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 2004 Buick Rendezvous. - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By CKARIZONA - January 24 - 10:00 am

  We have owned our Buick Rendezvous for about 15 months. The ONLY thing I do not like about this car is the design of the rearend. I do not like seeing all of the undercarriage exposured. It is fun to drive and very comfortable seating. I have even had the opportunity to set in the rear seating. For an adult it seats 7 comfortably.

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  Mr TOM URCIUOLI - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By THOMAS URCIUOLI - January 24 - 10:00 am

  VERY STYLISH APPEALS TO YOUNG AND OLD. HANDLES LIKE A BABY CARRIAGE. USES MORE GAS THEN EXPECTED, BUT ENGIN IS SMOOTH AND QUIET. DRIVING BUICKS SINCE 1959, ALL NEW, AVG 5 YEARS THEN TRADE IN. THE LAST 3 WERE LEASES. IM FEARFUL THIS IS MY LAST, DUE TO HIGH PRICES AND FIXED INCOME. HOWEVER IF YOU NEED A CROSS BETWEEN SUV AND SEDAN THE RANDEVOUS IS THE CAR FOR YOU.

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  Rendezvous Rock - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By little bo pig - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Built like a truck, rides like a car. Smooth & quiet. Room to breath. Huge headroom.

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  Family loves the Rendezvous - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By laxcoach - December 19 - 10:00 am

  This is the best vehicle that I have owned. Every person that has been a passenger or driven the SUV has expressed the comfort of the vehicle. It has been driven in deep snow and heavy rain and it handles like a dream. Power is less than I would like, esp., going up hills and mountains in Western Maryland. With careful and conservative driving, it can get 24 mpg going to and from work and better on long trips. Any future vehicle will definitely have AWD. It is simply the only way to go - drive!!

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  rdv- very nice vehicle - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By lukjack - December 14 - 12:23 pm

  A luxirous, fun to drive, alternative to a minivan or large SUV. Third row back seat gives plenty of seating, along with an adequate amount of storage. Power is 185hp, but gives plenty accelaration and quiet cruising, but also allows 24 mpg highway and around 18-19 in city. Also, it has AWD Versatrak and front/side airbags. For all the luxury, $2002 rebate, and selling for around invoice, a great value that puts it $10,000 less than Acura MDX or Lexus RX300 purchase price.

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  luv this rendezvous - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By jrinaldo - December 13 - 10:00 am

  love the way it rides. wish it had more horsepower.

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  Better than a minivan - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Winner04 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my first SUV. I opted to buy the Rendezvous because of the roomy interior (3rd row was important to me) and the price was within my budget. However, the V6 engine lacks power and I can hear the wind outside (sounds like a tornado moving overhead) when driving on open roads. Will I buy another Buick? Maybe. Ive only had this vehicle for a month. So far, I have no significant complaints.

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  Awsome!! - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By mee - October 12 - 10:00 am

  Great car, almost a year with it!! Love the "elephant" mirrors, didnt like the exterior when it first came out, but like it now!!

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  fum car - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By gmpoohbear - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I love it. Best car I have owned for comfort and ease of getting into.

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  my favorite suv - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By marv neuman - August 12 - 2:00 am

  i love this vehicle, and enjoy driving it, it could use a little more power, repairs seem to be difficult and that is sad, i havent enjoyed a vehicle as much since my 79 cutlass supreme coupe