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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  2006 Rendevous - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Rick Z - December 24 - 9:16 am

  We have a CXL loaded including the trailer package and 3.5 V-6. We traded our 2003 Escalade to take advantage of the advertised highway 28 mpg. The 17 in town and 21 on the road is a dissapointment. The comfort is good

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  Great vehicle - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By highmiler - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I have never had a day that I havent enjoyed this vehicle...oops, except the day the electricaal system went out completely (so ONSTAR of no use). It took ten days to get a new body computer module as the vehicle was so new. Never a single problem after that in 26,000 miles.

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  Great Car (SUV) - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By donsnn - December 20 - 10:38 am

  This vehicle is overall an exceptional SUV. It handles well and is fun to drive. I find that at times the car is a little under-powered so I expect that the weight to horsepower is a bit off. I do however accept this minor issue in favor of better gas mileage. A larger engine would simply eat more fuel. My wife loves the elevated view of the road ahead and uses this car daily. Underhood maintenance is a bit difficult. The air cleaner replacement is a real pain. Generally this is a great car.

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  Buick Rendezvous - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By bartlw - December 19 - 7:15 am

  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. The heads-up display keeps your eyes on the road and not looking down to set your cruise. The instrument panel is laid out to see your gauges, but are also shown in the heads-up display. My wife drove a Buick LaCrosse, but to her the Rendezvous gives her a comfortable ride and the ease of driving a small car in traffic, but doesnt feel like a full size SUV. Its very nicely equipped and for the money its a good car to own. I read some of the reviews on the 2005 & 2006 Rendezvous, I feel like a lot of the complaints have been fixed on the 2007 model.

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  Great Crossover - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Matt - December 7 - 5:55 pm

  We love our RDV! We chose the CXL FWD model in Amethyst. The fit and finish of the vehicle are great. The upgrades of the interior on the CXL that really sold us are the sunroof and the "bun" warmers. We are both tall (over 62") and the headroom and legroom are amazing for both the front and 2nd row!

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  The best SUV I ever drove, - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By Julie Ferrara - December 5 - 8:49 pm

  I love this truck so much I look for things to buy, just to go out and drive it. My daughter loves it and so does everyone I know. I think that they will all go out and get one soon. I will definitely get another one when the lease is up. I hope they still make more. Love it to bits!

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  Worst Vehicle I Have Ever Owned - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By John Ashton - November 30 - 12:05 am

  This is only the second GM vehicle I have ever owned - and the last. The first GM vehicle I owned was a Chevrolet Vega back in the 1970s - enough said - and incredibly, the Rendezvous is even worse! Engine, transmission, AWD drive train, climate control, you name it. I thought in the three decades plus since the Vega, they would have learned how to build cars no such luck.

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  Buick Rendezvous - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By duke28 - November 29 - 9:32 am

  I love the visibility from both sides and behind in this vehicle. The doors open wide enough for a handicap person. Its a comfortable car and easy to handle. We live in the mts and have no trouble getting around, we have front wheel drive. However, my gas mileagel isnt always the best in the mts. but I will not complain.......

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  Great SUV - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By Charles Keeler - November 28 - 11:22 am

  We have owned a Jimmy and 2 Bravadas and the Buick Rendezvous is by far the best SUV we have ever driven. The "heads up" display should be an industry standard. This is an excellent vehicle.

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  Some Disappointments - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By James Charnock - November 27 - 11:13 pm

  Worst thing about the SUV are headrests: 6" back from ones head. For safety it should be 2" or less. I had to add neck pillows to compensate. Gas mileage closer to 15 than 19 for city. No vinyl protection available for top of back bumper so the bumpers are too subject to dings by others. Cross bars not very strong and no vinyl stripes on roof top to keep cargo bag from scratching surface. Like the wideness and shortness of the vehicle (for short garages)--4x8 sheets fit in without riding on the wheel wells--good handyman vehicle, especially with removable 2nd seats. Pulldown hatch strap has broken twice in one year. Poorly designed. Seat and height comfortable. Very hot days tax AC. Very cold tax heater