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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  BUICK QUALITY - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Magic Tom - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Great car for a great price....was attracted to the Rendezvous because of how cars are equipped (standard); the Buick name for quality (even though Ive owned few GM cars); and not the least because of the value received for the price paid compared to other SUVs of the same type; and finally because my wife loves driving it.

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  BEST VEHICLE IVE EVER OWNED - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By WTCW - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I AM IN LOVE WITH THE VEHICLE FROM FIT AND FINISH TO ALL THE EXTRAS INCLUDING ONSTAR, WINDSHIELD DISPLAY, HEAT/AC CONTROLS, NAVIGATION SYSTEM, FOLD-DOWN THIRD ROW OF SEATS. THIS IS JUST A GREAT AMERICAN CAR, OR I SHOULD SAY A WORLD CAR. AFTER OWNING JAPANESE SUVS IT IS A PLEASURE TO OWN ONE MADE BY A COMPANY THAT REALLY KNOWS HOW TO BUILD A CAR! KUD

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  Love the Rendezvous! - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Marla Dee - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I absolutley love this vehicle. Very comforable ride and plenty of space for me and my kids. They love the captain seats in the back and also the earphone jacks. So they can listen to their own music.

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  SUPER CAR~ - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By usacat - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I love it! It is smooth,classy and fun!

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  Junk - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Brian Bryans - March 2 - 11:04 am

  We have had several mechanical issues on our Rendevous. This first was a transmission problem that kept the car in 3rd gear. This was repaired under warranty. We had to replace the tires at 20,000 miles and Buick would not prorate the tires because we did not have full paperwork showing that we had rotated the tires.Our most recent problem was with a check engine light. The light came on with 43,000 miles on the car, 7k miles out of warranty.It ended up being that water was getting into the car under the carpet and had rusted sensors. The dealership had to strip all the interior out and fix the problem. Cost $1200. There is no wonder GM is on the verge of bankruptcy!

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  Tried American - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Cblaw89 - March 1 - 9:49 pm

  Have the larger engine, good power. People comment the cars attractive. Love the moveable second row seats, allows great flexibility and ample room when the rear seat is needed for the kids and their friends. Given that my lease payments are relatively low, its a good value for an suv that seats 7 but rides like a car. Things I dont like: gas tank gauge dips way down when on a hill, it actually wouldnt start when i had almost a qrtr tank, roadside guy said this is a problem w/the vehicle, must use qrtr line as "empty" the interior lighting stinks, no over head light near the front, little lights on rear view mirror dont help, makes it hard to see stuff gas goes real quick.

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  Not your grandfathers Buick - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Tom Raveling - March 1 - 3:29 pm

  After 2 Chevrolet Blazers this is a great change. As desert dwellers who never go offroad we always buy a 4X2. we like the utility of a small tall station wagon (read SUV). This CUV does everything we expected without the truck like handling.

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  Very Surprising! - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Bill - February 28 - 12:14 pm

  Ive had my Rendevous for about a year now and I really cant believe the value! I never really even knew this SUV existed and boy am I happy I found it! It has so much more room than any other in its class. Also, I was very concerned with the mileage and have been so surprised with the economy of this vehicle. I have friends with Jeeps and Toyotas who struggle with milieage and I have the bigger SUV and am consistently getting 22 around town and at least 26 on the HWY. Its all about how you drive it! Bottom line is they discount these vehicles big time because they cant compete with the imports, so for the money...there is no better deal going! There is so much room its crazy!

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  Not many around - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By joein508 - February 26 - 10:00 am

  Waited for the Ultra to get the bigger engine. Good choice. Runs well and handles well. Can enter hywys with out fear. Good turn radious. HUD should hold more info than just the speed. Radio? time? etc. Except for speed it just flashes the info for a short time. Radio is a problem. Works ok on FM but picking up motor/electrical noise in AM. Poor AM range and reception. Dealer blames antenna. I blame installation. Dealer going to install a new radio. Time will tell who is right. Gas 3MPG below what is listed. Only 300m range per tank. Best effort 15.4 mpg city 18.1 mpg hywy (using cruise control)

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  Love My SUV - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Road Island Red - February 26 - 10:00 am

  Lets talk windows..All 4 motors had to be replaced on my power windows.Not fun having to use the air(with the gas prices!)when you really dont need to use it!Service dept.told me the motors are not what they use to be,but should I have to suffer? For what the Buick cost at least get rid of the junk and put in better motors.P.S. Buick only 4 months old!! Windows aside I really DO love my truck!!I am glad I have it.