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:
Showing 481 through 490 of 853.00-
Not Buicks best effort - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
By autoworker239 - November 15 - 8:19 pmThis vehicle is plagued with problems ranging from annoying to down right dangerous. Newer versions have corrected some of the problems but some of the more serious ones still remain including premature wheel hub failures, faulty wiring and bad transmissions. If you insist on buying one youd better purchase the extended warranty and towing insurance because youre going to need it.
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Disappointed - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
By RebeccaD - November 14 - 10:53 pmLove at first sight. Problems after manufacturer warranty expired have included failure & replacement of both front tire hubs (one of them replaced twice), Power steering pump replaced three times, Heater control unit shorted out. I have filed a safety complaint w/NHTSA lots more there, please read. Buick Rendezvous has had a lot of problems. Through persistant investigation on my part, Ive found that the tire hub appears to be defective, GM is now getting this part from a new supplier. At first we loved this car but will never buy another Rendezvous maybe never another Buick at all. The dealership has been good & has made all repairs at no cost to us even though we are past the mileage warranty.
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Laidbackjack of Graysville, Ala. - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
By Councilman - November 14 - 10:00 amMy Buick is fun to drive, handles very well, we bought it for the ride (my wife has very painful back trouble), we like the automatic settings of mirrors, seats, etc. We just love it! I really like being able to see my speed refected in the windshield so that I dont have to look away from the road. Everyone, including our passengers like the ease of entry & exit.
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Still great at 26000 miles - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
By rink - November 10 - 7:58 pmThe vehicle is roomy & very comfortable. It has been almost trouble free. Averaging 18.5 mpg in mixed driving. XM & OnStar are great. OnStar is only $10 per mo. with Verizon Family plan. AWD is great in MN snow. I would recommend as a relatively roomy SUV with good mileage & performance.
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One of the best Ive owned - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
By jimbo - November 10 - 9:34 amI have owned many GM vehicles, and have found this to be the most comfortable and trouble free of them all. I was in a van last car, and decided to downsize. I love this size as I have room for anything I want to haul, but small enough to feel like Im not in too big a vehicle. I got the 3.6 V6 and find it to be quiet and responsive, but cant get the mileage over 19 mpg on the highway. I also find the liftgate to be heavy, and will get the automatic one next time.
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Great car - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
By donna - November 2 - 1:40 amI traded a 2002 Rendevous for another Rendevous. I was so happy with my first one, that I couldnt think of getting another car. Am as happy with this one so far as I was with the other. My 2002 had 77,000 miles on it, and never had any trouble. Very comfortable!
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Made in Mexico - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
By unhappy in ohio - October 30 - 1:59 amRides wonderful except for noise in rear end when going over joints on highway. Dealer cant fix, big outer mirrors easy to use, plenty of room in front and second row, third row useless except for lepricons. Sometimes it doesnt know who is driving forgets to reset seat and mirrors. Has some problems cropping up, noise from front wheels, suspect bearings.
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Stress factor - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
By booo buick - October 27 - 11:59 pmEver since I got this car it has caused tension, especially in the winter. The electrical problem is such that the car just dies and its not the battery! The a/c has gone, the brakes have gone, and there was a bearing problem and tires getting worn due to easy skid on the turns, no control. Very disappointed with this car. I hope it lasts me another year or so at least.
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Very happy with our Rendevous! - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
By tnava - October 25 - 10:00 amWe really are happy with our Rendevous. We have take 3 road trips with it this summer and it has fit everything we need. Very comfortable seating. Only thing missing is the engine power.
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I love this car - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
By jnwfla - October 18 - 2:00 amI bought this SUV about three weeks ago and love it. This is my third SUV after a Ford Explorer and Honda CR-V. I love the ride.
