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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  Good car - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By carfan101 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for one year and I really like it. It needs more power and better fuel economey. I would reccomend it. I really like all the storage it makes it very easy to travel in. The third row seat is a big plus.

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  Buicks Got a Winner - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By northstar - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Had the vehicle for 3 months ... not one single problem. Fit and finish are excellent. High level of luxury. Nice touches throughout. No regrets.

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  Buick Rendezvous - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By sbmem - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Bought our RDV a couple months ago. It has been just fantastic. Great around town and we have taken one trip with it. The amount of interior room and comfort is just awesome for the family. The power is just fine especially for family driving. Storage and amenities cant be beat for the price. Extremely Happy

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  Really fine vehicle - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Chuckmac - September 26 - 2:00 am

  We have a CX model with leather, moon roof and third seat. We couldt be more pleased with this great vehicle. Our grandkids love the third seat which we have also used for adults with great success. Performs great on the highway, particularly in cruise control. I feel great everytime I drive it!! Have had several Buicks (Lasabre). This time we wanted AWD for safety in bad weather. We feel we made a great decision.

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  Buick Rendezvous is Awesome! - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By sammy - September 23 - 2:00 am

  The Buick Rendezvous is the perfect vehicle. With a new child, its a very user-friendly vehicle as well. My wife and I love the ride height and fit of the vehicle. It just feels right. The ride is smooth and space is ample. It has very clever use of storage space from the deep armrest/console box to the cargo organizer in the back. The fold-flat rear seats have been very helpful in loading cargo items as well. It even comes equipped with OnStar. The engine has ample power as well. Our lease will be up soon and were definitely getting another one.

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  Rendevous Review - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By michigan701 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle! There is so much rear seat room...3 seats , yet easy to park...all kinds of utility..to haul things too...Shelton Pontiac Buick is great..

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  Quiet, Solid, Spacious - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By J.R. Kent - September 21 - 2:00 am

  Our Rendezvous CX-Plus all-wheel-drive has very low levels of road and engine noise and is incredibly smooth -- a merciful reprieve from our noisy 2001 Accord EX. Interior is well thought-out and a nice place to be. Seats are the most comfortable Ive ever experienced over long distances. Interior is multi- configurable, has lots of space and a flat floor. Handling is secure. Suspension damping could be about 5- percent stiffer to cope with large road undulations at highway speeds. Gas mileage on a recent 900-mile road trip was 22 mpg at 75-to-80 mph with air conditioner running.

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  The Best SUV - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By velyna - September 20 - 7:06 am

  In only two months of using my Rendezvous I am very satisfied with the perfomance. Everything in this vehicle is wonderful. I drove my Rendezvous here in Puerto Rico and feels real good.

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  truly a buick - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By bcock - September 18 - 2:00 am

  fun to drive comfortable gas milage could be better

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  swexperience - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By swexperience - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Have thoroughly enjoyed driving this vehicle over the last 2 years. Handling and Fuel economy are better than I expected. Pleasure to drive and like all of the storage room. Plan to buy another one (to replace the one Im in)in the next couple of months