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:

• 

  Excellent Value - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By BillF - February 23 - 1:13 pm

  I rented this car over christmas and drove from Dallas to Nashville. Outstanding millage and performance. So much room for luggage. Very comfortable. You need to try this out!!

• 

  Great for twins! - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By dean&cathy - February 21 - 10:00 am

  We have been very impressed with the price point and the quality of this car. It was well thought out and very user friendly. We have the captain chairs for the second row and highly recommend that configuration for baby seats.

• 

  Over - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Lou - February 17 - 9:19 pm

  My 2004 Buick Rendezvous has over 225,000 miles on it !!!!

• 

  Overall great vehicle - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By PV 13 - February 7 - 10:00 am

  This is the most comfortable SUV that I have ever owned. I have driven the car for 10000 miles and I average 18MPG in the city & 24 on the open road. This SUV has had only oil changes and has never had any "new car bugs" to work out. It was perfedct from the day I got it. I get a lot of compliments about the looks of this vehicle. My only negative comment is that it could use a little more power, but the trade off is the great gas mileage it gets.

• 

  Buick Has Scored - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By D1 - January 29 - 10:00 am

  This is the nicest ride I have ever owned. At 61 and having had many new cars, this one has pleased me the most. It is really engineered well. Solid, noise free comfortable ride with plenty of guts when needed. The options are great. Best deal for the money out there in SUVs.

• 

  Love it!! - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By JAZZ - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The Rendezvous is the best SUV with minivan qualities! I highly recommend it. The bucket seats in the back are great and the DVD player is a big hit with my son. Its a great car if you only have 2 kids. If you have 3 that are older then it would be ok too. Not enough room in the cargo area for a stroller, you have to put the 3rd row down.

• 

  A Buick Among SUVs - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By King of the Highway - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Not the sexiest SUV on the market, it is attractive and has the uniqueness of being a Buick. Wont see yourself like you would in a Ford Explorer. It is fairly easy to see the minivan platform the RDV is based on. Buick came up with a great design given what there was to work with. The interior is huge and quiet. The power seats are comfy, the instruments easy to read, controls easy to reach and HUD is useful. The ride is well controlled. The engine is more than satisfactory w/ a torque curve that is flat and over 200 lb/ft from 2000 to 5500 rpm. Avg 19 mpg in mixed driving.

• 

  What a disappointment! - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By RBorrell - January 11 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR HAS BEEN A BIG DISAPPOINTMENT! I WOULD SUGGEST THAT EVERYONE BUY THE EXTENDED WARRANTY BECAUSE ITS PROBLEM AFTER PROBLEM. I LOVE THE SIZE AND COMFORT OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE BUT THOSE THINGS ARE OVERSHADOWED BY THE POOR RELIABILITY OF THE CAR...AND GMs POOR RESPONSE.

• 

  Love the Ride-Not the Problems - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By magnets4u - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Love to drive this SUV, but have had many mechanical problems. Speed sensors, front brakes and rotors, rear brakes and rotors, broken wiper motor. For 25,000 miles, this seems a bit excessive in the wear department.

• 

  Best Crossover Out There - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By EDonn - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Buick has done there homework. With so many new SUVs on the market what is one to think. My wife and I researched long and hard and when it came down to what suits our needs Buick won hands down. This vehicle rides better than any other vehicle we have owned. The room alone is a welcome feature and it has as much room as its larger competitors. Being the new breed of crossover vehicles Buick is leading the way. Plenty of power and features and at a fraction of the cost of others. Please test drive and then you will understand. We are very pleased.