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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  Dont buy a Rendezvous - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Carol - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Bought this from a dealer and it was 1 year old. - Did not have it 2 years and put $2,300.00 in it. We have replaced rear bearings, the power steering pump twice, and now the rear differential has went out. The seats do not fold completely down, so there goes the cargo space, and just look at those cloth seats and they stain! I had an Explorer before and I loved it, but my husband isnt a Ford Fan - well he can have GM, this will be my last Buick. I absolutely hate it!!

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  Loved mostly - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Denise - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Before the grandchildren, this was a perfect vehicle for me, my adult children, and labs. However, now there are two infants that need to have car seats rear-facing leaving no leg room for any other seat as it requires the seat in front of it to be shoved all the way forward. In all other regards, this has been a joy of a vehicle.

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  Reliability still an issue - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By niaomiya - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Major problems! When 2 yrs old, car died on freeway for no reason at all. Dies if I turn steering wheel too hard while backing up. Sometimes computer will unlock doors when I turn off engine and remove key (like its supposed to), and sometimes it doesnt want to let me out. The right blinker all of a sudden started going at warp speed, then went back to normal a couple wks later, now its back to superfast. Lumbar support dial on drivers seat keeps falling off. Rear hatch interior pulldown handle broke when I had car < a yr. Rear vents broke in < a yr, will blow air but wont hold position. Computer doesnt always remember radio presets, very temperamental! Obviously, quality issues!!

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  My worst car Ever!!!! - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Worst vehicle ever - September 14 - 2:00 am

  This by far has been the worst car I have ever purchased. I constantly have overheating issues. Replaced expensive Head gasket.And now my engine needs to be replaced!! Every other month Ive had some type of problem with this car and the repairs are not cheap.dont recommend this car to anyone, I am a mother of four kids, the best feature or this car was the seating capacity. Very unreliable car. I havnt owned this car for a full year and Ive already spent way too much money for repairs.

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  Must have bought the right one! - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Jon - August 22 - 2:30 pm

  Purchased from a processional 1 owner couple @93k Fully loaded with tow package which was never used until me. I haul my lawn mower and a ton of pellets in Maine hills and windy roads. Only repairs where new brake pads and rotors. and rear self adjusting shocks which cost me $600 installed at a gm dealer. Much nicer then my Jeep grand Cherokee and Chevy Blazer and way nicer then any explorer ever made! gas mileage isnt bad about 18-22 cd player 6 disc didnt work when I purchased it. Time for a new odyssey though hope it sells fast it should the condition is nice and it has all the whistles. i am going to miss the heads up and heated seats!

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  Would not recommend - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By lockhart1998 - August 11 - 9:35 pm

  I bought this car used with 59k miles. Loved the car at first site. Unfortunately, I have had to replace wheel hubs 4 times, the rear hatch pull down broke, and the AWD (ABS) system is on again. I wanted to support American made cars, however I am very disappointed.

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  Nice feel but lots of repairs - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By PhillyGirl - August 5 - 11:39 pm

  We loved our Buick at first. Within 3 days of purchase our windshield wipers stopped working in a snow storm because the motor on wiper blew? We had to get a new transmission 3 years into the car and was asked to pay $6,000. The warranty had expired. I never ever had to pay for a new transmission in a 3+year car.

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  Mixed feelings - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By V8 Man - July 7 - 12:40 pm

  I bought a 2003 CXL Rendezvous with 40K miles in 2005. I got it for $16,500--I would not even have looked at it for the new sticker price ($30,000+). Overall, I have mixed feelings about this car, leaning toward favorable. On the positive side, it is a good-looking car, has a nice interior, and rides quiet. The 3.4 L V6 engine is strong enough for most trips. We got the third-row seat, but hardly needed it with just two kids (it folds nicely into the floor). On the negative side, I have replaced a number of parts--head gasket, driver-side hub assembly, electric window motor, electric lock, and rear differential fluid. Heater blows cold air on passenger side. Gas mileage is awful (15).

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  great vehicle - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By walt - June 21 - 10:11 pm

  Im closing in on 80,000 miles with no reliability issues. Great comfort and visibility with lower sills and broad mirrors. Gas mileage has averaged a composite 23 mpg (less when highway driving at 75+ mph.) Our second row captains chairs have on occasion been removed to allow surprisingly bulky cargo loads. Sorry I cant buy another new one.

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  brake fluid fire - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Julie - June 19 - 8:35 am

  YESTERDAY our daughter was driving back home from an appt when the brakes failed--she eased it home, was in the house telling us about the problem for about 15-20 minutes while car was sitting turned off in the driveway. My husband went out to look under the hood and found it ON FIRE. Brake fluid was dripping on the hot manifold Luckily he was able to extinguish it. I believe the design of the engine with the brake line so close situated just above the hot manifold is ultimate cause. The heat MUST be causing the lines to crack/leak unlike in any other vehicle I have owned. We have seen reports online of similar problems since this happened to us.