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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  quiet roomy comfort - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By steven c cruver - February 24 - 2:00 am

  My wifes buick rendezvous has been a real blessing for us. With 7 passenger seating and all wheel drive it allows my family and a couple of friends to go anywhere, rain, sun, or snow in absolute quiet comfort. The equipment options are great fun. Heads-up, onstar, sunroof, rear radar, dual air, etc,etc.. The sound system ranks among the best in the market with 10 state of the art speakers and a couple of hundred amps. The build quality was exceptional as the SUV came with no flaws. In the first 10,000 miles, we have had no problems. This buick is typically quiet, compfortable, built right, and loaded with luxury

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  Lots of room - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By PA Commuter - February 8 - 10:57 pm

  We bought a Certified Rendezvous and a Certified Pacifica within a month of each other. I took the Pacifica originally because it looks and feels sportier than the Redndezvous. Unfortunately after communing in the Pacifica for a few weeks I found the ride to be quite uncomfortable for someone my height (64"). I eventually traded it to my wife for her Rendezvous. I like the sporty look and feel of the Pacifica, but I appreciate the unbelievably comfortable seats (wide, high, heated) and soft ride of the Buick.

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  Dont Believe EPA - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Jim Johnston - February 8 - 4:39 pm

  We purchased 2005 Buick Rendezvous new. The principal reason for choosing it over the alternatives under consideration was the 26 MPG EPA on the sticker. The best we can get at normal interstate highway speeds is between 20 and 22 MPG. We like the vehicle, but are very disappointed in the mileage.

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  Love It! - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Krista - February 8 - 2:19 pm

  In two years and over 60,000 miles, its only been in the shop once! Two hours for an emissions sensor - didnt affect performance at all. You wont find a better value in a seven passenger vehicle. 20 mpg rivals any full size SUV. It feels underpowered if you try to pass at speeds over 80, but I keep up on California Freeways. Dual climate control and comfy seats make it perfect for long road trips. Handles well in the snow and tows great.

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  Rendezvous is a great vehicle - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Steve_PA - February 2 - 4:29 pm

  Being a very satisfied Honda and Nissan minivan owner for the last 14 years, I was hestiant when we bought the Rendezvous. We love it. Great ride. Very intelligent design.

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  Rendezvous, I love it! - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By jzbwh - February 1 - 2:00 am

  I thought I got "hooked" with GM before I purchased 2004 Rendezvous CXL because I had accumulated some GM Credit Card points - all "expert reviews" at Blue Book and Edmunds appeared to favor Japanese cars over GMs. However as a commuter between home and work with little off-road requirements, Ive found driving Rendezvous quite pleasant. I love its smooth ride, excellent gas mileage (I got 21 mpg with avearge of 38 mph), the commanding view and the On-Star system. AWD just starts giving me peace of mind when climbing hills on snowy days. Yeh, you may argue that other SUVs or Crossovers can do the same tricks but its nice that my Rendesvous does them all!

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  Love this SUV - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By buzzbo99 - January 29 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is perfect for my needs. I can carry my tools, building materials, or people. The ride is excellent and handling is stable and sure.

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  2002 - stay away - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Tom - January 28 - 8:02 pm

  Various problems throughout the life. Initial purchase - rear hatch wouldnt relock, needed replacement, dealer broke the rear hatch when fixing it. 2005 - engine wont restart within 10 minutes of stopping engine - dealer has been unable to fix it after 3 tries, no help from GM. 2006 - Rear hatch problem again - the door unlocks all by itself. Dealer has replaced the body control module after replacing the lock against my advice. 2006 - The fuel guage doesnt accurately show the level.

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  I love this car/suv/wagon. - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Jamie - January 27 - 9:51 pm

  I bought this car to have more space for my growing family but I wanted something that was comfortable and not in the van family. I am young and I desire a car that is nice looking and doesnt make me look old. This car is awesome on long road trips. It is so comfortable and it rides like a luxury car. It is elegant and worth the money.

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Dave Sykes - January 26 - 10:48 pm

  I bought a 2006 FWD CX with the CX Plus and CX Luxury package. It has everything I need. It is very quiet and smooth. The 3.5 is a big improvement over the 3.4 in my Chevy Venture. Even though the design is 5 years old, I still think it is fresh.