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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  2002 Rendezvous CX - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By James E. Smith - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I was pleasantly surprised once I test drove this vehicle. One selling point for me,was watching a Mercedes owner trading in his 2000 Model for a new Rendezvous. I only returned to my dealer for oil changes & tire rotation.Have not found a single problem. Quality seems very high and I highly recommend the Rendezvous. Gas mileage avgs around 22 in city, and have acheived 24 highway. The third seat option, and ease of use, has come in very handy for us. I can seat 6 adults with comfort.When I dont need the 3rd seat I keep it folded down, and use the space in the rear for cargo area. I highly recommend the new Rendezvous.

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  Love my SUV! - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By The Quinns - June 21 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I absolutely adore our Rendezvous. Its ride is incredible and it is the most comfortable vehicle we have ever owned. We were pleased with the gas mileage (about the same as the Mazda MPV we previously owned) and we have used the ABS and AWD several times already in the typical Ottawa winter. The fold down rear seats are also great, especially when the in-laws show up for the weekend. We still fight over whos turn it is to drive!

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  Go to the Mountains - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By paladin - June 12 - 3:28 pm

  A well designed and comfortable car. My wife began driving it when new and now I have it. (OK, I did buy another!) We like to travel in the Buick and find the ease of driving a real plus. Access to controls, reaction of the car to my comands and fuel economy is great. We average 25 on the road and 19-20 in town. Recommend this car to you. The only problem has been that my wife likes the 2007 evan better!!

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  Nice vehicle - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By Ann - May 20 - 5:44 pm

  Very nice ride. I bought the 07 CX with the luxury package with 27,000 miles for $13,900. Ive put on 1,000 miles since I bought it. I think I got a great deal. Very smooth ride, I have to be careful on the highway because I dont notice when Im speeding. My husband is 61" and has plenty of head room.

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  Great Veh. Lots room and comfort - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By TC - May 11 - 4:49 pm

  I bought my vehicle new, it has been a great vehicle. During the warranty period the only issue I had was w/ the fuel tank which has been replace at no cost to me. Currently 104,000 miles on it w/ very little repairs other than regular maintenance. Only area that was a concern and bothersome were the plastic window guides which I have had to replace on all 4 windows.

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  The Perfect SUV on a car chassis - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Carol - May 9 - 7:51 pm

  This is the finest vehicle Ive ever owned and Ive even owned other Buicks. Its comfortable like a sedan but holds a mountain of stuff. Steering and handling are perfect. Its a shame its been discontinued. Kinda helps me understand why GM is in the mess its in though.

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  great car - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By D Argo - April 29 - 10:00 am

  This is a great mid size suv that is much easier to drive and park than bigger ones. It carries 7 people when we need it to or 5 people and luggage. It also averages 20mpg in town and still has adequate power.

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  the best SUV i have ever had - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By bigfootpressure - April 17 - 2:00 am

  its a very reliable SUV

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  BUICK RENDEVOUS - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By DEVONTE EDMONDS - April 10 - 2:00 am

  SMOOTH RIDE AND EXCELLENT HANDLING. GAS MILEAGE PROBABLY LESS THAN ADVERTISED. AN EXCELLENT BUY AT A MODERATE PRICE.

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  A Great Vehicle! - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Paul Camern - April 8 - 10:01 pm

  Leased my Rendezvous brand new in 2006 and bought out lease in 2009 because I have never owned a more reliable and dependable vehicle than this. Buick hit it out of the park with the 2006 model yr. and wish they were still being built since the Enclave is too big and much more expensive than the Rendezvous. For an Suv it handles very well, its a Buick so it is very well appointed. Gas MPG is remarkable getting 20 mpg in town and 27 mpg on the hwy. Other than oil changes and the 30,000 mile maintenance, I have not spent one cent on my Rendezvous!