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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  Carpooling buick - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By AMY BOGNAR - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed my Buick for 18 months now. It has spacious room for the kids and drives like a dream. Although it has been taken in for servicing within the last year and the problems that have arose were looked at and are still continuing to be a problem.

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  Great Gas Mileage - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By National Renter - July 7 - 10:00 am

  I rented a Rendevous over the weekend for a short trip. While the seat belt for the driver was uncomfortable (it dug into my right hip), I was able to get up to 27 miles per gallon. It was had great storage space in the center console and there was ample room in back.

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  2005 Buick Rendezvous - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By jmn4 - July 2 - 10:00 am

  I do a considerable amount of highway driving and this vehicle is just great. You sit up just high enough to provide good visibility and the interior is spacious and comfortable. Fun to drive, easy to part and I love the XM radio option.

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  More than pleased - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By rwall5194 - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Ive bought a lot of new cars and this is by far the best one. It rides like a dream - such an improvement over my last SUV (Ford Explorer). Sits on a van chassis and that makes the difference. Great price, great gas mileage. Im more than pleased. rwall5194

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  my problems - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Thomas Pender - June 1 - 10:00 am

  my 2002 cxl awd needed a new transmission at 29,700 miles and rear differential at 35,682 Tried to trade it in on a 2004 same mode and found the vallue to be $11,000 paid 35,000 appr new..Pathetic and the last american car i will own Been buick driver for 30 years

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  Rendezvous 2002 - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Bob Ash - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle for travel on the expressway. Creative styling and commitment to quality. Many excellent features built into this vehicle.

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  Our Rendezvous - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Don Theisen - May 22 - 2:00 am

  First wek we had it we drove 2000 miles. Was very comfortable and fun to drive. Very responsive. Good overall view of the road.

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  Love the RDV - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By stevenbridge - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Great value! Great design!

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  the "Buick" - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Beth - like the KISS song - May 2 - 11:12 pm

  I love my Rendezvous. It is a 2004 AWD and will soon celebrate her 14th Bday. I chuckle at the Buick commercials about not your grandmas Buick, as I have grandpups. Such a smooth ride. I love driving it. I sorted reviews in date order prior to mine, the man mentioned a wet floor. If his came off same line as mine, that is a factory defect, I learned this in 2014. Always had wet carpet but I had a garage. Then I moved and it was outside, got very wet. I think because i lived in Iowa and had snowy feet, went thru 100 year floods about every year, and lived on a muddy gravel road, i chalked it up to that. The seal was not tight on the window. The GM dealer had the window guy work on it, not a problem. I live in Iowa, in 2016 I drove it to Pueblo, Colorado to my sisters for Thanksgiving. On the way home I hit 170,000 miles in Lincoln, NE. Averaged about 20 mpg. Prior to that (with high mileage) I drove it to Mall of America twice. I loaded it up with stuff my daughter wanted from IKEA and it fit in the back end well. I have never worried about reliability. Repairs have been wheel bearings, which is a known problem to GM on this model. I think at about 130,000 the differential fluid dripped off the back, so some gaskets or seals were replaced - since took it in right away, no major damage done. Had the tranny fluid and radiator flushed at this time. At 160,000 the oil pan was replaced along with the transmission fluid lines. In 2016 a new tire rod on on right side (pot hole side of the road) and in 2017 a muffler. Registration is $51/year, runs like a dream and I will keep it for a very long time. I was told I got the "good engine". Has the best heater and a/c unit you could want. I take care of her, and she takes care of me :) :) :)

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  I Guess It Works - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Adam - April 23 - 4:57 am

  I have had this vehicle for 3 years and have put 20,000 miles on it. It gets the job done i guess. I bought it in good condition for 3,000 and i think i have put 7,000 dollars into it for work. Steering kinda sucks, gas mileage is as expected for an SUV. Technology i upgraded myself (not included in my cost). The floor leaks so the carpet it always wet. AWD drive kicks off in the snow...so i dont know what the point is of having it. The dealership offered me $500 for it for a trade in but KBB says its worth 1,500. Wouldnt ever buy or recommend a buick again.