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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  This car is junk - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By ckinny - July 14 - 4:19 pm

  GM is clearly cutting corners. The interior of the 05 compared to earlier models is subpar. The fabric is cheaplooking and feeling. The dash has been changed and not for the better. Very hard and uncomfortabel to get to/sit in third row seat. Gas mileage is a nightmare.

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  Love My Buick - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Steve - July 13 - 2:25 pm

  The only problem with my car was squeaking brakes, and GM had a fix for it at no charge. The dealer has been excellent and the AWD works very well in NH winters. It handles well on the highway, and gas mileage is decent. I get many positive comments about the style.

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  First SUV - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Kathy - July 9 - 2:49 pm

  I have driven a Buick Riveria or LeSabre for the past 20 years, so am used to the luxurious ride. My new Rendevous meets the challenge. Have used it for three long trips in the last 3 months and find it thoroughly enjoyable. I wish the gas mileage was better though.

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  Good Idea-Poor Implementation - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Basil - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Owned this SUV for 9 months. I drive 300-500 miles per week on highways. Ignition switch was defective from the first day. Engine lacks torque/power. Intermittent rattles in dashboard and steering column. Some features of Driver Information System are unreliable. Seems to have defective electronics. Good SUV idea that was cheaply implemented but carries a hefty MSRP of $34,000. Hopefully parts will be less expensive Japanese SUVs. Horn sounds like a toy.

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  Rendezvous - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By kbyers - June 29 - 4:31 pm

  i really like driving it. It is fun, comfortable, and really drives nice. My husband is very picky about his cars, and has always had me drive Chevrolets, especiallay Blazers. But he is sold on the Rendevouz. We do not like the interior. We wish cloth seats were more durable.

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  This vehicle is great! - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By David - June 29 - 3:55 pm

  Definitely a great SUV. Comfortable to ride in, roomy and gets good gas mileage. I get about 400 miles to a tank. Not too shabby! Wheel bearing on left did go out after warranty but luckily I purchased the extended warranty. Also hit a deer with it. Its fixed now, but the damage was minimal due to the sturdy build and great crash test ratings. I love it, love it love it!

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  Rendezvous - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Connie - June 29 - 3:50 pm

  My Rendezvous is a joy to drive and very comfortable. I love the large side view mirrors. Mileage exceeds estimated numbers. If anything, the back has more room than is convenient for me (Im very short, cant reach things that slide forward.) I do have a problem with closing the back hatch. I have no desire to cross over, so that isnt an issue for me. I wanted room and comfort.

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  Only liked it - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By MOM - June 29 - 3:44 pm

  I bought my Rendezvous 2 yrs old from a dealership. The A/C was not working and two weeks later, the wheel bearings on the front went out. I had to pay 1/2 on the wheel bearings to the dealership because they claimed it wasnt covered on the warranty I purchased, saying it was "normal wear and tear". But, Id only had the vehicle two weeks and couldnt have done that damage. They decided to charge me 1/2 to fix it. I thought it odd that a vehicle only 2 years old had such problems. I have not had any other problems and really the vehicle.

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  My Rendevouz - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Veronica - June 29 - 2:39 pm

  I purchased a Rendevouz last summer and I abosolutely love it. Or course I purchased the top of the line. It has all the toys I could possibly ask for. Yes, I like toys too, and I am a female. Compared to the Envoy that I originally wanted, the price was comparable. But this is great on gas! I rented a 2005 Pathfinder for 2 wks, due to autobody repairs on my vehicle. The Pathfinder was a gas guzzler, although the pick up was better. My three kids and I were very happy to have our Rendevouz back! If you look at the pricing in the Rendevouz, it can go above the pricing of the Ranier. It has a lot of perks that are out of the question in other cars due to the pricing.

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  Surprise - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Waa2167 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  The ride is better than expected. The handling was outstanding. I was attracted to the passenger carrying capacity and style. I didnt expect the impressive performance,