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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  Mostly excellent - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By rotharch - October 28 - 6:06 pm

  Owned my Rendezvous for 4+ years, has been the best vehicle I have ever owned, but its not quite perfect. Relatively quiet, very comfortable seating, much better than average creature comforts. Very easy entry/exit (important for us seniors!). Versatile storage/seating options. Lots of cubbies and storage spaces. Excellent gas mleage - 19/24. Maybe a bit less than perfect mechanically. New A/C compressor, engine water leaks, transmission, fuel system, a few other more minor problems. Also, a few body integrity problems with wind noise, door fit. Very poor resale value. It has depreciated much more than similar vehicles from other manufacturers.

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  An SUV with the "Buick Ride and Comfort" - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By dws41 - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Minor production problems (ex. Air Bag Light "flickering" while driving, defective Fog Light Bulb on delivery, paint "blob" on roof, missing tire changing "jack extension", vibrating second row passenger "captain" seats) were address over the first few months of ownership. Smooth "car like" ride of this vehicle is outstanding. Note: Has optional passenger lumbar seat (in Japanese cars this is not available) which is greatly appreciated in long rides for front seat passenger.

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  Best vehicle weve bought in years - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Paul Cesarini - October 16 - 8:06 pm

  We opted for a fully loaded CXL model (though without the XM radio or heads-up display, since our daily commutes are only a few miles). For us, its the ideal blend of a roomy, family-friendly vehicle with all the benefits of an SUV and a minivan, but virtually none of the drawbacks. Unline the Highlander and competing vehicles, the Rendezvous has a third row seat capable of comfortably holding two adults. Ive even sat back there, myself. The leather and wood grain interior is worth the extra cost. We got all the safety features, though we skipped the AWD. FWD + traction control + ABS is fine. We previously had a Saturn VUE, but Im glad we traded it for the Rendezvous

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  American, but not quality - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By KEN - October 9 - 11:16 am

  Made in Mexico. Issue with anti-freeze leak, plastic manifold gasket, $700 repair. Wheel bearings sealed, can not be greased, $300 each to replace. Why buy American with poor quality and maintenance issues? The front driver door out of alignment several times. Gas mileage gets worse, replaced computer chip after one year, did better, but now worse.

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  buying our second - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By giraffe - October 9 - 10:00 am

  two older folks drove from baltimore to florida in 19 hours straight without a moments discomfort, or should i say in complete comfort.freat for older people getting in or out. when you get out, you dont have to "straighten out".

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  Perfect proof - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Curmudeon - September 30 - 7:02 pm

  Why you should not buy a car in its first model year. Design of the vehicle, especially the interior, is both innovative and functional. Comfort is good, and long trips are not tiring. But, the car has been a succession of one repair after another - most a function of mediocre engineering. Most annoying is what the dealership tells me is an inherent flaw in the intake gasket which requires too frequent replacing. Will I continue to drive this vehicle? Yes. Would I buy it again? No.

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  Im Happy With Mine - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By RDW - September 28 - 10:06 pm

  The only problem I have had with my vehicle was the battery. The former owner took meticulous care of the car and had only one problem, a wheel bearing. Car has 62,000 plus miles.

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  Not a good option - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Denise - September 25 - 7:45 am

  Lets just say this vehicle has been in the shop more than it has been out. Right now it has a major mechanical problem and it has less than 100,000 miles. The Chevrolet dealership is baffled as to what the problem is. This problem affects the headlights and brakelights, so this is a major safety concern to me. They basically just turn off along with everything else in the dash while your driving.

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  Rendezvous- got it together - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By lfkpt - September 20 - 10:00 am

  We have owned our 2003 Buick Rendezvous for only the brief period of two weeks finding it a great meld between a mini- van and a SUV. Toys abound inside and out from the all-wheel-drive to a heads up display and memory seating. Engine power is fair. Removing the second row seats is moderately difficult with the third rows removal which includes taking off four bolts a royal pain in the knuckles.Gas mileage has been in the 19-21 range. XM radio has too many dead zones.

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  My Favorite SUV - Rendevous - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Nancy Smith - September 19 - 6:06 pm

  When SUVs became so popular I thought I would enjoy one. My husband drives a Silverado Pickup and I like to drive it. We had a Cadilac for 2 years. I test drove a buick Rendevous and my husband and I agreed it was the vehicle we wanted. We could get in and out of it so much easier than the car and it is very comfortable and fun to drive! We are 76 years old and want another Rendevous when it is time to trade!