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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  Fantastic car - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Ray Walters - December 20 - 10:55 pm

  I have purchased many new cars but have never been so totally satisfied with any car as I have with this Rendezvous. Of course we would always want better mileage but, other than that, this car is a ten all the way. The Navigation system, On Star, built in cell phone, heads up display, back-up sensor, foldup seats, etc - all make this car of the future here today.

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  Best SUV for the money - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Craig - December 18 - 2:02 pm

  I had an audience, as I rolled my new 36" flat screen up to the back of my Buick. No one thought it was going in! We rolled the huge box, and slid it in, ALL the way, and closed the hatch! Try that with ANY SUV this nice, priced under $28K brand new. It wont happen. - The sight lines, the great engine performance, and 22.5 MPG for the first 50K that weve driven it, are unmatched with anuthing else weve looked at. - We were the first ones in our town to own one, now there are HUNDREDS! The fact that SO MANY other SUVs came out with room for 7, AFTER they saw how these sold, tells you a lot.

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  No problems - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Colen - December 15 - 1:31 am

  Very impressed so far. 5000 miles, no problems. Almost bought a Saturn VUE, but with the incentives from GM, a extra 2 grand gets you a much more refined vehicle. With traction contol and 4 snow tires All wheel drive is not necessary.

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  I Love It! - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Sardone - December 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned two Jeep Grand Cherokees in the past and was very close to buying another. I saw the rebate for the Rendezvous and decided to take a test drive. Although I wasnt sure I was ready to own a Buick because Ive always equated this brand with old folks, I was extremely impressed with the ride and the features. I dont regret my decision to buy one!

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  Buick Rendezvous - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Bernie Hartmann - December 8 - 6:07 pm

  I own a 2002 Model and had no problems with the CXL Model. I believe some of your ratings on some Models does not jive with the real performance of these vehicles. We do not find the interior of the Rendezvous that cheap, did you ever try to maintain the wood paneling on a Beamer or Mercedes, it can be a nightmare. And if you have it all scratched up or damaged by any other way, its ugly.So, I like the plain gray interior which willtake a few Kids and a DOg in good stride.

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  by - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By ben - December 7 - 12:39 pm

  this is a good van it is a bit small if you get a seven seater you want have the room for there things.

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  The Best Vehicle I ve ever Owned - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By hamedankookie - December 6 - 4:11 am

  My husband bought this vehicle for me for our anniversary. I love the comfort and space. i have two children and they have plenty of room for them, I also love the fact that the seats will come all the way out. We helped my mom move and took the seats out and we loaded more things into the back of our vehicle than my Uncle did in the back of his Dodge Ram. The gas mileage is awesome for an SUV. I am satisifed with our investement..no doubt..

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  Just like the one my Daddy drove - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By msmucci - December 1 - 6:25 pm

  For the most part I love my SUV. Its very comfortable, the seats are soo soft. It handles well. The gas mileage, well, I get 250 mi to a tank in the city a little more on the hwy. My biggest disappointment was that I was told that I could purchase the 3rd row seat later. However, when I went back to purchase it, I was told that you can not purchase the 3rd row seat after the fact it must be purchased when you purchase the vehicle. I have called Buick, GMAC and many dealerships and this is the case. So if you have a CX model and want the 3rd row seat, you will have to have it installed by someone who customizes trucks.

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  Never new GM car again - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Manuel Ruiz - December 1 - 10:00 am

  When it first came out, we like the minivan and SUV features included, so we bought a brand new one on Jan. Had trouble finding a good dealer, and sales was good. Then we found out how easy it can roll away into an accident. At first nobody knew of the easy towing feature that caused accident, so some help was volunteered. But when we try to get help from GM for cause of accident, everybody from the dealer up to GM headquaters became mean and blamed us for misinformation. We are waiting for the recall!!. Now only 30K and a wheel bearing had to be replaced and electrical problems pop up. Pay it off and worry it is a PIECE.

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  FAVORABLE COMMENTS - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By LEO GAGION - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I HAD GOTTEN AWAY FROM GM PRODUCTS AND HAD BEEN A CHRYSLER FAN FOR THE PAST 15 YEARS. I BEGAN TO LOOK AT THE 2003 MODELS AND DECIDED THAT i WOULD ENTERTAIN THE IDEA OF NUYING A BUICK. I SPENT CONSIDERABLE TIME RESEARCHING AND LOOKING AT THE RONDEVOUS AND DECIDED THAT IT WAS THE VEHICLE THAT I WANTED TO PURCHASE. I AM VERY HAPPY THAT I DID. THE VEHICLE IS A FINE ONE, DEPENDABLE WITH JUST ENOUGH POWER. THE INTERIOR DESIGN IS GREAT WITH PLENTY OF LEG ROOM BOTH FRONT AND REAR. I HAVE THE THIRD SEAT AND IT IS GREAT FOR THE GRANDCHILDREN. THE ON-STAR FEATURE IS A VERY WELCOME ADDITION.