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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  Not a Bad Little Ride - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By m andrews - March 28 - 11:26 am

  Just got out of a Ford Expedition, which i do not miss. This is a great little ride. Gas mileage is great. Getting around 19-20 compared to 8! Car is fun to drive, comfortable. So far so good.

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  My Wonderful Rendezvous - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By M.J. Witham - March 27 - 10:00 am

  The perfomance of this car is better than any I have owned. It is so comfortable to ride in that we find ourselves taking this vehicle rather than our second car. With the third seat, we can now haul all five of our grandchild(4 are young adults) in one car. I drive it to work every day and have had several people comment on what a nice looking vehicle it is. It is one of the most fun cars I have owned. Like my daughter said, I traded my Grandma car(95 Buick Regal) in for a sporty SUV.

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  Great Crossover-like a BUICK - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By happykid - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Rides like a Buick...very smooth. Just love the leather seats. This SUV was not meant to be a rocket ship but more for the creature comforts which I really like about it. My speeding days are over, now I really want comfort.

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  The Perrys review of Buick - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By sterling perry jr. - March 25 - 8:14 am

  Reliable, fun to drive great family suv. Have put 30,000 miles in about 7 months. Only service required has been oil changes, new tires and adjustment of wiper arm that had locked together somehow. Have sold Buick for about 12 years and never owned one. Got out of the car business in 2000 now own own one and am verry pleased with the experience.

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  2005 Rendezvous - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By marshall shapiro - March 24 - 9:46 am

  This is my second Rendezvous. It is a very convenient automobile, comfortable for 4-5 adult passengers and large storage capacity. They have been very reliable for me, though I got better gasoline mileage with my first (AWD) one, averaging almost 21 mpg. This present one averages slightly under 20 mpg. My biggest complaint with this one is the ride. It seems to feel every little bump and stone, more than I would expect with 17" wheels. Depending upon the price, I would consider another lease or purchase.

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  Great Buick - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Don - March 22 - 8:01 am

  I drive a lot of freeway miles and have found this vehicle to be quite comfortable and fairly easy on gas. I bought the base model and recommend the upgrade to the safety equipment: side air bags, anti lock brakes, and traction control. I believe they are worth the money and the vehicle list at around $28,500 with the options. However, you can push this vehicle up to around $34,000 with a lot a gadgets that are worth as on most vehicle about 40% of what you pay for them. If you want a good value stay near the base with those options that you really want. My biggest concern with this and most all vehicles of its type is the lack a good way to secure luggage and other items in the rear area

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  Love this SUV - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By JIll - March 20 - 10:15 am

  I have this SUV almost 3 yrs. I love it. The nav screen is incredible and our trips are much more comfortable. I get tons of compliments on the drive and looks int and ext. It may not be as zippy as others but this SUV has everything else. The movable 2nd and 3rd row make getting in and out easy and the seats are comfortable and well made. I have not had any problems with it and am sorry I did not buy outright but leased. I will be trying to by out the lease since this SUV has everything we need as a family of 6.

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  clunker - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Tina Geers - March 15 - 2:00 am

  While shifting gears it sounds like a 747. When acelerating or going up a grade you can not hear your pasenger. There is always a distinct whine in the transmission.Have been told by dealer that is a factory problem but have received no satifaction. Company tells me this normal. Am about to look into arbitration program!!

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  Value SUV - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Ernie - March 10 - 6:19 pm

  My first Buick and love it! The build quality is on the level of Lexus to me. I cant figure out why Consumer Reports say the interior is cheap, it is indeed far from it. The fit, finish and materials are top shelf. Ive own two Azteks and it is amazing that they come from the same plant. The Azteks had many shortcomings for a sister SUV. I purchased the leather option and this is the way to go.

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  My Rendezvous - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Brenda Wendelken - March 9 - 9:57 am

  Purchased this 1 year old car with 13000 miles on it from a dealer. All who ride in my car say it is the most comfortable riding SUV ever. Just like sitting on the living room sofa. It drives and handles like a Cadillac, has great pickup when needed dashboard accessories are also conveniently located on steering wheel making for safer driving (no looking down to change radio stations, etc). Cargo area large enough for most items, middle seats fold down easily to create more room in cargo. Also has Onstar if installed when purchased. My only criticism is color of the spedometer numbers hard to see in daylight. Thank you GM for this great car!!