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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  Unexpected maintenance cost - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By 03Rendezvous - September 3 - 5:09 am

  Overall drive is fun. It feels like a car, but gives you room. Third seat option a must. Only used it a minimum amount of times but it was worth it each time we needed it. It was the highest maintenance cost vehicle we have had in about 15 years. As much as I liked the feel and ride, will not buy another one because of the maintenance cost.

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  2006 Buick Rendezvous - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By DMD - August 31 - 10:40 pm

  I have owned my 2006 Rendezvous that I purchased used for almost 5 months. In short, I love this car. It is very quiet, smooth, has reasonable power, and has reasonable gas mileage. It is flawless with its fit and finish, and its quality of components is also very good.

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  Pleasant surprise - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Andrews T - August 28 - 9:08 pm

  This vehicle has been a pleasant surprise. After 14k and two trips of at least 500 miles each way, Ive been impressed with comfort, mileage (26+ W/ 87 Octane). Around town driving is 23+ w/ 87 octane. Storage space is great and the seating options provide a family w/ a 2 year old latch options for car seats in both 2nd and 3rd rows. Went w/ base model as it provided best value for money. Have had no major issues. Tire pressure monitor gave false reading (reset myself aftering checking) and oxygen sensor was replaced under warranty. Excellent experience. Surprised by quality and behavior of vehicle under load and spirited driving.

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  My Rendezvous - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Rolland Belcher - August 28 - 12:58 pm

  I drive the intersates from Nebraska to Texas twice a year and back. I have had nothing but the best experience dirving the 2004 Rendezvous.

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  Love My Rendzvous - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Rendezvous Fan - August 28 - 10:00 am

  My commute to work is 43 miles one and I find the Rendezvous provides a comfort and handling. I would recommend it to anyone!

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  I love this truck - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By skyler - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I fell in love with after i saw my friend have one and i would rather have this than a mini van my daughters love to ride in it and it has alot of nice things inside it comfort it has alot of i am so glad i got a chance to have one!

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  Very nice vehicle - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Dr Rodd - August 25 - 9:26 am

  I am eighty years old and this is a very nice car for me. Wife and I have been to Florida and we enjoyed the trip with our Buick. I have not noticed a power problem with the engine and I can average 28mpg on the highway. I tend to believe the third seat is a bit useless as the leg room is cramped but we have never used this seat and probably never will. I have the second row seats down most of the time as the headrests create a major blind spot problem and I am 6ft. 2in. My wife has much more of a problem than I. I intend to keep this SUV (probably) for the remainder of my life. We have only 17000 miles on the car and 21000 on our 2002 LeSabre limited which is a super car also.

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  Our best vehicle yet - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Raymond Smith - August 15 - 8:08 am

  This is my wifes SUV and our first one. My wifes feelings are this is the best driving vehicle we have owned yet. There have been many during our 40 years together. I like how it handles, as well as its appearance. It also comes in handy when we need the space to haul something. My wife calls it her shuttle because she drives myself and my oldest son to our VA doctors appointments. It is a lot better as for getting in and out of compared to a car. I guess you could say we are completely satisfied with our Rendezvous.

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  GM known defects - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Shar - August 10 - 7:46 pm

  Id say its been a pretty good SUV. 20 mi to gal in town, never failed to get me there and back, but when something goes wrong it will cost you an arm and leg. Why do I keep it? Because in 6 mo. its paid for!

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  My Rendezvous - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By 2005 rendezvous - August 3 - 1:32 pm

  My mileage is averaging 24mph with the air on, (nice) tachometer approx 2000 rpm (65-70 mph) I enjoy the feel and safety if this car. It has lots of safety features that I never had on any car before, door lock, etc. I like the feel of safety in AWD. The Rendezvous was an Avis rental, no problems as of the writing this report