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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  Womens SUV! - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Ronda763 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I have been following the reviews on the Buick Rendezvous for two years. For the past 13 years I have diven a mini-van (driving kids two and from soccer games). I knew the by next vehicle would not be another mini-van. After driving the Rendezvous, I knew this would be the vehicle I would be buying! It drives like and car, but I still sit up high like I did in the mini-van. I LOVE THIS VEHICLE!!!!

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  Thrilled I Bought It! - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By VeryPleased - July 20 - 10:00 am

  When I decided to go SUV I began w/large models being used to a minivan. Found plenty of room but even luxury models had big truck feel/ride I hated. Mid SUVs were blah! Just when I was ready to give up SUV idea I found the Rendezvous. Reviews were mixed but I was curious enough to check out. Glad I did! I LOVE MY "RUV"! Ride is awesome,smooth & quiet. Leather seats roomy, 2nd row Capt seats keep my 2 kids happy in their own space. When needed 3rd row offers comfortable xtra seating. 3rd row down--great cargo room. Tons of extras. Excellent value for my $$ glad I passed up Acura MXD! Handles beautifully.Was used to better MPGs but I hear 17mpg not bad for this veh type. Test drive & see!

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  Pretty darn good - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Rick - July 14 - 4:41 pm

  Vehicle has worked out very well. Comfortable, and larger than most of this price range. Very good gas mileage. I like the looks, and it has more luxury than others in its class. Very few problems, very well built.

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  Finally decided on one... - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By kencal2000 - July 13 - 10:00 am

  After weeks and weeks of researching suvs and pinning it down to the Honda Pilot and the Rendezvous...the Buick won out. I love the exterior styling and the luxury features inside and all the other bells and whistles that Buick has to offer that the new Honda cannot compete with as yet. Just wish that the power was a little more... So far 550 miles on it and no complaints otherwise.

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  Eats tires , noisy - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By wayne chambers - July 5 - 11:11 pm

  Drives very well. Good gas mileage. Has much more room than most SUVs. After 1 year the rear tires became so noisy the radio was useless. Dealer said this was common on the Rendezvous. Tthey rotated the tires. It took only 3k miles to ruin the other 2 tires. Next excuse was that the Firestone tires dont work well on this SUV. Will consider another make or dealer next time.

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  Very happy - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By very happy - June 28 - 9:28 pm

  I have used this car extensivly and I love it. Plenty of cargo space and comfort. More room than the most SUVs in its class. Rides like a car but has the room of a truck.

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  I wont buy another GMC car - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Cesar - June 23 - 9:48 pm

  Everywhere I read comments, same problems. Coolant leaking into manifold, a/c condenser cracked, etc. etc. I spent over $2000 already. I will get rid of it soon so I wont have to spend more money on it.

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  Great Vehicle Fun to drive - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By laurie - June 22 - 1:10 pm

  This vehicle handles great and has great comfort features. The third row seat is really nice because it folds down flat. This vehicle has the feel of a luxury vehicle yet the look of a small SUV. This is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned and would definitely recommend it to others.

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  Close to very good - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By hlstavn - June 20 - 10:00 am

  Comfortable to drive. Great handling. As comfortable as as sedan but corners well. Utilitarian space design. Good looks.

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  Have a Rendezvous! - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By by crg/Ga. - June 17 - 10:07 pm

  This was my 1st new car & I can say nothing bad about this beauty! Its comfort is impeccable, its class is luxurious, I love this car. I have had it now for 4 yrs., and I would buy this car again! I have had so many comments about how beautiful it is, from day one. I have had wonderful service from it, and I have taken very good care of mine. I keep up with all service on it. Thats the key. It takes me everywhere safely! Love it!