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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  Buick Rendezvous - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Raymond Haney - January 25 - 12:09 pm

  The first American made vehicle I have driven in 20 years, I am pleased.

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  fantastic car - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Ray Walters - January 23 - 5:45 pm

  Without a doubt, the most enjoyable new car I have ever purchased. I bought ALL of the options: Navigation, heads up display, satellite radio and, of course, back up warning, onstar with built in cell phone - everyday learning more neat things about these features. I have owned many vans but this is the first one that rode like a luxury sedan.

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  Needs Improvement - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By jgolafson - January 18 - 4:13 pm

  Good value. Nice features when equipped with Luxury Package. Steering vague and imprecise; worst tracking vehicle ever owned. Underpowered, needs 3.5L or 3.8L engine. Tailgate too heavy. Seats have poor lateral support.

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  18 month owner - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Jeff - January 13 - 8:31 pm

  I enjoy the seating and the storage. The mileage is adequate. I have hauled wood on the top carrier several times. It handles easily and has great visibility.

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  Excellent SUV from Buick - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Rendy - January 13 - 11:59 am

  Excellent vehicle! Quality, reliability, performance are all good to match Lexus, while price is better for consumer.

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  Another great Buick Value - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By john - January 6 - 9:33 am

  Traded in my first new Buick, a 1996 Skylark that I was outgrowing. Wanted something bigger that could handle cargo, etc. Test drove the Dodge Magnum-was expensive, and only 70 cu fr of cargo capacity-passengers sit low with high windo sill. Liked the Rendezvous, and took advantage of rebate and good trade in on my 9 yo Skylark. I would not consider it if I had to pay $35k list price (paid $23k) as it lacks power lift gate and refined engines other competitiors offer. Some interior pieces feel cheap. But, overall, for $23k, is great deal!!

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  Rndezvous rox! - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By mybuickrox - January 6 - 6:06 am

  Iam very impressed with the Buck Rndezvous vehicle. Sfety features of anti-lock brakes, OnStar, and driver/passenger airbags are great. Conveniences of keyless entry, delayed power for radio, and radio controls on steering wheel are a great benefit. Overall I would recommend this SUV/crossover vehicle to anyone!

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  My wife loves it - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Austin Girl - January 6 - 1:40 am

  My wife looked at oved 15 vehicles before she chose the Buick Rendezous. She liked the looks of the vehicle and the way it drives. It not too small and not too large for city traffic. Also its a very safe vehicle for our two grandkids to be in. Thats another reason she got the Rendezous

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  Buick reliability - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By RLA - January 5 - 10:51 pm

  I have only owned this vehicle a short time. It is pleasant to drive, and very comfortable. The radio works well, as do the power windows seat and other amenities. Not purchased for going off road. I do not desire an off road vehicle, I already have one. This is a very nice family vehicle. It was reported that the standard V6 does not have adequate power. I have been out on the interstate with this one and it runs fine, its not a race car but thats not what I purchased. If I wanted a sports car I would buy one.

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  A good car for the money - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By 2003 Buick Rendezvou - January 5 - 10:58 am

  We are happy with the vehicle. The selling point was the captians chairs (2nd row) and bench seat in the back. Very roomy, easy to drive. Main problem which I think any vehicle with 3 rows of seating would be lack of storage space...