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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  I Really Like This Buick - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By paul cameron - October 30 - 9:03 pm

  I have owned this Rendezvous for 3 yrs. It is an excellent vehicle. Even 3 yrs old there are no rattles or decline of quality. Have not had 1 single mechanical problem of any kind. Totally dependable. With 3rd row seating down can fit 4 suitcases and 4 sets of golf clubs in the Rendezvous for a golf trip. Perfect! Gets 26 mpg on the hwy. Being a Minnesota vehicle I use both air and heater and the heating/cooling systems work perfectly,quietly and quickly.

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  07 Rendezvous CXL - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By JT - October 21 - 8:24 pm

  After 24k miles,one of the best cars we have owned. We had 2 good Chrysler vans. This CXL replaced a noisy, cheapo, gas-guzzler Honda Odyssey ”XL”- no luxury features even available! Liked a rented Rendezvous on Florida vacation. Later compared it to the Lexus SUV -cramped and boring. The Buick is larger inside and $20K cheaper. Quiet, luxurious, versatile and 22.5 mpg thrifty. Comforts of the car are on par with our Avalon sedan. 7 people can ride if needed & with the middle seats out, we carry 3 dogs and luggage for trips. It has been great in the snow even in our hilly neighborhood. Love the car. Sad that GM made the dumb decision to discontinue & replace it with a bulbous gas guzzler.

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  2004 Buick Rendezvous - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By jayfinn3 - October 16 - 7:08 pm

  After few weeks owning this Buick I am totally in love with this vehicle. Gets 19.8 miles on average and I dont drive highways. All wheel drive is great. OnStar works great and lots of head room for 64 person. It is fun to drive and has soft ride. This is not off road AWD

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  Happy Owner - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By M Van Tiem - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I researched several different SUVs and decided on a Trailblazer until I laid eyes on the RDV. This SUV has plenty of room for 2 adults and 2 kids, very comfortable seating, lots of storage areas, and the extras are very well thought out. The gas milage is a little less then the sticker says, however, mush beter then other SUVs in its class. All the controls are well placed for convienance and ease of use.

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  West C - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Meatloaf - October 3 - 2:00 am

  This car has a very smooth ride along with comfortable seating. The third row seat is great. I have bucket/captain chair seating in all three rows. It looks luxurious throughout with the leather. I dont see any "cheap" looking materials, as I have read elsewhere. And it is peppy also. All I need now is a roof rack/pack for the suitcases. I a am looking forward to a trip with this beaut! Oh, and lest I forget, my wife can pour out the heat on Her side while I stay cool, hopefully, on my side with the dual controls for heat/cooling.

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  Very Satisfied - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By zeke - September 9 - 5:56 pm

  This car had 18,000 miles on it when purchased. It is one of the best cars Ive owned so far. We took it to CA and averaged 27+MPG. Only had one small problem, so far, still under warranty. Every one remarks about the ride, and handling. Due to my job, I drive around 20 different cars a day, and if I drive a Rendezvous there is a different feeling about them. I occasionally pull a cargo trailer,and it does a great job, but just slightly under powered. I have the third seat but dont use it. Has plenty of cargo room for me. I purchase it because of the positive reviews that I read.

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  Great Car - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Sam Keifer - August 3 - 7:01 am

  I test drove a number of vehicles and liked the way the Rendevous felt on the road. I have been happy with the fuel economy. 21.5 average and 25.5 on the highway at 70 MPH. Overall, it is a great car. The editors and other people dont rate it like the owners...but drive it youll like it and youll like the price of insurance and the price of the vehicle.

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  Love this car! - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By AC - July 31 - 9:32 pm

  I have owned and leased many cars, but this is the best by far! I will always buy Rendezvous from now on! This is a luxurious vehicle, classy, and reliable! I think that the others who have some complaints about it are isolated incidences. I am at 75,000 miles and I have had zero problems mechanically or otherwise. On top of that, this loaded model gives the driver and my family every accommodation. Heated seats, AWD, heads up display, moonroof, third row of seats, towing capability, comfort, power everything, rear park assist, lots of room and storage. It is sleek and stylish and has zip! Even my loaded CXL model is priced right for resale- not like the pricey foreign competitors. Go USA

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  An Outstanding Car - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By David Dotson - July 22 - 2:27 pm

  This car is the best car I have ever owned and I am 71 years old. We purchased the car new at the beginning of 2002. It has been a pleasure to drive. The lowest our gas mileage has been is 15 mpg and that was in stop and go freeway driving in San Diego. We ususally get 17 to 18 mpg around town and 23 to 26 mpgs on trips.Its comfort and dependability are unequaled. My only complaint is that Buick stopped making them.

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  Perfect - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By ziebab - May 20 - 12:43 pm

  Bought used with 24,000 miles. It has been the perfect SUV for us. Tried out a Ford Escape after we test drove the Buick, not even close, plus the Escape was more money. My wife loves the Rondezvous. Lots of room all around, easy access to everything, great vision, comfort, reliablity, ride is slightly rough but not a big deal. No major problems, just the usuall maint. One ignition problem but covered by warranty. We are at 65000 miles, just put on a new set of tires, running great and still looks like new. Too bad they discontinued them, would buy another one when the time comes.