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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  New - Used - Rendezvous - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Doug Curtis - May 7 - 5:55 pm

  My wife refused to drive a minivan and I did not want to pay for the gas of a traditional SUV. That leaves a crossover. We wanted to trade our Saab for either a Lexus, Acura, or BMW, but when we looked at the Rendezvous we were hooked. We got a great deal on a year old GM exec CXL AWD with everything on it but the Nav and upgraded engine. It rides better than all the other vehicles we drove, and talk about quite. Only down side is the engine performance. If you really want to get on it, the base engine wont cooperate, but it more than suffices for normal driving. I am getting a combined 23-24 mpg on 87 gas. No complaints there.

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  A GM Fan No More! - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Chad - May 6 - 3:42 pm

  I bought this vehicle beacause of the rear cargo space and I did like how it drove compared to the Chrysler Pacifica. However as far as reliability, this vehicle is not what I would have expected for a Buick. I put on alot of miles and am beginning to be nickeled and dimed on this SUV. I cant say that I will be buying another GM soon. Im looking to trade this one away. But oh yeah, thats right, it doesnt hold its value neither. Guess Im out of luck.

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  Not recommended - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Truong - April 26 - 9:48 pm

  I was happy with it after the first year. After that, things started to go wrong, compressor for AC leaked, front wheel bearing went. Dealer only replaced the failed bearing only not the other. I have to pay for two new tires. GM paid for the other two tires. Coolant leaked and after the 3 year warranty period. Fortunately, I bought extended warranty. This problem is well known with GM but they have done nothing about it. I will never buy another GM vehicle again. No wonder GM is losing money & market share to its japanese competitions. GM management deserves it.

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  Finally a family SUV - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By tonyjosie - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I read the rating from the editor and they complain about it not being the best as a van, car or SUV, so I was skeptical. After test driving it and buying one I am confident we have made the right choice for the family. I dont want a car and defiantely not another van, yet the gas mileage on a powerful SUV is terrible. This SUV fits all five of us with room to spare and has all the luxuries of a fancy SUV, yet at half the cost with better gas mileage. Ride is smooth and fun, so dont be fooled, go test drive it. OH, Negotiate the price plus get 0% interest, cant beat that. (2004 Rendevouz)

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  more of an honest review - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By ARTHUR24 - April 26 - 2:00 am

  excellent vehicle. more features than you could imagine. most reviewer are critical of this truck. I would like as the owner not leaser of 3 new trucks in the last 10 years to give more honest reviews, not just their opinion. most reviewer prefer honda or toyota to anything. I can tell you this is an excellent vehicle. it is not perfect but neither is rx330 or mdx.

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  A truly nice & capable vehicle - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By marktv - April 22 - 8:16 pm

  I shopped around for months until I found what suited myself and the family best. I cannot see why Honda and Toyota are priced so much more. The Buick rides nice, looks nice, appears well built, and Im averaging 24 mpg city/hwy. Sure, it has things that can annoy the owner. What vehicle doesnt? But, they are too minor to mention. Consumer reports called the interior cheap, but I found the Toyota Sienna had a much more cheap feel. I think CR really has an anti GM bias. The Rendezvous doesnt do anything excellent, but for me it does everything very well I bought a prior rental with 9850 miles and saved thousands. GM still has a problem with depreciation.

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  Car of my dreams - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By donaj - April 19 - 10:00 am

  We test drove all the mini and midsized suvs before discovering Rendezvous. What a great surprise when we finally drove it. We did not want 3 seats, so were delighted to have the choice and all the goodies that are standard blew us away. I couldnt believe there was an affordable SUV that rides like a luxury sedan, get great mileage and looks as good as anything on the road.

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  Buick Rendezvous - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Christopher Ordner - April 15 - 4:59 pm

  Get great gas mileage and perfect features for my family of six. I have owned my Rendezvous for five months and not found one thing to complain about when it comes to its functionality. No comfort complaints either. As a matter of fact, since I have purchased my Rendezvous I have seen six new Rendezvous owners around my neighborhood.

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  Love My Rendezvous - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Tucker - April 8 - 2:04 pm

  My requirements were an AWD vehicle for that would handle well in the severe ice and snow which we have combined with lots of cargo room and driver and passenger comfort. I did extensive comparison shopping among all manufacturers and chose the Rendezvous despite the fact that the model had just been introduced and had no product quality history. Immediately took it on a trip of over 1,000 miles and knew that I had bought the right car. Most autos dont have nearly enough height or leg room for me when driving, and the seat adjustments are inadequate - this was ideal. Expect my next car will be a new model of the Rendezvous.

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  Buick Rendezvous - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Peter Thorvig - March 31 - 3:38 pm

  The design of the Rendezvous is ideal for my needs. The tie-down rings are an excellent feature. The size of the vehicle makes it easy to maneuver in city traffic, and to park. The Rendezvous has excellent visibility with the big, outside mirrors. The rear parking assist is a very useful feature.