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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better than Highlander - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
By FVEE48 - October 17 - 10:00 amThe Highlander doesnt offer a power passenger seat, something which was very important to this over 50 year old couple. Add the memory feature of drivers seat and mirrors, plus plenty of comfort and great Turnpike ride, and I place the Highlander second. The ONLY shortcoming is the lack of power. But, I am enjoying better and better highway fuel mileage as a trade off. The RDV delivers near 26 mpg at highway speeds. I dont mind a lack of brute power in an SUV... In the end, I was down to a three year old RX300 with 40K miles, or a brand new, nicely equipped Rendezvous. The choice was obvious...
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I love My CAR (suv?) - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
By MORELLI - October 15 - 2:00 amI WATCHED THIS THIS VEHICLE BEING MADE, LONG BEFORE IT WAS SOLD ON THE ON OPEN MARKET, ON THE INTERNET. THE FEATURES WERE JUST WHAT I WANTED THO CARRY AROUND MY GRANDCHILDREN (SAFETY, COMFORT, ROOMINESS AND ALL THE THINGS A WOMAN COULD ASK FOR.) AS A WOMAN OF OF THE TIMES (AND OUR OF THE BOX) YOU COULD NOT ASK FOR A VEHICLE WITH THE CLASS,QUALITY, RELIABILITY AND DESIGN OF MY EXTRA SPECIAL RENDEZVOUS. IT IS EASY TO HANDLE, DRIVES LIKE A DREAM AND I FEEL AND LOOK GOOD DRIVING IT. YOU WONT FIND AND USED ONES BECAUSE NO ONE WILL PART WITH THE ONE THEY OWN. THANK YOU.....JOYCE
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BEST CAR I EVER OWNED - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
By FRANK WERTH - October 14 - 10:00 amIn the three years I have owned this suv it never had to go back to the dealer for any repairs, or problems. What else is there to say. First car I can say this about of the six new ones purchased over the years.
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Excellent - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
By Hans Grasman - October 14 - 2:00 amMy last 4 cars before the Buick Rendez Vous were Cadillac Deville. A real senior buyers car. I chose the Rendez Vous because of my active retired life style. I need to move sail boat stuff from Nashville to Charlotte Harbor Fl. for my seasonal vacations and transport my grandchildren in town. My grandchildren say that Opa drives a cool car! The car drives like a Cadillac Deville
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love this car - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
By Buick Lover - October 4 - 2:00 amI have always been a Buick fan and now this vehicle is perfect. I love it. For me it gives me everything I could want in a vehicle.
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BUICK HAS FOUND A WINNER - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
By MOONDAWG - September 22 - 2:00 amBUICK HAS FOUND A WINNER GREAT STYLE AND COMFORT.GREAT GAS MILEAGE. PUT MORE HORSEPOWER IN THERE AND IT WOULD BE THE NUMBER ONE CROSSOVER IN THE AUTO WORLD.
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WOW!!!! What a car!! - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
By brinchatt - September 19 - 2:00 amWhen the Rendezvous first arrived I thought it was one of the most butt- ugly SUVs Id ever seen!! Thank GOD I was wrong!!! After comparing it to all the other SUVs on the market, Ive discovered the styling to be unique and beautiful!! There are only 2 negative things I can say about it, it is a bit underpowered, (needs a V-8), and also gas mileage isnt so great. But who cares? You dont buy and SUV for it gas mileage!! Thanks Buick, for building a truly unique and beautiful vehicle!
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Great Alternative to a minivan - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
By SlickRide25 - September 6 - 2:00 amWell we looked at a boat load of vehicles and had set our sights firmly on a minivan. I personally wanted to purchase a vehicle manufactured in the USA so we were considering the Chrysler Town and Country. The hole minivan thing just didnt sit well with me, so we started looking for practical alternatives. The Buick Rendezvous turned out to be a great fit for us. What a great stylish alternative to the minivan. We settled on the 7 passenger CX-Plus model. This vehicle has SUV style and appearance with all the comforts and practicality of a minivan. It rides exceptionaly well, and gets about 29 miles per gallon on the highway!
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Buick Rendezvous - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
By jersbears - September 5 - 10:00 amThis is the happiest I have been with a new vehicle since my 1981 Honda Civic 4dr. The build quality is wonderful, interior comfort is outstanding, the vehicle looks great, and the handling is surprisingly nimble. It handles like a car, not a SUV.
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Love the 2003 Rendezvous - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
By Melissa1215 - September 3 - 2:00 amI wasnt ready for a minivan yet so I went for the Rendezvous. Best decision I ever made. Not only does it look great but it handles beautifully. We took it on vacation the day after we bought it, 5 hours in the car and 1 DVD system, not a peep out of the kids other than when it was time to change the movie. So comfortable, smooth ride, lots of leg room, great gas mileage, stereo system rocks. Maybe the engine could use to be a little more powerful, mostly at higher speeds, but most of us owners are people with kids. Exactly how fast do we need to go?
