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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  Excellent vehicle - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By James Mire - August 3 - 12:47 pm

  This is an excellent car for the price. It has great ride and handling. I could not ask for a better vehicle

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  abh - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By skipper - August 3 - 10:00 am

  love it. only 1 small problem in over a year.

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  My Rendezvous - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By LAURIE - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I just love my Buick Rendezvous. It gets great gas mileage and is very comfortable to drive. It manuvers well, doesnt feel like it would roll over easily. All the controls are within easy reach and easy to use. Lots of room!

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  Needs improvement - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Joe Chianti - August 3 - 10:00 am

  The front and side appearance of the car is great. The rear appearance out of wack. Too much red and plastic for sure. Same engine as the Venture which was my previous lease. Averaged 22/23 mileage per gal overall and only getting 18 on this car. Dont not believe car is heavier including a smaller fuel tank. Other then the above really like the vehicle.

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  I like it - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By phne - August 3 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle is comfortable and economical. Im averaging over 23 mpg with about 50-50 city and hwy driving. The layout of the dash is impressive and functional.

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  This is the one - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By lef - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Bought my Rendezvous a year ago almost to the date. Love everything about this vehicle. The stereo (upgrade 6cd) is fantastic. I have given myself vertigo playing deep bass cds, really, really loud. Im a 35 yo mom of two. The seats are comfy, ride is quiet and smooth, a lot of luxery for not too bad a price. Cant be beat!

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  Best car Ive eve owned - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Susan Blunck - August 3 - 4:00 am

  My 2002 Rendezvous has been a joy since the first time I test-drove it prior to purchasing. The ride is smooth, quiet, reliable, quick to respond. In four years of ownership, I have not had a lick of trouble with it.

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  My Opinion of Buick has Slipped - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Jon Tao - August 1 - 9:04 pm

  We bought this car new, not knowing it was made in Mexico. Shame on me for not doing my research. At 60k, the intake manifold started leaking and at 84k, the transmission needed major work. I am disappointed. GM needs to do better. It seems that these two problems are very common for this engine and transmission.

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  Customers like it - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Smits, Michigan - July 31 - 9:03 pm

  By far the leader in midsized SUV comfort, ride and style, in the year 2001. Pontiac Aztec was weak. The Rendezvous is miles ahead of that vehicle. BR has 95 cu. ft. of cargo space. Comfort and quiet ride. Great sight lines. Nice rear views. Practical in every way. 3 rows comfortable seating for seven full sized adults. No one had that in 2001-02. All kinds of imitators in the 5 years since this stylish truck hit the market. Lexus. Benz. Nissan. BMW. You name it, they all followed after they saw the 100s of thousands of Buicks sold. Probably an underappreciated vehicle.

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  Disappointed - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Rivi - July 31 - 4:38 am

  My wife and I got this car as a lease. She drives it mostly. We had to get out of the lease early. We traded her in for a Toyota and dont look back at the Buick anymore. We noticed as time went on, she seems to loose power. She no longer feels strong anymore. I dont think that 245 horses is strong enough for the weight of this vehicle. She handles the bumps terribly, feels like shes gonna break apart on me. Gas guage is on the frits and the dealer cant find anything wrong with her. One day, we have gas and the next, we dont. Her turn radius is lousy. Its a shame, becuase we love all the toys that the Ultra comes with.