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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  Great Alternative to a minivan - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By SlickRide25 - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Well we looked at a boat load of vehicles and had set our sights firmly on a minivan. I personally wanted to purchase a vehicle manufactured in the USA so we were considering the Chrysler Town and Country. The hole minivan thing just didnt sit well with me, so we started looking for practical alternatives. The Buick Rendezvous turned out to be a great fit for us. What a great stylish alternative to the minivan. We settled on the 7 passenger CX-Plus model. This vehicle has SUV style and appearance with all the comforts and practicality of a minivan. It rides exceptionaly well, and gets about 29 miles per gallon on the highway!

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  Buick Rendezvous - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By jersbears - September 5 - 10:00 am

  This is the happiest I have been with a new vehicle since my 1981 Honda Civic 4dr. The build quality is wonderful, interior comfort is outstanding, the vehicle looks great, and the handling is surprisingly nimble. It handles like a car, not a SUV.

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  Love the 2003 Rendezvous - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Melissa1215 - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I wasnt ready for a minivan yet so I went for the Rendezvous. Best decision I ever made. Not only does it look great but it handles beautifully. We took it on vacation the day after we bought it, 5 hours in the car and 1 DVD system, not a peep out of the kids other than when it was time to change the movie. So comfortable, smooth ride, lots of leg room, great gas mileage, stereo system rocks. Maybe the engine could use to be a little more powerful, mostly at higher speeds, but most of us owners are people with kids. Exactly how fast do we need to go?

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  I love my SUV - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Bernie4455 - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Lots of room and fun to drive. The mirrors are fantastic. The Rendezvous is one of the most enjoyable vehicles I have ever owned. I love the sporty looks of it. handles great in rain. For the money I think the cloth interior could be upgraded. And for those who get shocks from the static in the cloth seats, take a downy sheet and rub all over the cloth, it takes the static out.

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  Not a single problem, GREAT versatility - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By J Ferg - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Nothing to do but oil change, tire rotation and enjoy. Even our Volvo and Honda havnt been this reliable. We LOVE the interior bins all around, the cargo capacity, and the versatility of the whole vehicle. Even our dealership has been excellent to deal with.

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  A good Car from American Make - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Zaraza - August 18 - 10:00 am

  This is probably one of the most reliable American Cars out there avaliable in todays market. Good gas millage,reliable, fun to drive. It is an ideal family car. Great in winter conditions. We took it for over 3 trips which were over 1,000 miles without any hesitations or problems. Seats are a bit uncomfortable after a long drive.

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  My 2003 Rendezvous - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By crbmbb - August 13 - 10:00 am

  The appearance is great. The interior appointments are good and the vehicle has numerous features that I like. Performance is adequate, though wont win any drag races.

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  Surprising Luxury - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Kaarli - July 15 - 10:00 am

  Buick Rendezvous is the perfect vehicle for a family looking for a stylish, quality vehicle with a great ride and storage. The exterior resembles an SUV, but the interior offers all the functionality of a luxury sedan. I love all the compartments - to store my belongings and my passengers. I have the optional 3rd row seat, which is great for hauling around my kids friends from soccer! The Rendezvous is functional for every day use, but also great for longer trips - its very comfortable. A family vehicle youre not afraid to show up in - whether its your high school reunion or the new hot restaurant in town. Highly recommend it!

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  My Lil Rendezvous - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By ft - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven this car from New York to Florida and back twice since I bought it and found it to be a sensational long distance running vehicle. I disagree with the road test editors opinions regarding the power of this vehicle. It had plenty power accelerating from 65 mph to 80 mph when I needed to pass other cars on the highway. Also, the gas mileage was extraordinary at 30 mpg. for the duration of both trips to Florida. I found the handling to be rather tight as compared to the Ford explorer and the Isuzu Rodeo which I have owned previously. I would strongly recommend this vehicle to anyone who is looking for a roomy, comfortable SUV like vehicle.

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By John P Carl - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for 1 yr now and I love it, especially for winter driving. I live in upstate NY and we get lots of snow, this vehicle handles great.