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 Glenn - June 15 - 5:15 pm

  Very comfortable on a long trip. Fuel economy is very good for this type vehicle.There is plenty of room for passengers and luggage and whatever else one needs for trips. Car can be driven for long periods without driver fatigue. I have the CXL option and this gives me everything I need in the vehicle. The visibility out of the car is also very good. The car is also easy to drive and park in the city. The vehicle is very quiet and this makes conversation easy and pleasant. We looked at vans, sedans, and Suvs and found the Buick Rendevous to blend the best of each of these vehicles into one vehicle.

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  Disgrace to the Buick tradition - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By TainoRico - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely disappointing. As a previous Buick owner,I feel that Buick should not even try to associate with such a poor performing vehicle. Whenever I come across anyone who asks me about this vehicle I say turn around and run. Do not even think about it. I am anxiously waiting to get rid of it next month. I have decided to buy foreign after buying about 20 new American cars in the last 25 years.

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  Utter Junk - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Frosty - June 12 - 3:57 pm

  Bought this because my wife did not want to by typical looking minivan for the kids. What a bad choice. So far we have had the air conditioning overhauled at 10K miles, the engine seals blow at 20K miles, a complete transmission overhaul at 30K miles (had to call the mfg to get this covered under warranty), and now at 45K the wheel bearings and gas guage (800$ just for the gas guage repair)are toast. This is my second GM experience, fool me twice shame on me. As soon as I pay for the new bearings I am running to a Japanese or Korean car dealer ASAP.

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  New Buick - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By DAN HERMAN - June 5 - 5:25 am

  Thi is our first Buick. It is a lot roomier and better riding than we expected. It is quiet and gets very good gas mileage for an SUV.

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  I cant believe GM built this - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Guy - June 4 - 5:18 pm

  We have had Mercedes, BMWs and Lexus. Most recent a Lexus RX330. The Buick is every bit as good and is more comfortable. We needed more room and didnt want to give up MPG. Guess what? The Rendezvous is bigger and gets better MPG. 15% better. We stopped by the dealer just to take a look and were sold and bought it that day. Sold by the vehicle, not the salesman who was very low pressure. Buick should do a better job of getting the word out on this one.

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  G.M./Mexican Reject - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By JohnnyApel - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Worse GM Car I ever owned and I hear the same story from many other Rendezvous Owners. So, I guess its just not me.Everything broke on it shortly after purchase. Permanent shimmy,( which service mgr.said was a "normal shimmy") wore out the front end in 10K so that it wouldnt pass state inspection. It was fixed under warranty but car still has the shimmy. Currently trying to get GM to "buy back" Montesumas revenge on the U.S. Car Buyer.Havent had a G.M. Car this good since my 1980 Cadillac Seville Diesel Motor blew up at 10,000..It dont get any better than this.Never again GM

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  Rendezvous less than 1000 miles - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Norman Landry - June 2 - 2:00 am

  We purchased a buick because of ride,price, reputation of dealer and friendliness of sales person. We had also driven the following SUVs: Merceades; Vue;Lexus; Highlander; Murano;CUV and Element. Vehicle has less than 1000 miles- so far so good!

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  The Norm - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By robp63 - June 1 - 12:14 am

  My wife loves driving this vehicle. However, like all the others its 500- 1000 dollaring us to death. We have had the a/c problem. $700 and change. We have the driver side wind noise. $150 and change, now a sensor on the front wheel that causes a AWD off and no antilock brakes caution light to come on. Thats $500 and change. We also have a motor sound that runs in the beginning of a ride. I would call it a ride leveler pump but the dealer cant hear this noise. There are just a lot of problems it seems with this vehicle. Thank GOD she hasnt had the no start problem yet. But this one is no different than the others and I am sure its about to happen.

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  Buick Rendezvous - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Cletus Gagne - May 29 - 5:03 pm

  The vehicle drives and handles great. The inside dash is rather plain and the rear view for backing is not good. It is difficult to see when backing. The rear lift gate does not lift well during cold weather. The lift shocks were replaced by the dealer but there is not differenc. During warm weather the tail gate lifts up all the way with no extra effort but in cold weather you have to push it up to open. The heating and cooling is marginal. The dealer could not find the problem with not enough heat in cold weather. I found the problem was with the control knob, you have to flick it back and forth to get it to work for more heat. The dealer has not fixed this problem.

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  50,000 mile review - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By pjk - May 27 - 8:59 pm

  Ive had my Rendezvous now for 52,000 miles. Had very little problems. I drive 21 miles each way to work, very hilly rough terrain. I live in PA, very tough on vehicles. Salt on the roads all winter. Large pot holes. One day last winter I counted twelve small cars and small SUVs on the side of the road with serious suspension problems after one of our major highways fell apart in Jan. My Rendezvous has a tough suspension, stainless exhaust and large 16" wheels. The activated charcoal cab air filter is great for keeping deisel exhaust etc. out of your lungs. The OnStar is a lifesaver I will not do without. The galvanized metal body does not rust. No problem with half ton loads