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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  Love my Rendezvous! - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Spendarella - September 11 - 2:00 am

  I had the opportunity to drive a Rendezvous as a rental vehicle and fell in love with it. The ride is more like a car than any other van or SUV Ive owned/driven. The interior was designed by women and its very roomy and comfortable. The dealer was very fair and forthright and gave me an excellent trade in on my existing vehicle and a great price on the new Rendezvous. We loved it so much, we went back the next week and traded our other vehicle and bought a second one!

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  Happily Surprised - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By MN-Rink - September 2 - 2:00 am

  The new monotone paint looks great. many good comments from passerby . 7500 miles & no problems. A trip to Glacier & Banff was very comfortable. XM radio is great & Onstar reassuring. Although not a sportscar, it is a great blend of utility, ride & looks. Back-up alarm offsets problems backing up like my other SUVs.

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  So Far So Good - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By andypapp - September 1 - 2:00 am

  Purchased a CXL with the 3.6L engine. only two months old, but so far so good. Have driven it around town, on long highway trips and up and down hilly areas. Have none of the complaints about the undersized engine, well worth the added money. the ride is smooth and stable. After the rebates its so cheap relative to the Acura and Lexus.

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  Pleasantly Suprised - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Krissy L - September 1 - 2:00 am

  Being that Im only 24, and a little younger than the traditional Buick target, I didnt even consider the brand when looking for a new SUV. However, a salesperson managed to convince me to try it out, and I loved it from the minute I stepped foot into the vehicle! It is comfortable, has tons of storage, has quite a smooth ride, and doesnt seem to guzzle gas as much as the other SUVs Ive owned. Definitely a winner!

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  Why I Choose The Rendezvous CXL - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By E. Jaundice - August 29 - 2:00 am

  My first priority was that the Rendezvous drives and handles like a car rather than a truck which other Suvs I tested did. Its design is unique and most attractive. You sit up nice and high and your view of the road is perfect. The large side view mirrors give exceptional rear viewing although their size leave small blind spots looking forward.

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  Disappointed - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Robbie - August 24 - 10:00 am

  This is a new vehicle which I test drove on smooth city streets. When I drove it home via hill country, it turned into a struggling,noisy wimp. The all wheel drive feature makes the noise factor unacceptable. I cant believe they make a trailer package for this s.u.v. What could it possibly pull?

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  Does it all - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Stergeye - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive got two small kids,a wife, and a dog. So far, Rondezvous handles it all with ease. On trips to the mountains, the AWD worked great. Step-in height is good, and the Rondezvous spaces are easy to access. Ride quality is very good. No complaints thus far. We are pleased beyond our expectations.

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  Rendez Vous - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Brian Eidson - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Overall, I like driving the 2003 Rendez- vous. Its comfortable and typically enjoyable to drive.

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  Seems great to me - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By KrisB55 - August 23 - 2:00 am

  For the size of the vehicle, it handles really well and is quite comfortable. I have had several SUVs and find this one to have the least truck-like ride. Great vehicle.

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  good, very good - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By steamer - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Have owned it for just over a year now and have driven it on daily errands as well as long (4 hour +) drives and everyone driver and passengers are comfortable. Terrific pack out, love the optional third row seating (but this kills the pack out). Handles well and gets good mileage. Wife loves the rear assist feature that pings hen she is colse to an object behind her. Leather interior is holding up very well with two kids and a dog frequent riders. Great alternative to the standard mini van.