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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  Yomoffs Review - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By yomoff - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I rate the following as great features: Good riding, steering, visibility, AC, comfort, ease of loading passengers and baggage, opening of cargo space, towing small trailer, storage, sound system, On-star and no hands cell phone.

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  Ds Review - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Dennis - April 20 - 9:32 pm

  Wifes car and she loves it. Very reliable and fun to drive. Fuel economy is in the 20s. Dash layout is very pleasing and easy to use. She drives 60 miles a day to work and back wich gives her a good feeling as to the ride and dependabilty of the auto.

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  Great Car, Great Handling - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Happy Driver - April 11 - 9:19 pm

  Great overall vehicle. AWD is handy feature. Quiet, smooth ride for all passengers. 3rd row seat has just enough leg room/head room for 510" person. Lower clearance, although not great for huge snowfalls, is nice for disabled parent to enter/exit. Good storage.

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  great car - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By MattRivera - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I think that this car is amazing. with its luxurious intereior and third row seating make this feel like a real luxury suv. i believe that this suv is among the best in its class

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  Virtually flawless as the miles pile-on - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Dave - April 2 - 12:06 pm

  Purchased 2WD-CXL - Mar 2003. I average about 11000 miles per year. 5 yrs later, no mech problems tires & brakes in excellent shape. All fluids (ABS,p/s, coolant, oil, trans) were changed 3 wks ago. My family & I enjoyed 10 days through the Desert Southwest including TX, NM, & AZ. The highlights were The Grand Canyon & Tombstone. Smooth, comfortable, trouble free, 22-25 miles/gal - 75 mph avg car was fully loaded! Maintain, rotate tires, wash & wax, change all fluids as scheduled, and you, too, can enjoy a terrific SUV. Summertime, I tow the jetski to and from many lakes. I almost traded for an Enclave. My SUV is paid-for & still looks brand new. Wife talked me out of it. Thanks!

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  Best Luxury SUV/Minivan - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By New Driver - March 28 - 7:36 pm

  This is the best SUV I have ever owned. The traction control works like a pro. The ultrasonic parking aid is help, because I like to back up in my driveway, and there is a gate and it lets me know when I am close enough. The third row seat is a nice addtion as well. The front seats are first class. The rear seats a first class as well they recline, and and you can push them forward and back.

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  Rendezvous scores! - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Josef - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Rdv is pretty cheap for its class.It can beat a mercedez.The name mercedez is only famous not the cars.I think rdv is top of its class.

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  Thank you Buick! - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Trace - March 8 - 12:17 am

  I bought this CSUV a couple of years ago and have loved it ever since. At first the exterior "look" was a little iffy since I am an active single mother or only one. But when my son and I went out camping, fishing, and using the vehicle as an overall Road Trip/Outdoor Enthusiast mode for transportation, we fell in love even more! My son has back surgery every 6 months and the Rendezvous has by far been the most comfortable ride he has had since his accident! We would highly recommend a Rendezvous to anyone! They are great and with rising gas prices, we cant complain about the 25 Mpg we recieve when road tripping for all the ammenities and versatility we have with it! Thank you Buick!

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  love it - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By chris21 - March 6 - 10:00 am

  we love our buick ez to drive and not too big loads of extras and awesome interior room

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  Finally Buick makes a vehicle worth its - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Vandilizer - February 7 - 4:24 pm

  Excellent SUV it fits everywhere, it very fuel efficient, and the rear door opens up so you can really stuff the hell out of the back. love taking it out for long weekend gateways. I look forward to keeping the SUV for 8 years so I still a year and a half to go. So I think I will upgrade to the Enclave. Since I am really impressed with Buick.