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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  Enjoying my new Rendezvous - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By tablescape - August 8 - 11:07 am

  I am very happy with my new utlra Rendezvous. I am glad I have the bigger engine and the heads up display. I was surprised by how much I like the extras like the heads up and XM radio. The radio controls on the steering wheel and the display of the station on the windshield let me change the stations and keep my eyes on the road. My daughter loves the back seat radio with headsets. The mirrors are big and were a little hard to get used to but they are very helpful especially how they tilt down for parking. I am very careful in drivethru windows.

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  I love it - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Kegel - August 2 - 2:00 am

  After being in a sedan, I love my car. And since the dealer misquoted, I got it for 3000 less than kelly book price.

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  Buick Ren - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By DRWingnut - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Have leased the 2002 and would lease/buy the next one. Very nice to drive, my only wish is that it would get a little better than the 20 mpg.

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  Pleasant surprise - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Jondaley - July 25 - 1:04 pm

  My wife likes this car so we got it. I was not thrilled with it at first. I like the ride and power train of the Chevy Equinox better, by my wife likes the comfort of the Buick. It fits the kids and stuff well. We took it on a short road trip, and I began to like it more and more. It is a great highway car, stable and smooth. Somewhat underpowered, but I can compensate for that. Quiet and smooth. No initial quality problems.

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  I love this car - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Tim Weaver - July 25 - 12:50 pm

  My Rendezvous has been a pleasure to drive from the moment I first got behind the wheel. The quality of this vehicle is outstanding, from its very good looks, to fine details such as HVAC controls. ItÂ’s fun to drive and handles very much like a luxury car, not a truck. I haul everything in it including my precious grandchildren. I could not recommend it more highly.

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  Please Dont Purchase - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Nikki Smith - July 25 - 11:59 am

  We bought this car in March for room. We traded in a Toyota Camry for it. The day after we drove it home, the air conditoning went out , and took 3 days to fix. Then on Memorial Day weekend , it went dead on me in another town, and we had to find a ride home. That was another couple of weeks without the ca,r and the dealership couldnt find out what was wrong with it. 2 weeks later, it left me on the side of the road again with a 2 month old. By the time of my 3rd payment, I hadnt actually had the car 3 weeks. No one could find out what was wrong, and the dealership wouldnt take it back. Still having problems. A bad experience.

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  Expensive Repairs - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Sherry Powell - July 22 - 10:00 am

  My job requires me to be on the road over 70% of the time. Very comfortable ride and the gas milage is ok at 18mpg. However, any repair has been expensive. I purchased an extended warrenty that expired 1K mi ago. And then the igintion switch went out.. a part that is combined with the steering wheel and steering column.. To the tune of $1,600 to repair. Parts take up to two or three weeks which adds to the costs since I had to rent a car to continue working. Also, tires do not last past 40k and Ive experienced several repairs covered under warrenty. Cant wait to unload this over priced SUV

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  So far...So good - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By NAU02 - July 19 - 8:07 pm

  Ive had this vehicle for 8 months now. It had 22k miles on it when purchased as a used rental vehicle, and now at 30k, there are no problems yet. I love the handling and the comfort. Im not too crazy about the outside looks, and being 25, male, and single w/out kids, Im the only person in my demographic with this SUV. I Upgraded the stereo and it sounds wonderful. I tested almost every mid-size SUV out there and nothing compared to the ride and interior stylings of the Rendezvous!

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  great up to 50,000 miles - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By great up to 50,000 m - July 16 - 11:14 am

  I loved my buick up to 50,000 miles. Since then I have replaced an air conditioning component, the intake manifold ($1000.00) the secondary injection line, and I am on my way back to the dealer for another repair this week. Some kind of harness for the secondary injection. I have 53,000 miles on the car.

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  Buick Rendezvous - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Cincy - July 16 - 10:13 am

  I love my Rendezvous. Its perfect for daily travel, with a very comfortable ride and great visibility. I love having the 3rd row seats that can hold 7 passengers or for extra storage. Unfortunately, when the 3rd row seats are up, theres very little storage but for an umbrella stroller. Im averaging about 17-20mpg Hwy, and thats with construction and stop and go traffic. Its better on longer stretches on the highway. Its a great vehicle for a small family with all the extras and not the huge price tag.