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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  I love my SUV - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Bernie4455 - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Lots of room and fun to drive. The mirrors are fantastic. The Rendezvous is one of the most enjoyable vehicles I have ever owned. I love the sporty looks of it. handles great in rain. For the money I think the cloth interior could be upgraded. And for those who get shocks from the static in the cloth seats, take a downy sheet and rub all over the cloth, it takes the static out.

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  Not a single problem, GREAT versatility - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By J Ferg - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Nothing to do but oil change, tire rotation and enjoy. Even our Volvo and Honda havnt been this reliable. We LOVE the interior bins all around, the cargo capacity, and the versatility of the whole vehicle. Even our dealership has been excellent to deal with.

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  My 2003 Rendezvous - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By crbmbb - August 13 - 10:00 am

  The appearance is great. The interior appointments are good and the vehicle has numerous features that I like. Performance is adequate, though wont win any drag races.

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  Surprising Luxury - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Kaarli - July 15 - 10:00 am

  Buick Rendezvous is the perfect vehicle for a family looking for a stylish, quality vehicle with a great ride and storage. The exterior resembles an SUV, but the interior offers all the functionality of a luxury sedan. I love all the compartments - to store my belongings and my passengers. I have the optional 3rd row seat, which is great for hauling around my kids friends from soccer! The Rendezvous is functional for every day use, but also great for longer trips - its very comfortable. A family vehicle youre not afraid to show up in - whether its your high school reunion or the new hot restaurant in town. Highly recommend it!

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  My Lil Rendezvous - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By ft - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven this car from New York to Florida and back twice since I bought it and found it to be a sensational long distance running vehicle. I disagree with the road test editors opinions regarding the power of this vehicle. It had plenty power accelerating from 65 mph to 80 mph when I needed to pass other cars on the highway. Also, the gas mileage was extraordinary at 30 mpg. for the duration of both trips to Florida. I found the handling to be rather tight as compared to the Ford explorer and the Isuzu Rodeo which I have owned previously. I would strongly recommend this vehicle to anyone who is looking for a roomy, comfortable SUV like vehicle.

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By John P Carl - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for 1 yr now and I love it, especially for winter driving. I live in upstate NY and we get lots of snow, this vehicle handles great.

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  Best Buy - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By jackjack - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Claims that the Rendezvous is underpowered are fiction. With a 1000 lb. load, I have driven this over several steep mountain passes at 75 mph and had power to spare. I road tested 17 mini & mid-size SUVs. This was the most comfortable with the best laid out interior. The gear shift is on the steering column and the parking brake on the floor where they belong leaving ample room for storage in the center console. Cargo space is superior, if there is no third seat. Plenty of storage space underneath. Interior is not sporty but efficient. Exterior design is the wave of the future. It will not become dated. Dont be fooled by the low ratings that Edmunds and Consumer Reports gave the Rendezvous.

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  Truly a crossover vehicle - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By EZSpirit - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Previously drove a GMC Yukon and loved it, but needed to downsize. My initial feeling in this vehicle was that I was in a spaceship once in the drivers seat. The ride is extremely smooth and the appointments on the interior and exterior are nice. I disagree thus far with Edmunds reviews that the RDV lacks engine power. I drive in the Metro NY/NJ area which requires rather fast acceleration onto highways and quick stops - this RDV handles both perfectly in my opinion. I drive at 70 mph and never felt that the vehicle wasnt keeping up. I have the third seat that folds down easily. Plenty of cargo room when necessary. Nice and easy entry and exit from this vehicle.

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  BUICK-NOT YOUR GRANDPAS - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By SHANNONM - March 26 - 2:00 am

  SURPRISED BY SIZE. WAS ABLE TO FIT A DISHWASHER IN TRUCK WITH THE BOX!!!! THE DRIVE IS GREAT. IT HAS ALL THE GREAT THINGS ABOUT A BUICK THAT YOUR PARENTS LOVED, BUT WITH A WHOLE NEW SPIN THAT YOULL LOVE TOO.

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  Great First Experience - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By SPolson - March 26 - 2:00 am

  This is a first SUV purchase for me. The car handles well in the west texas, eastern new mexico winds. The fuel economy is better than I expected. The interior is beautiful, roomy and comfortable. I purchased this car not for off road ability but for convience of having a cargo area, easy to access and still have stylish looks. I am a single woman and need the cargo area for things like plants, moving smaller antiques and light hauling. The appearance is classy and not that of a pickup. I can still attend the plays and opera in class on Friday and haul fertilizer on Saturday. I love my car!