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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  Performance - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Matthew - July 30 - 11:47 am

  I love this vehicle, I just wish it would stop having problems. I have had the BCM changed out 3 times now and the vehicle has only 60,000 miles on it. Each time it has been something different that has gone bad (Door locking problems, A/C not working, car will not start) and now they are working on getting the 4th BCM installed.

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  My review - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Candace - July 24 - 5:46 pm

  What a nice car to drive! Plenty of room, nice ride, 6-cyl fuel economy-- gets great mileage for a SUV. Yes, gas is over $3 per gallon--but will I give up my Rendevous! Never!

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  RB5 - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By LRB - July 24 - 4:19 pm

  I enjoy not climbing down into or up out of the vehicle. We have bee surprised by the leg room in back, easy of entry and the carrying capacity, esp the size and shape of the opening.

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  Great Car - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By Ken - July 24 - 3:45 pm

  Great car, very comfortable on trips. A lot of space and nice design

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  Learn to love it - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Loretta - July 23 - 9:24 pm

  I did not want this vehicle when we purchased it but, the more I drove it the more I loved it. It has plenty of space for the kids sports gear, the back seats recline to let the kids relax on a long trip, drink holders, storage space, lots of extras. It has turned out to be a great vehicle, and for the size the gas mileage is good. I get about 300 miles to a tank full. I reccomend it.

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  Buick - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Barbara - July 23 - 12:52 pm

  Car drives great. It is probably the quietest car I have ever owned. I love the way it handles.

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  Hockey mom - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By hcky mom - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Love it! I put alot of miles on, Roomy, comfortable, great handling

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  I love my Buick - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By denhosk - July 21 - 2:00 am

  WE PURCHASED A 2002 MODEL IN APRIL OF THIS YEAR. SO FAR WE LOVE IT. THE RIDE IS NICE AND SMOOTH. THE INTERIOR IS COMFORTABLE ALL BUT THE FRONT SEAT HEADRESTS. THE FUEL ECONOMY IS GREAT AND WE LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT SO FAR

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  3G5DA03E33S51199 - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By THOMAS STOKES - July 21 - 2:00 am

  NEEDED BRAKES 4 TIMES,STILL ISNT FIXED,TRANSMISSION SLIPS,OVERHEATS ALL THE TIME,NO ENGINE POWER,10 MILES TO THE GALLON,TRACION CONTROL LOCKS UP,ALMOST KILLED ME!!!!!!!!!!!!! VERY POOR VIEWING OUT THE REAR SIDES AND REAR AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN

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  I love my Rendezvous - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By LeonAndrew - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I dont off road so I find the car great in regular situations. The AWD is wonderful. While other cars (including SUVs) were skidding around in the most recet ice storm, mine chugged along quite well!