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:

• 

  Nice ride, easy entry - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By jack - June 25 - 2:52 pm

  We strongly recommend this vehicle for those who have relatives that have trouble getting into a car. This was the case with my inlaws, with my father-in-law having two hip replacements. The Buicks ride is very smooth. It feels much like a full size passenger car and the road noise is low.

• 

  Never thought Id drive a Buick! - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By mpeleaux - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Suffice it to say that I research every car decision I make. I was looking at little SUVs like the RAV4 and CRV, but wanted a 3rd seat. We didnt want to go the mini-van route, and most SUVs seem too big and truck-like. What to do? I saw a CNN-online article mid-April that mentioned the Rendezvous and I decided to check it out. I was completely won over by the perfect size, abundance of comfort features, nice styling, cargo/passenger flexibility and overall value. It (in my opinion) manages to be refined, cool, fun and useful all at the same time. Ive always hated automatics, but got used to this in a hurry and think it has plenty of power.

• 

  Review on 04 Rondevous - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Frank Wollam - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Mileage reasonably good, very good ride, excellent turning ratio and can seat 5 or even 7 very nicely. Blind spot on right rear not good, but fun to drive and overal very good and nice looking. We are quite pleased.

• 

  Mix Feelings - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Raider - June 19 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I were looking for a family car (SUV) that was not too big or to small. When we saw the RDV in the show room we like the roomy interior and the 3rd row seat. The exterior could use more "looks" to it After three one month of driving the car the drivers seat began to make noises at every turn. After three months the rear view mirror fell off. Sure, the dealer fixed the seat and the mirror but who likes to take their new car Overall we enjoy the car but I wonder whether we should have asked for a longer bumper to bumper Warantee because it seems that we may need it!

• 

  Rides like a Buick - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By caltexan - June 16 - 8:57 pm

  Im 39 and my wife and I are both lawyers. We live in San Francisco. We have 2 boys, 6 and 4. I didnt want to buy a minivan so we purchased the Buick. Its nice, but rides like my grandmas car. I wish the ride was firmer and sportier. I went with a Buick because I wanted to buy American. I hope the next time around, if I go with Buick, I will be less disappointed with my decision. On the plus side, it parks just about anywhere and has a nice ride. Also, get the 7 seat option. Without the 3rd row, Im not sure its worth the money. On the downside, its a gas hog. Youd think GM would see the big picture and put more hybrids and efficient rides on the market...

• 

  Sporty but sleek looking - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By brandes - June 9 - 5:06 pm

  I have a lot of people say it looks like a sporty but sleek SUV. When I stop for a red light, some people give the thumbs up sign. Not the redundant SUVs you see on the road. You also get alot of extras for the money you spend.

• 

  Try one and youll buy one - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By jimbo55 - June 6 - 2:00 am

  The ride is as smooth and quiet as any vehicle Ive ever ridden in. Typical high Buick quality. Gets 23 mpg at 73 mph, 18 around town. Power is good, just like a minivan. Very spacious inside. Interior seems wide. Very good sound system. Many features available, many are safety related which exceed those available from most competitors.

• 

  Excellent Value! - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By davr - June 1 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I have been very happy with this car. No problems in 14,500 miles. The sounds system is great, and the seatings options really work (the third row is a blessing). Handles very well in snow - better than our old Grand Cherokee. Super inside space, with more thoughtful storage than any other car we have been in. It also doesnt look like every other SUV out there. We highly recommend this car.

• 

  Affordable Luxery! - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Philly - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Once dealer incentives were loaded on, the Rendezvous became the value leader in Luxury SUVs. If you want comfort, style and storage it is #1.

• 

  Satisfied customer - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Michael Small - May 27 - 10:47 am

  This is my second vehicle and I am completely satisfied. I wish they had put in a little larger engine, such as the 3.6 litre V6, which would have made it perfect. It would also have increased the fuel economy. In the past three and one half years, I have only had one service call, and that was due to a short that occured after adding a trailer hitch.