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:

• 

  I love this vehicle - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Andrita Durbin - May 25 - 4:46 am

  I just completed a 2500 mile trip and have no complaints other than not being able to use the CD player when using the navigation system. The ride was very comfortable, drive was as in a luxury car. Was in a lot of rain and had no problems with traction. Find driving speed has a lot to do with gas milage, when kept the speed down the milage went up. Love the speed reflection on the windshield, never have to look at the speedometer, so dont take eyes off of the road as much. Sets higher than a car so visabilty is execlent, seat sets high enough above floorboard so body alignment is good, less strain on hips. Drove through several mountain ranges and still averaged 20 MPG.

• 

  Worried about Relliability - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Family man - May 24 - 3:54 pm

  We bought our Rendezvous instead of a minivan because of the looks and minivan functionability. In many respects this is an acceptable vehicle. It it definitely underpowered and this shows up in fuel economy in hilly terrain. In a car that is less than three years old, we have had electrical problems that have left us stranded. Since my wife carts our two children in it most of the time, this lapse in reliability is a serious issue for us. The first time the dealer said is was a dead battery. Then, 2,000 miles out of warranty it was the computer ($500 out of pocket). Now, they think it is the ignition switch (around $200). It seems like a systemic problem that GM is not acknowledging.

• 

  Extended Warranty Required - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Robert - May 23 - 8:24 pm

  A great SUV....but it does have its quirks. At 37,123 (after the warranty) the left wheel bearing (lots of this according to GM and Buick) went out and the headers leak coolant. In for repairs, a major expense but I had Extended Coverage and saved BIG money. I am told that A/C goes out frequently also. Cannot customize factory presets. Annoying. Cant adjust door locks or running lamps or other warnings or features. Buick decided for you.

• 

  Looks Like a SUV Rides like a LeSabre - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Willie Rahlf - May 22 - 7:26 am

  Sits you up nice a comfortable and is a very good riding vehicle.

• 

  Happy Rendevous owner - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Cheek - May 14 - 1:06 am

  My husband & I are very satisfied with our new Rendevous. This is our first SUV. Tested a variety of SUVs & decided this met our comfort level. It is better on fuel consumtion since it isnt as heavy as the SUVs on truck frames. I am getting 21.5 mpg city.

• 

  King of the crossover - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Rendylover - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Great looking, excellent handling, max for the money

• 

  2004 Buick Rendezvues - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Marilyn - May 12 - 1:22 pm

  Very comfortable, fun to drive. I wish there was some way to keep the dust from collecting on the back. Hard to keep clean because of this. Wished it had more "zip" when I go to pass someone.

• 

  my view - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By crrohlf - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Weve had a 2002 CXL and now have a 2004. Its been comfortable and relaible. We like the appearance/functionality. Guests like the back seat. Its even better on the highway than I expected. Well equipped and well built. Even with AWD, its not a vehicle you buy to go off-road.

• 

  We got this vehicle for our grandkids. - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Bob De - April 28 - 6:56 pm

  My wife and daughter looked at at least 8-10 other SUVs and this was the one they wanted. It rides like a full size car on the road. Great for the hold family, lots of room. This is a great vehicle. What you get for the money is out of sight. The engine is OK if you dont race, has a enought power for us. I will buy one again

• 

  A good vehicle! - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By john - April 27 - 5:21 pm

  Moved up from a Skylark..love the Rendezvous 108 cu ft cargo-alot more room than the Lexus, Acura, or Magnum wagon. Got fully loaded CXL with sunroof for $24k. Is a good deal. No problems- rides like a luxury car and is fun to drive