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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  A good idea gone bad - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By mayormcmisery - January 6 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle does what its designed to do, but not with the enthusiasm that GM touts. Our Rendezvous is a good people (mainly children) hauler and performs admirably in snowy conditions. Unfortunately, it is plagued with numerous rattles and mechanical defects due to poor workmanship. It stickered at $37,470 and is now worth $16,000 with only 27k on the odometer, 1 1/2 years old, and in excellent shape. Driveability is only marginal, as trying to maintain highway speeds with its anemic engine can produce a sore foot if the cruise control isnt used. The weak engine and high profile contribute to abysmal economy...17mpg average.

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  Rendezvous With A SUV/Car - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By KGDilly - January 4 - 2:00 am

  We were looking for a SUV which drove like a car and had the versatility of a minivan. We finally settled on the Rendezvous and we sure are glad. It is quiet and feels luxurious like a Buick should yet sporty and nimble like a Suv. Best vehicle weve owned.

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  With all the options. - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By thawk - January 4 - 2:00 am

  when I bought this vehivle, I needed 7 seats, wanted AWD because this is New England and we ski, and the car had to be comfortable as my back is not great. When I test drove the Rendezvous, I couldnt believe how comfortable it was, and how well it drove. I have driven in some amazingly bad weather conditions over the past 2 years and I have always felt safe nad in control.

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  rendevous, sweet suv - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Gary L. Christner - December 23 - 2:00 am

  I was hesitent, before I Purchase my 2003cxl rendevous, because the review of the 2002 model was average at best. I have owned it for five months now, and love the vehicle. I have put 7,900 miles on it in seven months, highway and city driving. I have experienced no problems during that period. It is great around town for a vehicle that size, and has a very short turning radius. Easy to park, good pickup, power to pass and fun to drive.

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  Very happy with this vehical - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By sprenk - December 2 - 10:00 am

  After following the development of the Chervrolet Equinox for over a year, we finally saw one several weeks ago and were very disappointed - especially with cargo space and cheap looking interior. Because of this, we looked at other options. We never considered the Rendezvous figuring that it was out of our price range. But, with discounts, we could get a nice base- model Rendezvous with all of the features of the top-of-the-line Equinox for less money. There were no discounts offered on the Equinox. We are very happy with this car. Love the cargo huge cargo area. Very comfortable, quite, and works great with our little boy.

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  God Bless America - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By beanie235 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  We chose a GM product because my spouse is a GM Employee but we chose the Buick (after previously owning a GM Minivan) because the interior looked more expensive and Buick is known for making classier vehicles. Weve only had it for a few months but as a person who was stuck on minivans, I thoroughly enjoy it so far. My spouse, who is not an SUV fan, wishes he had one for his own. This SUV has as much storage room as my former extended minivan, which is good for a family of 4 with a dog who travel a lot. Plenty of legroom and height in the front for tall people like myself.

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  Big Bertha - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By R-MAN - December 1 - 2:00 am

  A functional vehicle with decent gas mileage for its size.

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  Critique of the Buick Rendevous - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Don Myrick - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Previously owned a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited - enjoyed the vehicle, however, the ride and handling of the Rendevous is far superior. In addition, the gas mileage is slightly better on the Rendevous in addition to more room and comfort.

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  2003 Rendezvous FL owner Rating - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Tom M - November 29 - 2:00 am

  I have been very satisfied with this vehicle. Very good ride and stable on the highway. Replaced a Ford Explorer with this, much better ride and comfort in the Rendezvous. A couple of minor issues the dealer took care of promptly.

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  Rendezvous a womens dream - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By mercedes - November 21 - 10:00 am

  The car has it all. Plenty of storage from shopping to hauling around future NBA stars. The look is smart without being stuffy. You can easily see Rendezvous in a middle school parking lot as a student limo to a quality dinner with friends. No hiding this vechile down the street.