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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  My Droning RDV - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Pete E - November 11 - 10:00 am

  We road tested the RDV on a wet bumpy, back road in Feb. 2003 and were impressed enough to buy one. It handled almost as well as my 1993 Buick Regal Grand Sport which I traded in (I loved that car). However, I am annoyed by the droning noise at 2,100 rpms regardless of my speed. Also there is a distinctive tinny, thumping noise that reverberates throughout the back of the car when I drive on concrete highways going over the dividers and bumps in the pavement. Dealer could not find the cause of the problems, they test drove another new RDV and it had the same noise.

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  An Underated SUV - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By LenC55 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  When did an SUV mean a gas-guzzling 8 cyl monster that rides like a pickup and gets 10 miles to the gallon? SUV does mean Sport Utility Vehicle, and that is exactly what this is...and its a more luxurious ride than most For a family that has outgrown a van and wants something snazzy but still with the benefits of carrying kids n cargo, this is a great choice. The ride is luxurious, with ON STAR it is safe, and since im not planning on riding the Apallachial Trail the All Wheel Drive is more than adequate. This rides better than the Honda Pilot, the highest rated mid size SUV. Before you buy anything, test drive this. youll enjoy floating down the road.

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  Won us over to SUVs/cross over vehicles - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By P Caro - November 6 - 2:00 am

  With 2 children still in carseats-wed been looking for more room and definitely got it. Reliability- excellentcomfort-excellent.Its easy for everyone to get in and out of.3rd row comes in handy when traveling and having guests. I really didnt want to sacrifice luxury and a smooth ride for more space and we didnt! Definitely would suggest seat heaters with the leather interior-however!

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  Safari - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By deannas - November 5 - 2:00 am

  We had 2 safaris and we love our Rendezvous. We have more cargo storage, and the gas mileage is excellent compared to the vans.

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  Great - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Dorohtea M. Barger - October 30 - 11:16 am

  My car is a 2002, the leather seats are a fine quality, I dont think they should have given it a poor quality rating. I like my vehicle and would consider buying another one. When people ask me about my vehicle I highly recommend them to buy one. I do wish it had more leg room in the second and third row. I also would like if it had better gas mileage. Also, if the On Star had a phone you could take out of your car so you wouldnt have to have a cell phone with one number and your On Star with another number.

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  My Tiger Toy - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Seafox - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I have really enjoyed owning/driving this vehicle. At first I was concerned that the engine was too small, but after over a year of driving I have not encountered a single instance when I needed more power than it has. It is quite agile and maneuverable. I have plenty of room for all my needs -- in fact, I can get more into it than I could in the Blazer it replaced. It has almost all the bells and whistles and I enjoy every one.

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  Lovin It - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By bgenzoli - October 19 - 2:00 am

  See Title! I love everything about my car. Its smooth, efficient, NICE looking, and the sound system is GREAT!!

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  better than Highlander - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By FVEE48 - October 17 - 10:00 am

  The Highlander doesnt offer a power passenger seat, something which was very important to this over 50 year old couple. Add the memory feature of drivers seat and mirrors, plus plenty of comfort and great Turnpike ride, and I place the Highlander second. The ONLY shortcoming is the lack of power. But, I am enjoying better and better highway fuel mileage as a trade off. The RDV delivers near 26 mpg at highway speeds. I dont mind a lack of brute power in an SUV... In the end, I was down to a three year old RX300 with 40K miles, or a brand new, nicely equipped Rendezvous. The choice was obvious...

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  I love My CAR (suv?) - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By MORELLI - October 15 - 2:00 am

  I WATCHED THIS THIS VEHICLE BEING MADE, LONG BEFORE IT WAS SOLD ON THE ON OPEN MARKET, ON THE INTERNET. THE FEATURES WERE JUST WHAT I WANTED THO CARRY AROUND MY GRANDCHILDREN (SAFETY, COMFORT, ROOMINESS AND ALL THE THINGS A WOMAN COULD ASK FOR.) AS A WOMAN OF OF THE TIMES (AND OUR OF THE BOX) YOU COULD NOT ASK FOR A VEHICLE WITH THE CLASS,QUALITY, RELIABILITY AND DESIGN OF MY EXTRA SPECIAL RENDEZVOUS. IT IS EASY TO HANDLE, DRIVES LIKE A DREAM AND I FEEL AND LOOK GOOD DRIVING IT. YOU WONT FIND AND USED ONES BECAUSE NO ONE WILL PART WITH THE ONE THEY OWN. THANK YOU.....JOYCE

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  BEST CAR I EVER OWNED - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By FRANK WERTH - October 14 - 10:00 am

  In the three years I have owned this suv it never had to go back to the dealer for any repairs, or problems. What else is there to say. First car I can say this about of the six new ones purchased over the years.