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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  What they missed - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By levedr - January 25 - 2:00 am

  The R.is the "big brother" to the lesser appreciated Aztec. Buick couldve paid more attention to some of the features of its "lil bro". I own both cars, having bought the Rendezvous as a family car after being impressed by my Aztec which I had owned for two years. I was dissapointed, however, in some things overlooked by the engineers of Buick.Sound system-hey, what would it cost to put in those nice Pioneer speakers?Rear seat "fold down" the little lever in the "Az" is much easier to use..and do the "Az" seats really fold easier, or is it my imagination, both cars would benefit from the "spring loaded" nature used on other GM SUVs

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  Best & most suv for the money - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By davkun - January 23 - 5:40 am

  Nobody else gives you independent rear suspension, all wheel drive, just about every option under the sun, a third row seat that stows away and lots of room for under $30K. I like the way it rides, handles and I know I have AWD, ABS, even front and side airbags, and ONSTAR if the need arises. I can take the family with me along with friends. Reading the owners manual tells more about the vehicle that none of the reviews covered, like the limp mode of the engine if it loses coolant.

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  Vehicle Rating - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Faye - January 19 - 7:56 pm

  The one item that I have a concern is I cannot use my lighter to charge my cell phone as it blows the fuse. I was told to get an adapter and put it in before I use the charger for my cell phone. I have friends who have the same SUV, not the Ultra and they have no problems.

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  Love this car - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By michael - January 19 - 12:07 am

  This is my second RDW that I have owned. The other one was a 2003. I love the ride. Its not overpowered, but how fast can you go anyway? The radio system is great. The ride smooth. Whoever rides with me on long trips also comments how great a ride it gives. Bad weather no problem. It just goes right thru it. Anyway in 3 more years I will be leasing another one.

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  Having a great time driving this SUV - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By w - January 18 - 2:06 pm

  My Rendezvous has a very smooth, quiet ride. We have been on several trips and it rides great. The Rendezvous is not the best on gas and I must say that the third row of seats is only for small children and with it you have no luggage space

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  Proud Owner - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Stan Berg - January 17 - 4:19 pm

  This is my first SUV and I am very pleased with it. Gas mileage was better than I thought it would be. The exterior appearance is great. I have received many compliments on the appearance. I have had zero problems with it. The vehicle handles great and drivers perspective is one of a feeling of good control. The interior is a little on the plain side but then I also purchased the no frills version.

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  Great vehicle, but... - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Lily - January 11 - 3:21 pm

  Ive loved my Rendezvous and have never noticed the power and acceleration issues Ive read about. It has been great for me. But, sadly, I need to part with it as it has huge blindspots which are a safety concern. The huge front door panel/mirror combo leads to blindspots in the front and there is a rear window panel that leads to blindspots on the sides/rear. If this did not exist I wouldnt get rid of this car!

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  Reliable - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Jim Walters - January 9 - 7:32 pm

  One of the most dependable and reliable ownership experiences I have had owning cars. The poor adhesion of paint on the interior is my only complaint I have, other than the sluggishness in power of the engine at highway speed unless you downshift, but I LOVE the consistent 20mpg that the car gives me with its performance. I waxed the interior painted surfaces after they were replaced under warranty and have had no further problems there. I love this cars transmission. A good reliable car.

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  Consider this sleeper - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By PV - January 3 - 10:15 pm

  This is an attractive extremely reliable SUV. With AWD, I am averaging 19 MPG which is incredible. The engine is too small for the weight of this SUV so the pick-up and pep leaves a lot to be desired, However, once I got used to the amount of power I had available, I adjusted my driving habits. The vehicle has a lot of "bells and whistles. I love the "heads-up" display which gives me my MPH reading in the windshield. Because of the air suspension, the car allows me to inflate my tires directly from the system so no visit to a gas station is necessary. Its also handy if you get a flat tire. I am very happy with this SUV and would consider buying another one when the time comes.

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  Dont Believe EPA - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Jim - January 3 - 6:25 pm

  We are generally happy with the automobile and we are happy with the dealership. However, we have been disappointed with the fuel efficiency of the car. The estimated mileage for highway was 26 mpb, one of the principal reasons we purchased the car. The best we can get at typical Interstate speeds is 20 mpg. Dealer says that there is nothing they can do. Very disappointing.