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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  We love it - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Sirboss - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Had a lot of things wrong with it very quite ride good handling

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  Excellent - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Hans Grasman - October 14 - 2:00 am

  My last 4 cars before the Buick Rendez Vous were Cadillac Deville. A real senior buyers car. I chose the Rendez Vous because of my active retired life style. I need to move sail boat stuff from Nashville to Charlotte Harbor Fl. for my seasonal vacations and transport my grandchildren in town. My grandchildren say that Opa drives a cool car! The car drives like a Cadillac Deville

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  had some problems - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By mom M - October 11 - 2:00 am

  I loved my rendezvous when I first got it, but Ive had some problems. I had to replace the transmisson, the body modeular for the electrical, those are some serious issues. The dealership has been great however. I am thinking of looking at the 2004s

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  Last Buick Standing - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Last Buick Standing - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Until last February ... My husband and I have LOVED the Rendezveous! NOW --well you judge....7 months/8 major problems 1) Just under 45,000 miles we had to replace the front Wheel Bearings - 2) and consequently all the tires. 3) The Transmission went - MAJOR bits and pieces in the oil pan 4) the clutch was replaced 5) the clutch was replaced AGAIN 6) the air conditioning went-something about a cracked block 7) The gas gage no longer works 8) After noting a strange noise when turning a tight circle we have now been told the Rear Wheel Differential needs to be replaced for $4000 -- if not repaired we have been told that the rear wheels "could" lock

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  review - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By sasatac - October 8 - 2:00 am

  We love this car. It turns nicely compared to a smaller car. It is the right size for parking yet big enough to be a SUV. Back seats are a little uncomfortable to the kids compared to our Grand Marguis.

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  love this car - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Buick Lover - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I have always been a Buick fan and now this vehicle is perfect. I love it. For me it gives me everything I could want in a vehicle.

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  BUICK HAS FOUND A WINNER - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By MOONDAWG - September 22 - 2:00 am

  BUICK HAS FOUND A WINNER GREAT STYLE AND COMFORT.GREAT GAS MILEAGE. PUT MORE HORSEPOWER IN THERE AND IT WOULD BE THE NUMBER ONE CROSSOVER IN THE AUTO WORLD.

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  WOW!!!! What a car!! - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By brinchatt - September 19 - 2:00 am

  When the Rendezvous first arrived I thought it was one of the most butt- ugly SUVs Id ever seen!! Thank GOD I was wrong!!! After comparing it to all the other SUVs on the market, Ive discovered the styling to be unique and beautiful!! There are only 2 negative things I can say about it, it is a bit underpowered, (needs a V-8), and also gas mileage isnt so great. But who cares? You dont buy and SUV for it gas mileage!! Thanks Buick, for building a truly unique and beautiful vehicle!

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  My Leftover Find - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Peter05478 - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I found this car in the back lot of my deaership. It was a leftover 2002 and I bought it in December 2003. I was given a good deal on it.

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  Rendezvous CX AWD - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By skwirl - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Generally happy with the car. No major problems. Lights pulsated until dealer replaced alternator. Ride can be choppy. Poor fuel economy. Our Chevy Venture with same engine got better mileage! Engine has alot of valve noise (not expected in a Buick). Rear hatch pull strap broke/replaced under warranty. Hatch can be hard to pull down. Power hatch would be nice!. Love the AWD in snow. Seats have poor side bolsters and poor lumbar support. Seat belts difficult to engage when wearing winter coat. Cant justify $299 annual cost of Onstar. ABS work wonderfully. Rear visibility is poor, especially when backing up.