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 SUV - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Bradd - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I never thought I would own an SUV, there wasnt one that I wanted or liked. I did want something to haul the occasional item. The Rendezvous is the perfect vehicle for me. Its like sitting in and driving a car, but with the versatility of a van and AWD of an SUV.

• 

  What was I thinking? - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Chad - February 5 - 3:19 am

  Bought it fully loaded for $34K. In two years the trade-in value is $13K. YIKES! This vehicle is a horrible value, and way under powered. Only 185hp. Can you say slug? Third row is useless. We have to have people go in from the back and climb over the seat. Not too functional. And when the seat is up, you can only fit a couple of bags behind the seat. Have been trying to work some magic and trade it in for a 2005 Odyssey. But I really dont want to eat $6K on the trade! Looks like I will have to hang in there for a little longer and try to get it even. Please do not buy a Rendezvous! Do your checkbook and your family a favor and buy something with lasting value and function!

• 

  Not a winter vehicle - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By michcar - February 3 - 12:24 am

  The Rendezvous is a nice vehicle. Not flashy, not particularly cool, but nice. The storage in the front console is roomy and holds just about anything. The storage under the console is nice for CDs or maps. The one drawback for me is the drivability in the snow. This is the base model with traction control, although what traction its controlling is beyond me. Im used to 4wd or awd vehicles, so this one is an adventure. I would not recommend it for anyone who has to drive in ice/snow conditions.

• 

  Great choice - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Morris511 - February 2 - 10:00 pm

  Great vehicle with ultimate comfort. Rides like a luxury car with the security of AWD which is a much desired feature in the Northeast. Superior styling and performance makes me forget its a cross over hybrid between a minivan and an SUV. I simply love it!

• 

  Rendezvous - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By tfsports - January 29 - 3:23 pm

  I have been very happy with this vehicle overall, until it snowed. Previously we owned a Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD. Rendezvous interior is roomier, has more cargo space, more luxuries, and more comfortable seating.

• 

  I just bought mine and I love it! - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Marnie - January 29 - 10:40 am

  I just bought a CXL+ model and I love it! Mine came w/ leather seating, wood grain dash, OnStar, satellite radio, a sun roof, power everything, captains chairs (row 2), heads up display, heated seats, a towing pkg, and vertually everything else you could ever want in an SUV! Thre price was far better than its competitors due to the $1,500 GM loyalty + $3,000 rebate! See for yourself. Its one NICE SUV!

• 

  Bought It - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Rick - January 28 - 5:48 pm

  My wifes lease vehicle.I liked it so much I bought it after the lease ended.Paid $5000. less than the residual/buyout price.I have been driving an Audi A6 @.7tt. This certainly pales in comparison power wise.I like the console and storage spaces, driving position and overall driving comfort. Not fun but very competent.

• 

  2005 Buick Rendezvous - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Richard Outcault - January 27 - 12:29 pm

  As a sportman, the car provides an easy way to travel to golf courses and beaches. The drivers area has a convenient console for traveling, everything is accessible. Cup holders, storage box and storage under the console can not be duplicated in other SUVs. This is my second Rendezvous and to date neither has let me down performance-wise. The engine and drive train are reliable. First time Ive had all wheel drive and Im a little disappointed with the gas mileage. The all leather seats are proving more comfortable than the seats on my 2002 Rendezvous. I like the improved styling. Negative is the removal from the 2005 of the 2002 two storage bins on the side panels of the third seat.

• 

  Solid, but not nearly great! - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Felipe - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This car drives very well. It is a good value compared to other SUVs in its class. But it doesnt feel very refined, the steering can be a little loose sometimes, and I just dont know if it will last enough time.

• 

  9000 mile 2005 Rendevous bad apple - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Virginia Rhem - January 25 - 4:35 pm

  I had looked forward to this new SUV and with only 9000 miles, it is in shop every other week. New tires at 4000 miles, rear door hatch broke, key assembly broke, noise in steering that GM says is something non-repairable, many more problems. Dealership where purchased horrible to deal with. Found another one who has been more helpful....But I am so disappointed.