests. They are rather difficult to see around-you really need to turn around to see sufficiently when backing up. Other than that, the Rendezvous is very comfortable, handles and rides like a car, and is very quiet. We love it!

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  Rendezvous Review - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By BOwens55 - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Nice vehicle. Good alternative to either regular SUV or minivan, however, having owned two minivans previously, I miss the extra room behind the 3rd seat. My Rendezvous has 3 seats, but hardly any storage room behind the 3rd one.

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  Almost Perfect - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By barb - December 24 - 11:40 am

  I love this SUV! Decent mileage, easy entry/exit. Lots of space, I even haul my horse feed in it!I bought it with about 14,000 miles on it, got a great deal.