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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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Al Hummels - November 26 - 11:10 am

  We traded in our like new Surburban for this vehicle and took it on a 1 week 3,000 mile trip. I cant believe how comfortable and easy to drive it is. I am 64" and weigh 275 lbs and have plenty of room. My wife is disabled (couldnt get into the Surburban) and finds it easy to get into and out of. We love it and would recommend it to anyone.

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  You Like? - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By rendez barber - November 25 - 4:23 pm

  I bought a pre-owned 2004 Rendezvous in October 2006 which was in impeccable condition. You would have thought it was brand new. This is a fully loaded CXL with almost every upgrade. I love everything about this vehicle except its inability to soak up "rougher" pavement. It is very stiff over just the slightest of bumps. I dont understand because when I read all the reviews, they claim otherwise. Such a sacrifice (stiffer ride) would imply a more sporty agility which just isnt the case. Thats my only complaint. If you can get past that, you will love this vehicle.

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  Most fun car to drive - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Sallie Herman - November 22 - 5:05 am

  This car is so reliable, comfortable, no back strain, and so easy to load with the hatchback at waist level. Large storage compartment, and comfortable seats for passengers. Added phones in passenger seats for comfort in listening to music. Great visibility in the front windshield, in fact that is why I purchased this car. The vista is great when traveling to beautiful places, panoramic view. My whole family loves this car, and I am a 76 year old grandmother, and everyone wishes they owned this car. I wish I had bought the wine colored car, instead of the gun metal, which many people have. That would have been a little a fun color for me.

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  Snow Mobile - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Shelby349 - November 21 - 6:15 pm

  It is a reliable, surefooted AWD in snow, slush and rain, but only when coupled with premium aftermarket tires. A comfortable ride. It seems from research as well as my own experience that common problems include A/C condenser failure, engine antifreeze gasket leaks, and some have experienced transmission problems.

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  My Buick Rendevous - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By melissa jacobs - November 20 - 8:34 pm

  Im very happy with the truck. I wish it had front sensors too. The drivers mirrors on the outside of the truck are a great size. Im really able to see whats coming up on me. I love the OnStar in it. I would love to get another one when my time is up. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone, plus I already get a lot of compliments on it now.

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  Awesome Car - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By none - November 20 - 3:25 pm

  We bought this Rendezvous because of the price, and the fact that this is not our first Buick. The Rendezvous has many features with the CX base. The ride is very comfortable with a lot of leg room. There is also a lot of cargo room. You can fit many boxes in the car if you are moving. There isnt that much wind noise in the car even if you drive fast. The car also is high in the back and lower in the front to prevent the car from tipping over. The gas mileage is great. We drove from Connecticut to Maine and it took about 1 full tank of gas.

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  WarrantyExpires... so does this car - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By DisgruntledBuickRez - November 15 - 10:00 am

  Was a great car until the warranty expired.... Summary of our ownership experience between 36000 and 47359 miles: * Left Front Wheel Bearing $400 * Right Front Wheel Bearing $400 * Condenser for Air Conditioning $820 (hard to believe but true) * Fuel Pump (died on the road) $400 (estimated; theyre working on it now... And I still have 3 1/2 years of payments left. This feels ugly. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR WITHOUT AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. I have only read a few of these reviews and there are others with many of the same problems. Buick acknowledges the AC Condenser and wheel bearings are "known problems" meaning lots of failures, but wont hel

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  You have to drive it, to believe it - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By Nate Spencer - November 14 - 8:08 pm

  This is my wifes car. She says it drives like a luxury car. Its very good on the highway and we drove it from Friendswood, Texas to Chatham, Ont. Handling and acceleration is good. Its comfortable and no blind spots looking out the back. We have 2nd row buckets seats. You need to drive it. we average 415 miles per tank of gas. You need to drive it.

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  Can Any More Go Wrong? - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Gma - November 7 - 6:48 am

  Every month is a new problem. Power windows off track. Back hatch lock no good. Side view mirrors motor broke. Front end problems. Staling just started. Key start froze up. Battery died after 3 month of owning car. I used to love my Buick. Now, dont even ask!

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  I love my Rendezvous! - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Rendezvous - October 29 - 10:29 pm

  This is my favorite auto Ive ever owned including the Lexus. My Rendezvous is the most comfortable, well designed, and reliable car Ive had. I also love the design. I now have about 150,000 miles on it, and am thinking about trading it in for a new one but I love this one so much Im hesitant. I wont buy anything else. Ive never owned a bad Buick, but this Rendezvous is really over the top in excellence. You have already achieved perfection with the engine and design, now just add a little bling. I would be happy to test one out for you!