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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  Like repair bills? - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Darlene - March 6 - 12:37 pm

  I loved this car BUT have had SO many repair problems. Lets see, wheel bearings, brakes, air conditioning twice and "3" Yes I said three manifold gaskets! Now I just had to have a head gasket replaced and Oh, the gas gauge does not work and I cannot afford to have them pull the gas tank and fix it! Has anyone had any luck with help from Buick?

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  Love my Rendezvous - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By tomahawk - February 10 - 12:31 pm

  Was on my way to lease a Pontiac and my wife suggested we stop at Hub and check out the Buicks. We feel in love with a red Rendezvous. Great ride, features and size. Went to lease another one this year, we lease new every 3 years, and was sad to hear that they dont make the Rendezvous any more. They tried to get us into an Enclave. Enclave is 17 inches longer and $15,000 more. We are keeping the Rendezvous.

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  Smooth Ride, Fun to Drive - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Tom Mc - February 1 - 4:03 pm

  ULTA MODEL (AWD) - In 40 years of driving, this vehicle is my best driving experience that combines power and smoothness. The VVT 3.6 aluminum engine has plenty of torque (available at low revs) and gets you out of any highway situation immediately. It provides smooth power that comes on without any jerking into a passing gear. About 7 times a year it is driven to a destination 5 hours away and because of comfort, I am able to drive back the same day! Around town, I find myself driving easier and a bit slower, mainly because the experience is so enjoyable. However, if there is a need to peel around a corner, the torque and AWD allow you to have almost sportscar-like fun - great ride!

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  Engine needs to be better - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Johnnie008 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  After 2 years and 24,000 miles the head gasket started leaking. I notice coolant on the floor of garage. I do remember seeing a slight oil leak (oil on the floor) too, but when I inspected the engine compartment and the undercarriage I could not determine what the source was. The dealer who repaired it sent the head cylinder out for testing and it was out spec but not by much. They machined out the defects in the cylinder. The repair was done as a warranty repairs.

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  Decent Car for family - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By craerz - December 20 - 7:55 am

  I bought this car brand new and have kept up with maintenance. The RDV is pretty reliable under those conditions. Whats gone wrong so far is battery leak, head gasket leak, and recently (after 6 years) the battery and O2 sensor needed replacing. The first two were fixed under warantee so NBD. There was also a recall on the rear lift gate. Oh, and now my gas cartridges are shot on the lift gate. The gas milage started out at 22mpg city and 26 on the road, but now were about 18 city and 22 on the road. Not too bad for a 7-seater. In 2005 we drove this on vacation from Houston, to Sante Fe, to Denver and back to Houston. No problem. We strapped a DVD player to the wide console.

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  Very sorry we bought this vehicle - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By MomofthreePA - December 16 - 5:38 pm

  We purchased our Rendezvous with just 16,000 miles due to our growing family. At 24,000 miles replaced intake manifold (it was out of warranty because 3 years had passed since it went into service). This cost $1,200. 12,000 miles later it had to be replaced again, the dealer charged a "discounted rate" of $800.00. Then a window would not come up, and the cost came to over $400.00. At 51,000 miles the first of two wheel bearings went, now the AWD Disable light is on and we are waiting for an estimate for repair of it and yet another wheel bearing. What a nightmare. The car has 52,000 miles and has cost us thousands in repairs, wrote to GM with no response.

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  2004 - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By flanman - November 22 - 2:00 am

  smooth highway ride minimum roll when cornering can seat four adults and two children

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  The Crossover I Was Looking For - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Emmett Gruici - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Its a pleasure riding, comfortable sedan with a main feature that sold the vehicle after our initial test drive. That is, it pleased my wife, especially in room and confort, and overall appearance. It allowed us to trade in two vehicles,our 1998 Buick Century and 2000 Chevy Tracker, and use the 2004 Buick Rendevous for duel purposes.

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  Great vehicle for your money - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Christine - November 18 - 1:17 pm

  I have normally always had a coupe/ sports car. I needed more room with growing family went looking for a vehicle that had all I needed. I found it in my rendezvous, Space for the kids the groceries and the pets! if needed. Love the excellent smooth ride, I am getting 22.3 mpg city. yes it tells me so that is how I know. with my coupes I always was putting gas in(none were v8) but I dont in my rendezvous Im told it is the larger gas tank which is very nice. I think my stereo is great I was concerned with that and have no complaints even my teenagers tell me to turn it down. Has get up and go when needed and is very fun to drive and easy to maneuver, handles Great.

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  Maintain your Buick !!! - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By people - November 17 - 6:15 am

  My 2004 Buick has 168000 miles on it. Ive replace the right front hup, put two sensors on it and it will pass inspection tomorrow. Flush the transmission at 100,000 miles keep the oil changed sooner than the book says, keep the tires in check. Best driving, riding SUV Ive ever drove.